Palace hails Shamcey Supsup for Miss Universe feat

UPDATED 2:45 p.m. - Malacañang on Tuesday congratulated Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup for being the third runner-up in the recently-concluded Miss Universe 2011 pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. “The humility, intellect, and grace that you exhibited during the competition embodied the spirit of the true Filipina," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing. “In our eyes, that is the true victory today—that the world stood witness to and found an appreciation for the ideals, values, and beauty that has long characterized our nation," he added. Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III was in a meeting when he was informed about Supsup’s victory. Aquino then noted that Supsup graduated from the University of the Philippines-Diliman as magna cum laude with a degree in architecture and also topped the Architecture Licensure Examination in July last year. “Indeed a beauty and brains," Lacierda recalled Aquino as saying about Supsup. Lacierda expressed hope that Supsup’s triumph will “serve as a way for other nations to come to appreciate not just the beauty of our people, but that of our country." “On behalf of the Filipino people, we are proud of you; and we see even greater things ahead for you," he further said. Miss Angola Leila Lopes was crowned the 2011 Miss Universe. Solons proud of Shamcey Lawmakers at the House of Representatives also congratulated Supsup for her fourth place finish. Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said Supsup should consider promoting the country’s tourist spots to the rest of the world. “Maganda ‘yan tandem sila ni Manny Pacquiao. She made as proud again. I hope her victory erases the negative image of our country," he said in a press briefing on Tuesday. Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño meanwhile said he hopes Supsup will use her victory to promote her advocacy for the environment. “We are proud of her and consider her a winner anytime, anywhere… We are looking forward to working with Shamcey on our common advocacies for the environment and bio-safety," he said in a text message. Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, for her part, said she will file a resolution urging the House to honor Supsup. Question-and-answer portion During the question-and-answer portion for the top 5 contestants of the pageant, judge Vivica A. Fox asked Supsup, "Would you change your religious beliefs to marry the person you love? Why or why not?" Supsup answered, "If I would have to change my religious beliefs, I would not marry the person that I love. Because the first person that I love is God, who created me." "I have my faith and my principles, and this is what makes me who I am. If the person loves me, he'll love my God too," she added. Supsup was the only one among the top 5 contestants who answered the judge's question in English. The others gave their replies in their own languages. Shamcey Gurrea Supsup was born on May 16, 1986 in General Santos City. - with Andreo Calonzo, VVP, GMA News