The winners were Lia Andrea Ramos, Bb. Pilipinas Universe; Anna Maris Igpit, Bb. Pilipinas World; and Denille Lou Valmonte, Bb. Pilipinas International.

Ramos will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant in a country to be announced soon; Igpit, Miss World, in Poland in September, and Valmonte, Miss International, in China, also in September.

They won cash, management contracts, and other prizes provided by this year’s sponsors.

Runners-up were Rosalyn Santiago, 1st; and Jeanne Bernadette Bello, 2nd. Santiago won R100,000 cash while Bello, R50,000 cash.

Ramos, 25, impressed the judges with her answer on the question, which country, aside from the Philippines, she would love to spend her life in. She said that she would love to stay in France, citing its fascinating culture and language. "It’s also a good place to celebrate democracy.’’

A political science graduate of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, Ramos worked as a visa officer in the Royal Norwegian Embassy and in various nonprofit organizations. She now works for the Asia Foundation.

She added she wants to get into foreign service. "I want to get into the foreign service. My ultimate dream is to pass the foreign service exam, and work my way up to be an ambassador. That’s why the Universe title really appeals to me, because you are appointed an ambassador of goodwill to the United Nations.’’

Igpit, 18, was asked about the first thing she would do the next day if she won any of the major titles. "I will go to church and thank God for the blessings. And then I would seek His guidance when I represent the country in the international contest.’’

A native of Bohol, Igpit is an undergraduate of the Southwestern University of Cebu, majoring in tourism. Igpit, who describes herself a "reggae girl" and not into loud, crowded smoke-filled bars, enjoys studying different world cultures and different ways of serving people.

Valmonte, 24, was asked about a wish which she hoped would be granted. "I wish to spend time with my family. These days, we’re all busy, and we don’t have time anymore with our family. At least with our family, we have something to hold on together.’’

A resident of Quezon City, Valmonte has already developed her skills in hotel and restaurant management. She has put up and manages her own catering business. She added that she wanted to branch out to baking.

Ramos also won four special awards — Miss Photogenic, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Beautiful, and Miss Philippine Airlines. The other awardees are Mylene Maligaya, Miss Friendship; Bello, Miss Talent; Louise Dianne Nevera, Manila Bulletin Readership Award; Igpit, Best in long gown; and Santiago, Smart Texter’s Choice Award.

Aside from the five winners, those who made it to the top 10 were Cristina Mosqueda, Khristine Marie Lim, Mary Pilar Gorostiza, Fiona Marie Lava, and Marie Ann Umali.

The board of judges was led by Mafae Yulo, a finalist of the Miss World beauty pageant.

Last Saturday’s show also paid tribute to the past year’s titleholders — Precious Lara Guigaman, who won the 2005 Miss International crown; Gionna Cabrera, Miss Photogenic and Thai Silk awardee in the 2005 Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, and Carlene Aguilar, Miss Cyber Press World, and who was among the 15 semi-finalists in the 2005 Miss World competition in China.