Miss World 1st Runner-Up Gwendoline Ruais (2nd from left) with the other winners in the 2011 Miss World Philippines Pageant.

MANILA, Philippines — Miss World 1st Princess Gwendoline Ruais was given a warm welcome by Midas Hotel and her Miss World Philippines family led by Ms. Cory Quirino, together with the local pageant’s main presenter SM Development Corp. (SMDC) headed by Henry Sy, Jr., upon her arrival last Friday (Nov. 18).

Gwendoline left the country Oct. 19 to compete in the Miss World Pageant in London. It has been 16 years since Miss Philippines last placed in the Miss World Pageant and more than three decades since the country’s candidate was crowned 1st Princess. With Gwen’s winning as 1st Princess, the Philippines is back to being a front runner in the said pageant.

Gwendoline expressed delight over her return: “I’m really grateful that I won as 1st Princess. Pero nanghihinayang ako siyempre kasi one point na lang para maging Miss World sana ako. Pero thankful pa rin ako na nakuha ko ang 1st Princess.”

Gwen’s supportive family, her parents and brother and sister, were with her at the celebration.

The beauty queen, together with her court, Miss World Philippines 1st Princess Helen Nicolette Henson, 2nd Princess Martha Chloe McCulley, 3rd Princess Ma. Paula Bianca Paz, and 4th Princess Jaysel Arrozal, are doing a motorcade today, 10 a.m., starting at GMA Network Center. It will take them along EDSA going to the SMDC offices in Pasay via Ayala Ave.

OFW Summit set Nov. 24

Villar Foundation’s Managing Director Cynthia A. Villar and GoNegosyo’s Ramon M. Lopez recently signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that sets the stage for a yearly summit for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Their first project is “The 1st OFW & Family Summit 2011: Kabuhayan Para sa Kinabukasan” slated on Nov. 24 at the World Trade Center.

The partnership between the Villar Foundation and GoNegosyo is considered apt as both organizations advocate entrepreneurship.

“We are confident that this summit will be beneficial so OFWs can learn from our speakers as they scout for business opportunities,” said Mrs. Villar.

“Kabuhayan Para sa Kinabukasan” is a whole-day event featuring various speakers and lecturers on OFW-focused topics. A Camella house and lot will be raffled off by the Villar Foundation.

The speakers and guests include Sen. Manny Villar, GoNegosyo founding trustee Joey Concepcion, Blas F. Ople Policy Center’s Toots Ople, Leonardo Dayao Sr. of Puregold, Dean Pax Lapid of Entrepreneur School of Asia, Natasha’s Victoria Villa, Hortaleza’s Dr. Rosalinda Hortaleza, and Armanda Bartolome of GMB Franchise Developers.

OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs will also share their success stories, among whom are Prudencio Garcia (Mekeni Owner), Myrna Padilla (BPO Owner) and Randell Tiongson (training firm owner).

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 22, go to Chit Melchor Hechanova, Babette Aquino-Benoit, Lanie Ysmael, Daryll Klintler, Shaira Mhey C. Nanad, Maggie Quiambao Danganan, Baby Sanchez, Joseph Michael M. Dayrit, Cecille Caballes Nichao, Atty. Ulysses Butuyan, Emmanuel “Tu” Seva Rebaño, Theo Bernardos and Erika Padilla of Star Magic and PDI columnist Ramon Tulfo…