Miss World Philippines 2011 Gwendolyn Ruais crowned by 2010 Miss World Alexandria Mills while Rep. Manny Pacquiao looks on. (Photo by Ali Vicoy)

MANILA, Philippines -- Like almost everyone who wins a beauty title, the 2011 Miss World Philippines winner Gwendolyn Ruais also wants to join show business after her reign. Why not if the opportunity comes and if the project is right, she said.

The 21-year-old Filipino-French who represented Muntinlupa City, was crowned 2011 Miss World Philippines during a glittering event held at the PICC last Sept. 11, 2011. She will represent the country in the 2011 Miss World beauty contest to be held in London on Nov. 6.

Ruais also won two special awards: Best in Swimsuit and Miss Healthy Body. She bested 24 other candidates in the televised pageant aired over GMA Network, a major sponsor. She was crowned by 2010 Miss World Alexandria Mills and Ms. Cory Quirino, national director for Miss World Philippines.

Ruais speaks four languages and is the tallest among the candidates (5’11”). She measures 36-26-36. Ruais won P1 million cash tax-free and a fully furnished condominium unit worth P1.6 million courtesy of SMDC, a major presenter. The collective prizes is said to be the biggest package in local beauty pageant history.

Other winners were Helen Nicolette Henson who won as 1st Princess; Martha Chloe McCulley, 2nd Princess; Ma. Paula Bianca Paz, 3rd Princess; and Jaysel Arrozal, 4th Princess. Special awards also went to: Paz, Best in Evening Gown; Richelle Therese Borja, Miss Sheridan; Rogelie Catacutan, Miss Talent and Miss Friendship; Samantha Neville Purvor, Miss Photogenic; and Loucelle de Jesus, People’s Choice Award.

But the biggest winner of special awards was McCulley who won Miss SMDC and Miss Kapuso World. As Miss SMDC, she won P500,000 worth of endorsements. With the “Kapuso” award, she won a two-year management contract worth P1 million.

Biblio to benefit ‘Para sa Paaralan’

Launched during a recent formal and star-studded affair is the glossy coffeetable book “Biblio” by PPL Entertainment headed by Perry P. Lansigan, and with photographs by Mark Nicdao. The launch was held at The Establishment at The Fort, Global City.

In attendance were the stars featured in the book, all talents of PPL Entertainment, led by Dingdong Dantes. In his introduction of the book, Perry said, “As the brilliant Mark Nicdao shares his exceptional vision in presenting my 14 talents innovatively, I humbly invite you to experience a chronicle on how we have evolved as a company, after two years of constant striving for excellence.

“May this Biblio serve as a testament of appreciation to those who became part of PPL. The enormous growth is a result of trust, which I will forever keep sacred. Because of Talent, we exist. Because of opportunity, we develop. Because of our love for the arts, we communicate.”

Every peso garnered from the sales of the book will go to the funds of “Para sa Paaralan” and school building projects of the YESPinoy Foundation, Inc. in Jolo, Sulu. Dingdong heads YESPinoy.

Steven, Rowena:SM’s Little Stars

Steven Ocampo and Rowena Ann Gardo were named SM Little Stars 2011 during the contest’s grand finals held recently at the Centerstage of SM Mall of Asia. Representing SM City North EDSA, they were chosen from over 20 other contestants from all over the country. Steven wowed the audience and the judges with his rendition of “May Bukas Pa,” while Rowena’s dance medley by Jabbawockeez rocked the crowd. Steven and Rowena each won P75,000 and a four-year college scholarship from National University.

Runners-up were Kate Gellian Vinas (SM City Lipa), Kian Benz Bastian (SM City Iloilo), and Luke James Alford (SM City Lipa). All the winners received cash prizes, a trip to Xiamen, China for two, birthday packages at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center, gift certificates from Toy Kingdom and Storyland, and scholarships from SM Bowling, SM Ice Skating, the Center for Pop Music, and Trumpets Playshop.

Special guests during the event were SM Little Stars from China and Maria Aragon.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Sunday, Sept. 25, go to Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Salvador Bigay, Sandra Garcia, Bobby Velasco of Café de Malate, Guia Castillo, Tess Lapuz-Lardizabal, Carla Martinez, Jimmy Vicente, Cory Elizabeth Endozo, Aldin B. Pastrano, Edwin Galvez, entertainment columnist Jun Nardo, Orlando Q. Yaneza of SEC, and Dino Guevarra… Happy wedding anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Pilapil…