Former courtside reporter crowned as Miss World Philippines 2017

Former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) courtside reporter Laura Lehmann crowned as Miss World Philippines 2017 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. (Photo: Laura Lehmann/Twitter)

Hail to the new queen as former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) courtside reporter Laura Lehmann crowned as Miss World Philippines 2017 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 24-year-old Filipina-American beauty queen was the first to wear the “Pearl of the Orient” at the pageant’s coronation night.

After her win, Lehmann expressed her gratitude to those who cheered for her in the arena. She added that it gave her power and energy to perform well in the pageant.

“Maraming, maraming salamat po [Thank you very much]. I will make you proud,” the beauty queen said.

In the question and answer round, Lehmann was asked what she would tell to people “who believe that pageants do not provide an opportunity to empower women.”

Lehmann answered, “To anyone who [doesn’t] believe in pageants, I would ask them to take a look at the girls 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 beauty with a purpose. They’re helping represent the Philippines and become the best version of the Filipina and for me that’s something only to celebrate.”

Laura ended with “They are here fighting to represent the Philippines and become the best version of a Filipina. And to me, that is something to celebrate, not protest.”

Aside from winning the title of Miss World Philippines 2017, Laura also named as Miss Cosmo Skin, Miss BYS Philippines and the Multimedia Fast Track winner.

Other winners in the Miss World Philippines are as follows:

• 2nd Princess: Zara Carbonell
• 1st Princess: Glyssa Perez
• Miss Multinational: Sophia Senoron
• Miss Eco Philippines: Cynthia Tomolla
• Miss Reina Hispanoamerica: Winwyn Marquez

Meanwhile, Miss World Philippines 2016 Catriona Gray took her final walk on stage, shining in her beaded blue dress before she passed on her crown.