Miss Philippines Megan Young, a US Native, Crowned Miss World in Bali

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Congratulations, Megan Young!

The 23-year-old U.S. native was named Miss World 2013 on Saturday, Sept. 28, in Bali, Indonesia. 

"No words!" Young said after her big win, according to CNN. "Thank you so much for everyone for choosing me. I promise to be the best Miss World ever."

Young looked radiant, donning a pale pink glittery gown, as she received her crown from Miss World 2012, Yu Wenxia.

Miss France, Marine Lorphelin was the first runner-up and Miss Ghana, Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter, was the second runner-up.

According to her biography on the Miss World website, Young moved to the Philippines when she was 10 years old. The brunette beauty is currently studying digital filmmaking and aspires to be a director. She has appeared onscreen since she was 15 in films, TV shows and as a presenter. In her spare time, she enjoys playing video games and loves Harry Potter. 

The competition was not met without controversy, with organizers asking the 127 women competing to trade their two-piece bathing suits in for more conservative attire like sarongs for the beach fashion part of the show.

The move came in an effort to not offend those in Muslim-majority Indonesia following protests from conservative Muslim groups, CBS News reported.

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Megan Young crowned Miss World 2013

Megan Young makes it to Miss World top 15 . Miss Philippines Megan Young (center) sashays on the catwalk during the fashion show of Miss World contestants in Nusa Dua, in Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Tuesday, September 24. Young was selected as one of the top 10 in the modeling event, automatically entering the top 15 in the finals on Saturday, September 28. AFP/Sonny Tumbelaka

Actress Megan Young was crowned Miss World 2013 on Saturday, besting 126 candidates from all over the globe and earning the Philippines its first ever victory in the beauty contest.

Young accepted the Miss World crown from 2012 winner Wenxia Yu at the awarding ceremony in Bali, Indonesia.

Miss France Marine Lorphelin took second place while Miss Ghana Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter came in third.

"Amazing scenes here in Bali, Megan is overcome with emotions as a tear rolls down her cheek, promising to 'Be the best Miss World Ever'!" the Miss World official Twitter account said. 

"She also waved to the crowd at the start of "Miss World Philippines' Year," it added.

In the Q & A portion, Young was asked to answer the question, "Why should you be crowned Miss World?" She answered: "I treasure a core value of humanity and that guides people why they act the way they do." 

"I will use this to show other people how they can understand each other... as one, we can help society," she added.

Previous Miss Philippines bets

Before Young's victory, the highest honors for the Philippines in the Miss World competition was 1st runner-up in 1973, which went to Evangeline Pascual.

In 2011, the country's bet Gwendoline Gaelle Ramos Ruais was named 1st runner-up Asia & Oceania Continental Queen.

Last year, Miss World 2012 Philippines Queenierich Rehman was among the Top 15 candidates in the beauty contest.

Excited

Earlier in this year's competition, Young led the list of 10 semifinalists that included contestants from Brazil, Australia, France, Nepal, England, Indonesia, Spain, Jamaica, and Ghana.

Young, Lorphelin, and Shooter were joined in the final round by Brazil's Sancler Frantz Konzen, Spain's Elena Ibarbia Jimenez, and Gibraltar's Maroua Kharbouch.

Miss Gibraltar joined the five finalists after she was declared the People's Choice in the contest.

Hours before the finals night, Young had indicated she was excited about the competition.

"My heart is beating faster and faster ♥," she said on her Twitter account 

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Megan Young Wins Miss World PH

Photo: @meganbata ig

The young TV actress Megan Young was named the 2013 Miss World-Philippines during the pageant coronation night on Sunday, August 18.

Megan will represent the country in the upcoming Ms. World 2013 pageant to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 28.

The 23-year-old actress-turned-beauty queen, who bested 24 other contestants for the coveted title, also won six special awards during the pageant.

Meanwhile, Janicel Lubina and Zahra Bianca Saldua were named 1st and 2nd princess, respectively.

Completing the top five are Paula Bianca Paz (3rd princess) and Omarie Linn Osuna (4th princess).

In a previous television interview, Megan said she’s aiming to take the crown at the international Ms. World pageant.

“I wanna prove to them that well, of course, my goal there is to win it,” she said.

Megan is the third holder of the Ms. World-Philippines title since the franchise’s separation from the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., which handles the Philippine representation to the Ms. Universe pageant.

The actress will follow the footsteps of 2011 Ms. World first runner-up Gwendoline Ruais and 2012 Ms. World top 15 contender Queenierich Rehman.

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