Miss Philippines, US Native, Crowned Miss World 2013
U.S. native and Miss Philippines, Megan Young, was crowned Miss World 2013 on Saturday.
“No words,” Young said after winning according to CNN. “Thank you so much for choosing me. I promise to be the best Miss World ever.”
As told in her biography on the Miss World page, Megan Young was born in the States and moved to the Philippines at age 10. The gorgeous 23 year-old brunette is currently studying digital filmmaking, and has seen on-screen action since the age of 15. However, Young wants to move behind the camera and become a director.
Young looked like a vision in pale-pink as she accepted her crown from Miss World 2012, Yu Wenixa. With the other 127 contestants, Young competed in beach fashion, talent, world fashion, fitness, and “Beauty with a Purpose” meant to honor charitable work.
However, the competition this year did not avoid controversy. Being based in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, many residents were against the pageant.
Some 800 Muslim protestors, with posters saying things like, “MNC: spreading smut and pornography,” voiced their displeasure to the point the finals of the pageant, which were originally to be held outside of Jakarta, were moved to the Hindu resort island of Bali, according to the CNN report.
The group of protestors were present throughout the entire competition, however police told CNN despite threats from the Islamic Defenders Front to disrupt the pageant, no rallies were staged Saturday.
In an attempt to respect religious concerns, the Miss World organizers threw out the two-piece swim suits for less revealing beach wear, such as sarongs.
Miss France, Marine Lorphline, 20, was the first runner up while Miss Ghana, Carranzar Naa Oakiley Shooter, 22, was the second runner up.