MANILA, Philippines - Valerie Weigmann was crowned Miss World Philippines 2014 at the SM MOA Arena in Pasay City on Sunday night.
The 24-year-old Weigmann, who bested 25 other candidates, was the crowd favorite as she won majority of the special awards given out earlier in the program.
She was named Best in Swimsuit, Best in Fashion Runway and Best in Long Gown, among others.
Answering the question "Why should you win Miss World Philippines?", Weigmann said: "I believe in the importance of empathy and compassion because I see, if all of us can all come together, we can all be advocates of change. And I want to inspire and encourage everyone to take up personal advocacy.”
IN PHOTOS: Miss World Philippines 2014 coronation night
The same question was asked from the other candidates who made it to the top 5.
Completing the top five are Lorraine Kendrickson (1st Princess), Nelda Ibe (2nd Princess), Nicole Donesa (3rd Princess), and Rachel Peters (4th Princess).
Weigmann is a regular co-host of GMA Network's "Eat Bulaga." She was also part of the second season of ABS-CBN's reality show "Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition" in 2008. In 2013, she joined the cast of TV5's fantasy series "Kidlat," which stars Derek Ramsay.
"Ako naman napaka-speechless kasi hindi ko naman inexpect. Ang daming awards! Saka yung title, syempre. Kaya masayang-masaya ako," Weigmann said of her win in an interview with Philstar.com and other reporters after the coronation. "Nabigla talaga ako sa dami ng supporters and the love I received from everyone."
She added, "Ako naman, win or lose, it's still the experience that I gained. Of course, you never know what's going to happen. But for me right now, God is good."
She replaces Megan Young as the reigning Miss World Philippines.
Weigmann will represent the country in the Miss World pageant this December.