Gwendolyn Ruais Lauded by P-Noy for Her Successful Miss World Stint

Gwendolyn Ruais, the first Miss World Philippines and recently crowned Miss World 2011 first runner-up, was congratulated by no less than President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Earlier this week, PNoy, through Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, sent a congratulatory message to Gwendolyn Ruais (also spelled as “Gwendoline Ruais”).

“Miss Philippines-World Gwendoline Ruais placed first-runner up at the 2011 Miss World Pageant held in London, United Kingdom. We extend our congratulations to Miss Philippines for once again proving that we Filipinos are capable of competing against the best and the brightest on the world stage,” Lacierda said in a statement.

Miss Venezuela Ivian Sarcos was named the 61st Miss World during the coronation night last November 6 in London, England.

Miss Philippines Gwendolyn Ruais was named first runner-up while Miss Puerto Rico Amanda Victoria Vilanova Perez came as second runner-up.

During the selection of the final 7 contestants from the original 113, Gwendolyn placed 3rd on the Leaderboard which was topped by Miss Puerto Rico. The scores were based from the candidates’ performance in the 5 fast track events.

However, it was the board of judges who picked Venezuela as the winner, the Philippines as first runner-up and Puerto Rico as the second runner-up based on the final question in which the final 7 delivered their platforms on why are they worthy to wear the prestigious crown.

Miss World organization chairman and chief executive Julia Morley reportedly said that Miss Venezuela won over Miss Philippines with only a small difference between their final scores.

The 21-year-old Ruais was a contestant of Bb. Pilipinas twice in the past but never made it to the final 5.

Last September, she joined the newly formed Miss World Philippines by Cory Quirino and half-Filipino and half-French emerged as the winner.

Gwendolyn’s first runner-up finish in Miss World duplicated Evangeline Pascual’s placement in 1973, the highest position ever achieved by a Filipina in the most-participated beauty pageant in the world.