LAURA Lehmann will represent the country in an international beauty competition after winning Miss World Philippines 2017.
Held Sunday evening, September 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the 24-year-old former courtside reporter bested 34 other entrants and took home the coveted crown. She succeeded Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Grey.
During the final question and answer portion, Lehmann impressed the judges when she sent out a message to those who do not believe that beauty pageants inspire women empowerment.
Lehmann answered, "To anyone who don’t believe in pageants, I would ask them to take a look at the girls that we have here tonight because we have lawyers, architects, women of substance who are here not only because of what they look like but because of what’s in their hearts, what’s in their mind, and because what they’ve brought forth is beauty with a purpose.”
“They are helping represent the Philippines and become the best versions of the Filipina and for me that’s something only to celebrate not protest,” she ended.
Aside from the title, she also took home special awards such as Miss Cosmo Skin, Miss BYS Philippines and was one of the candidates who won the fast track challenges.
Lehmann will represent the Philippines at the Miss World competition slated on November 18 in Sanya, China.
Meanwhile, actress Winwyn Marquez was hailed Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2017 and will compete in Bolivia.
Marquez, the daughter of actors Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno, also won Miss Savoy Hotel Boracay.
Following their wins are Cynthia Thomalla (Miss Eco Philippines) and Sophia Senoron (Miss Multinational Philippines).
Glyssa Leian Perez and Zara Carbonell were also named first and second princess, respectively. (SunStar Philippines)