Gwendolyn Ruais aims to become 1st Filipina Miss World winner

Filipino-French beauty Gwendolyn Ruais was crowned as the first Miss World Philippines, besting 24 other candidates during the coronation night on Sunday. Ruais, who will represent the Philippines in the Miss World pageant later in November, said she wants to become the first Filipina to win the Miss World title. So far, no Filipina has won the Miss World title. The closest the country has ever gotten to the crown was in 1966 when Evangeline Pascual won First Princess (first runner-up), and in 1993 when Ruffa Gutierrez won Second Princess (second runner-up).

In an interview on GMA News TV's "News To Go," the 21-year-old Ruais said she is super excited to join the competition, which has been her dream since she was young. Ruais added that she is not pressured by the good showing of Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup in the recently held Miss Universe pageant. "Actually she's my friend, so hindi naman pressure (ang nararamdaman ko)," she said. "More of encouragement na sana gawin ko ring proud 'yung Philippines." Standing 5'11" tall, Ruais said it took more than just appearances to win the Miss World Philippines crown. "Importante rin 'yung nasa loob, 'yung puso, 'yung passion, 'yung determination to achieve the goal," she said. Apart from Ruais, four other candidates were named runners-up. Nicolette Henson, who also won Bb. Pilipinas first runner-up last year, was named First Princess (first runner-up), while Martha Chole McCulley was named Second Princess (second runner-up.) Ma. Paula Bianca Paz was named Third Princess (third runner-up) and Jaysel Arrozal was named Fourth Princess (fourth runner-up). The 2011 Miss World pageant will be held in London, United Kingdom on November 6. — Candice Montenegro/RSJ, GMA News