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| Miss Philippines, Gwendoline Ruais (C), is crowned after being named as runner up in the Miss World 2011 contest in Earls Court in west London November 6, 2011. |
ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau's Rose Eclarinal interviewed Miss World first runner-up Gwendoline Ruais before the pageant on Sunday (Monday in Manila).
Here are excerpts from the interview:
You are keen to bring home the elusive Miss World crown for the Philippines. How do you feel now with the most awaited coronation night only a few days away?
It is very exciting. It’s pressure but not in a bad sense. I really want to make my country proud. As you said, we never got that crown and it will be a great honor for me and for the whole country, if for once, we would get that Miss world crown. I’m really excited and I am going to do my best to make us all proud. Sana makuha natin ang koronang ‘yan kasi kayang-kayang nating makuha yan, di ba, ang galing nating Pinoy?
Who is your role model?
Ang nanay ko. Ang galing galing niya. She also worked very hard. She also went abroad and did her best there where she really made me proud and other Filipinos are proud of her also. Sana maging kapareho rin ako niya, kapareho ni Manny Pacquiao that Filipinos can look up to them and be proud of what they do. They show the world, not only the Philippines na ang galing natin.
What does it mean for you to represent the Philippines in an international stage?
It means a lot. It’s a great honor. When you are here, people don’t know me as Gwendoline. They know me as Philippines. Every time they call me that, I am very, very happy. It makes me really smile because I’m very proud to carry the name of this country. I’m so proud of it.
What is the best part of representing the Philippines?
The best part is you exemplify the qualities of the typical Filipino beauty. Every time they see me they’re like ‘ah Filipino, Filipino!’ Every time they see me, they think of all the good qualities of Filipinos and that is such a great honor. I am proud that this is my country and I get to show the world how Filipinos are in an international stage.
What are your impressions of UK? Is this your first time here?
I have been to England before when I was really young so I don’t remember much. This is my first time in London. I have been excited and happy. This has been a good experience.
Tell us about the Miss World tour in Scotland.
It was pretty cold up in Scotland but you learn more about the Scottish and English culture. We had fun with the girls. Apart from the cold, it was a great time.
Miss Universe third runner up Shamcey Supsup is identified with the tsunami walk. What is your signature walk?
Yung sa akin po, I just try to stay true to myself. I don’t try to study a walk po. Yung sa akin, kung ano ang feel ko. Kung maganda ako diyan, kung maganda ang stage at ako pinakamaganda d’yan, ako ang Pinay, ako ang magaling. Yun ang walk ko. Walang pangalan dyan.
Any thoughts of entering showbiz in the future?
I want to focus muna on my duties as Miss World Philippines because when I come home we have a lot of work to do. We have to find the next in line, train her for the next Miss World. Of course, I will never say no to opportunity. You never know what might happen pero very interested po ako mag-host.
What would you like to tell our kababayans back home?
Para sa tagumpay ng Pilipinas, ipakita natin sa buong mundo na ang galing ng Pinoy at makukuha natin ang koronang yan.