Aquino, Senate, House honor Megan Young

By JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES
MANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed Filipino American Megan Young for winning the Miss World beauty competition that was held in Bali, Indonesia on September 28.
Young, who made history as the first Miss World winner from the Philippines, paid her courtesy call on the Chief Executive in a simple ceremony at the Malacanang Palace’ Reception Hall.
The Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives later presented Ms. Young resolutions of commendation for winning the crown.

Earlier, the city government of Olongapo honored her during a visit after winning the crown. Although she was born in Virginia, Ms. Young grew up in Olongapo since she was 10. While in Olongapo, she assisted residents who were victims of big floods that hit the city.
President Aquino congratulated the 23-year-old actress and television host who bested 126 contestants from around the world to win the coveted crown. 
, Young, who wore a Filipiniana gown, expressed her gratitude to the President for personally welcoming her in the Palace. Joining Miss World was Julia Morley, the chairperson of the Miss World Organization which runs the annual Miss World competition and Cory Quirino, chairperson of Miss World Philippines.
President Aquino also welcomed Mutya Johanna Datul, the first Asian and Filipino to win the title Miss Supranational 2013, which was recently held at Minsk Sports Palace in Belarus in Europe.
The 21-year-old beauty queen, who hails from Isabela, looked elegant in her plain pistachio-colored dress.
The President congratulated Datul, who was joined by Binibining Pilipinas chair Stella Marquez-Araneta.
The Senate adopted a resolution commending and congratulating Megan Lynne Young for bagging the Miss World 2013 title in Bali, Indonesia last September 28. The resolution was presented to Ms. Young during a session.
Adopted was Resolution 272 authored by Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid in consideration of Resolution 273 authored by Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, Resolution No. 274, authored by Sen. Grace Poe, Resolution No. 281 authored by Sen. Chiz Escudero, Resolution 282 authored by Sen. Cynthia Villar and Resolution No. 285 authored by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada.
“This is the first time the country has won the coveted title, exemplifying a shining symbol of peace and inspiring a generation of young women treasuring the core values of humanity, mutual understanding and spirit of kindness,” Poe said in her resolution.
She said Megan’s victory marks a new era in history as the first Filipina to win the coveted title in the pageant’s 62 year history and since the Philippines’ debut in the pageant in 1966.
Miss World, the oldest surviving international beauty pageant established in 1951, envisions “Beauty with a Purpose” by bringing global awareness in various causes of the organization.
For his part, Lapid said Megan gave Filipinos unparalleled pride and showed the world the grace and excellence of the Filipino beauty.
He said Megan gave impressive performance in the pre-pageant challenges where she won the Top Model challenge, was declared the Continental Queen for Asia and Oceania, ranked fourth on the Multimedia Contest and finished fifth in the Beach Fashion tilt.
“Megan is the first Southeast Asian to win the elusive title,” Lapid said in his resolution. He said the honor earned by Megan deserves to be commended for the pride and recognition she brought to our country.
Born on Feb. 27, 1990, Megan is a Filipino American actress and model. She bested 126 beauty queens from around the world and was named one of the country’s National Peace Ambassadors last year.
Meanwhile, the Senate also adopted Resolution 237 commending and congratulating Mutya Johanna Fontiveros Datul for having been crowned Miss Supranational 2013.
Miss Supranational is an annual international beauty contest run by the World Beauty Association based in Panama.
Poe, who authored and sponsored the resolution, said that Mutya is a role model for the hard working Filipino Youth.
Aside from the winning the crown, Mutya also won several awards such as Miss Personality, Top 8 in Miss Internet and Top 10 in Miss Talent, among others.
The House of Representatives, meanwhile, presented to Megan Lynne Young a resolution acknowledging her title.
House Resolution 366 commended the new crowned Miss World for her enviable achievement as the Philippines first ever winner of one of the most prestigious international beauty pageant.
Authored by Camarines Sur Salvio Fortuno, HR 366 was unanimously adopted by members of the House of Representatives.
Fortuno said as fate would have it, the drought has finally ended when Mss Young was crowned the first ever for the Philippines as Miss World 2013 routing 126 other equally intelligent and gorgeous contestants including those from the more powerful and influential countries around the world.
“The major accomplishment in the world stage of Miss Young has certainty brought pride and honor to the country and effectively serves as a shining proof that determination and perseverance really pay in attending one’s dream and aspiration for popularity or greatness,” Fortuno said.
Miss World is the oldest surviving international beauty pageant established in 1951, envisions “Beauty with a Purpose” by bringing global awareness in various causes of the organization.