Actress Megan Young crowned Miss World Philippines

CEBU, Philippines - Megan Young is the country’s newest representative to the Miss World pageant on September 28 in Indonesia.

The Fil-Am actress, who was crowned on Sunday, August 18 at Grand Ballroom of the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City,  took home a P1 million cash prize.

The 23-year-old Olongapo beauty bested 25 other finalists—including #10 Janicel Lubina – First Princess, #5 Zahra Saldua - Second Princess,  #19 Bianca Paz - Third Princess, and  #18 Omarie Linn Osuna - Fourth Princess.

Megan was clearly a crowd favorite, on-ground and online, as supporters flocked to the coronation venue despite the downpour. #MeganMW2013 remained in the Twitter trending list even before the 10p.m. telecast in GMA-7 began.

The TV star also won eight out of 16 special awards, including Best in Fashion Runway.

She faces the challenge of bringing home the Philippines’ first Miss World crown.

The closest the Philippines got to winning the crown came when Gwendoline Ruais placed second to Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela in 2011. Last year’s bet, Queneerich Rehman made it to the Top 15.

Megan was supposed to be an official candidate in the 50th Binibining Pilipinas pageant, but a sexy photo magazine spread allegedly kept her from doing so. 

As more than 130 beauties are vying for the crown in Bogor—a city outside the Muslim country of Indonesia—Miss World organizers will forbid contestants from wearing the normal two-piece bikinis, its first time to do so.  The pageant will introduce a Balinese Beach Fabric contest instead. (FREEMAN)