Newly crowned Miss World Megan Young of the Philippines, smiles after winning the Miss World contest, in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. AP Photo
MANILA, Philippines – More than 16 hours since she was crowned Miss World, Miss Philippines Megan Young continued to trend on Twitter, with congratulatory posts pouring in by the minute.
The new Miss World bested 126 contestants in the much-anticipated finale in Bali, Indonesia on Saturday evening.
Among the first to congratulate Young was Ruffa Gutierrez, actress and Miss World second runner-up in 1993.
The former beauty queen said she was proud and happy for the young actress.
“Blessing in disguise that she wasn’t accepted at Binibining Pilipinas…Our very first Miss World!! Well deserved!” Gutierrez said on the social networking site.
Before joining Miss World Philippines, Young applied for Bb Pilipinas but was allegedly disqualified because of a sexy photo shoot for a local magazine.
Amid such issues, reigning Binibining Pilipinas Ariella Arida, who will represent the country in the Miss Universe competition in November, was among the well-wishers on Twitter.
Precious Lara Quigaman, 2005 Miss International, joined in the congratulatory fever and posted a photo of the newly crowned Young as the Philippines’ “first ever Miss World!”
Fellow beauty queens Miriam Quiambao and Janine Tugonon also congratulated Young, whose Twitter handle is @meganbata.
It was the first time for the Philippines to bag the title of Miss World, considered the oldest international beauty pageant.
With Young’s win, the Philippines has joined Brazil and Venezuela in having winners for each of the “Big Four” pageants: Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Earth.
“WOOHOO MEGAN YOUNG!!! OUR COUNTRY’S FIRST-EVER MISS WORLD (though in my heart, Ruffa won na that crown!)!!” Sharon Cuneta said on Twitter.
from Sharon Cuneta’s official twitter account
Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma also applauded the beauty queen for winning the “elusive Ms. World crown.” “It’s about time,” she said.
Other celebrities who greeted the new Miss World were Anne Curtis, Rajo Laurel, Bubbles Paraiso, Bianca Gonzales, Raymond Gutierrez, Xian Lim, Gretchen Ho, Georgina Wilson, Denise Laurel, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Elmo Magalona, Mikael Daez, Rocco Nacino, Andi Eigenmann, Kean Cipriano, Iya Villania, Chris Tiu, among many others.
Comedienne-singer K Brosas also expressed her delight by tweeting, “Megan Young Takes The Crown!!!!!!!!!! #mw2013 — yeaahhhhhh!!! Woohooo!!! Wapaaaak!! Ganneerrnn!! :)”
“Congratulations, @meganbata! Beauty, brains and heart! The perfect person to represent! We are so proud of you!!!” singer Jed Madela said.
Politicians and government officials were also quick to share their thoughts on Twitter and with media.
“Congratulations Miss Philippines, Megan Young for bagging 2013 Miss World! Another Filipino pride!” Senator JV Ejercito said.
“Yup, it’s a good morning” was former Bayan Muna representative Teddy Casiño’s reply to a news report on Young’s win.
Radyo Inquirer 990AM quoted Communications Secretary Ramon Carandang saying, in behalf of the Palace, that Young’s victory showed the rest of the world what Filipinos can do.
Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar, in a statement, said the Miss World victory was “proof of the beauty and excellence inherent in the Filipino people.”
“Amid the many issues our country is facing today, Miss Young’s victory is a candle of hope that assures us we will pull through,” Binay said.
Internet personalities like political satirist Professional Heckler, however, took the opportunity not only to congratulate Young but to also crack a couple of jokes.
“Soon: Senate and House resolutions commending Miss World 2013 Megan Young; Plus: Picture! Picture! in Malacañang #surena,” he posted.
At the same time, parody account @superstarmarian (Marian Rivera-Dantes) said, “congrats megan! dka lng byudipul, pka fretty mo pa! isa kng ulirang anak! ka freddy aguilar must b fraud of u! (Congratulations Megan! You are not only beautiful, you are very pretty. You are the ideal child! Ka Freddy Aguilar must be proud of you!),” while pretending to unwittingly tag the wrong Megan: Maegan Aguilar.
In an earlier tweet, she said, “Naiyak si megan kasi iniisip nya pano nya iuuwi yung chair. Ekses bageyds (Megan cried because she was thinking of how she will bring home the chair/Miss World throne. Excess baggage).”
Meanwhile YouTube sensation Bogart the Explorer was all praises, “Megan Young is an inspirational young lady who’s beautiful both inside and out.”
Young’s sister, actress Lauren Young was thankful for all the support.
from Lauren Young’s official twitter account
“[I] will tell Megan that everyone on Twitter is congratulating her. Thank you for the love & support for my sister! Mabuhay!” she said.
Miss World, herself, has yet to make her presence felt on Twitter since the big win.
“My heart is beating faster and faster,” was her last post, hours before the coronation.
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Megan Young crowned Miss World 2013