Miss World 2011 1st runner-up is our very own Miss Philippines Gwendolyn Ruais

Gwendolyn placed second to Miss Venezuela, Ivian Sarcos-Colmenares, in a glittering and gallant performance besting hundreds of candidates from Albania to Zimbabwe.

Our very own Miss Philippines Gwendolyn Ruais (left) became the highest placing Pinay candidate in this year's beauty pageant season with a runner-up finish in the 2011 Miss World competition held on Sunday, November 6 at Earls Court in London.(AP photo)
Over a billion viewers from around the world tuned in to see her crowned the winner with runner up prizes going to Miss Philippines and Miss Puerto Rico. Fans who were unable to follow the final on television were kept up-to-date on the internet via live streaming and Facebook updates and tweets. 

The 21 year-old  French-Filipino model, who hailed from Muntinlupa City, earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management only last year.

She stopped a successful modeling career to represent the Philippines to the Miss World.

A few thousand fans cheered, waved national flags and shouted for their favorites inside the Earls Court Two auditorium in west London.

 The beautiful candidates in their long gown!

 Winners all.

This was the 60th year of the beauty pageant and to celebrate its diamond anniversary, it returned to the city where it all began. The first was held in London in 1951 during the Festival of Britain on the South Bank of the River Thames.

 

A woman who spent five years studying in a nunnery and once dreamed of becoming a nun has been crowned the winner of Miss World 2011.

 

Miss Venezuela, Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares, beat contestants from 122 countries to the coveted title after impressing the judges in the categories of beach beauty, top model, talent, sports, and beauty with a purpose - where the contestants must demonstrate involvement in a charity project.

Ms. Sarcos Colmenares, 21, was orphaned at a young age and spent five years studying at a nunnery. She dreamed of becoming a nun but then took her life in a different direction, gaining a degree in human resources and working for a broadcasting company.

 

She was the favourite for the Miss World title going into the final at Earls Court, London, yesterday evening but reacted with delight and disbelief when she was announced as the winner of the famous beauty pageant. Now she said she wants to use her title to help other people. 

She said: "Winning means everything to me and I hope to take advantage of being a winner in a productive manner. I’m unbelievably happy to have won and there are some incredible girls. I first and foremost want to help people in need. I would like to help people like me. I am an orphan. I would also like to help the elderly and troubled teenagers. As many people as I can."

"Unfortunately I lost both my parents at a very young age which led me to study for five years in a nunnery. I spent my five years in there and my dream was to become a nun."

The final seven, chosen by the judges, were Miss England, Miss Korea, Miss Philippines, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss Scotland, Miss South Africa and Miss Venezuela.

  Miss World 2012 will be held in Ordos in Inner Mongolia, China.

Congratulations Philippines ! Congratulation Miss Gwendolyn Ruais highest-placed Filipina in Miss World since 1973! Congratulation Ms. Sarcos-Colmenares Miss World 2011!