Senate, House commend Gwendoline Ruais for Miss World 1st runner-up finish

(Updated 7:28 p.m.) The Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday commended Miss Philippines-World Gwendoline Ruais for being crowned Miss World 1st Princess 2011 (first runner-up) in the recently concluded 2011 Miss World Pageant in London. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 646 honoring Ruais for her achievement in the beauty pageant. "Ms. Gwendoline Ruais made every Filipino proud when she was crowned first runner-up in the 60th Miss World Beauty Pageant and by becoming an epiphany of beauty with a noble purpose not only for the modern-day empowered Filipina but to all women, in general," said the resolution. Ruais was present in the Senate with her family on the invitation of Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada. Later in the day, the Filipina beauty queen proceeded to the House of Representatives where she received a copy of House Resolution 1892 commending her accomplishment. House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. handed the recognition to Ruias, who was in an all-white dress when she received the honor. The resolution lauded Ruais “for acting with grace, humility and compassion" and “for showcasing the ideals of Filipino people." Ruais tied the record for the highest finish for the Philippines in the Miss World pageant. Evangeline Pascual was also first runner-up in 1973. The Philippines has yet to win the title. Ivian Sarcos, 21, human resources graduate from Venezuela, who grew up an orphan and spent five years in an orphanage, was crowned Miss World 2011. The Miss World Finals was held in London, where the first Miss World pageant was staged in 1951. Miss World is considered a British Commonwealth rival to the US-organized Miss Universe pageant. Shamcey Supsup was third runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant in July. — Kimberly Jane Tan and Andreo C. Calonzo/RSJ/KBK, GMA News