In what was considered one of the most highly-disputed competitions in Miss World Philippines‘ 7-year history, former Bb. Pilipinas runner-up Laura Victoria Lehmann (#15) became the proud bearer of the recently-unveiled “Pearl of the Orient” crown.

The former court-side reporter and lifestyle TV host beat 34 other contestants for a shot at representing the Philippines in Miss World 2017, happening in Sanya, China on November 18.

The winners of the newly-added titles were: Actress Teresita Ssen “Wynwyn” Marquez (#9), who won Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2017, and will compete in Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 in Bolivia; Cynthia Tomalla (#32), who won Miss Eco Philippines 2017 and will compete in Miss Eco International in Egypt; and 17-year-old Sophia Senoron (#35), who was crowned Miss Multinational Philippines and will compete in Miss Multinational 2017 in India.

Sports Fast Track winner Glyssa Perez (#3) finished 1st Runner-Up, while Zara Carbonell (#24), daughter of actor Cris Villanueva, finished 2nd Runner-Up.

Rounding up the Top Ten were pre-pageant favorites Jona Sweett (#6) and Janela Joy Cuaton (#26), Christina Marie Coloma (#14), and Sheila Marie Reyes (#28).

Completing the Top 15 were: Gabriela Madarieta Ortega (#11), Henna Kaizelle Cajandig (#12), Chelsea Ann Manalo (#22), Ella Eiveren Lubag (#27), and Noelle Uy-Tuazon (#33). 

The pageant was hosted by KC Montero, Carla Abellana, and Iya Villania-Arellano. Providing additional commentary were all former MWP titleholders since the pageant’s inception, namely: Gwendoline Ruais (2011), Queneerich Rehman (2012), Valerie Clacio Weigmann (2014), Hillarie Parungao (2015), Catriona Gray (2016), and of course, Megan Young (Miss World 2013).

This was the first MWP pageant produced under the directorship of talent manager Arnold L. Vegafria and new general manager Bessie Besana. Special guests included Miss World Chairperson Julia Morley, Mandla “Chief” Mandela, Miss World 2016 Stephanie del Valle, and the 2016 Miss World Continental Queens of Beauty, namely, Yaritza Reyes (Caribbean), Natasha Mannuela (Asia), Evelyn Njambi (Africa), Audra Mari (Americas), Lenty Frans (Europe), and Madeline Cowe (Oceania).

Full commentary and review of the pageant to follow soon. 

PHOTO: Miss World Philippines Organization