PNoy meets Megan Young

MANILA -- (UPDATE 2) President Benigno Aquino III met with newly crowned Miss World Megan Young and Miss Supranational Mutya Johanna Datul in separate courtesy calls at Malacañang Palace.

Wearing their respective crowns, Young and Datul were congratulated by Aquino for giving pride to the country.

Also on Monday, the Senate adopted a resolution commending and congratulating Young and Datul.

“This is the first time the country has won the coveted title, exemplifying a shining symbol of peace and inspiring a generation of young women treasuring the core values of humanity, mutual understanding and spirit of kindness,” Poe said in her resolution commending Young.

She noted that Young’s victory marks a new era in history as the first Filipina to win the coveted title in the pageant’s 62-year history and since the Philippines’ debut in the pageant in 1966.

For his part, Lapid said Young gave Filipinos "unparalleled pride and showed the world the grace and excellence of the Filipino beauty."

“Megan is the first Southeast Asian to win the elusive title,” Lapid said in his resolution, adding that the Kapamilya star deserves to be commended "for the pride and recognition she brought to our country."

Poe also authored and sponsored the resolution commending Datul, saying she is "a role model for the hard working Filipino youth."

Aside from the winning the crown, Datul also won several awards such as Miss Personality, Top 8 in Miss Internet and Top 10 in Miss Talent, among others.

Congressional medal

In Congress, Young was also honored with a Congressional Medal of Distinction by the House of Representatives, which was presented to her during the plenary session of the House on Monday.

The medal was conferred to her through Resolution 368, which recognizes Young's achievement as the first Philippine winner of the Miss World pageant.

Young arrived at the House early evening Monday, and was received by Speaker Sonny Belmonte in his office. She was accompanied by Miss World CEO Julia Morely and Miss World Philippine franchise holder Cory Qurino, among others.

Young is just the 2nd recipient of the Congressional Medal of Distinction. Boxing champion Manny pacquiao received the award twice in 2006 and 2010. The medal of distinction is the highest award the House can bestow on anyone who excels in a non-political field.

Megan feels honored

Young said she feels very privileged to have been invited to the Palace, as well as to the Senate and Congress.

"Visiting Senate, Congress and President Benigno Aquino III today has been a wonderful experience, something I never expected to happen," she said in a statement. "It is the greatest honor any Filipino citizen could receive."

Since her homecoming last week, Young said "the joy and celebration has been more than I could have ever dreamed of."

"Being able to share this with everybody has filled me with happiness and pride and I will take this away with me. I will never forget this feeling and I want to thank everyone for their support," she said.

"I promise to not only represent Miss World over the coming year, but also my Filipino brothers and sisters as I embark on this wondrous journey to bring hope to the many people who need our help in the Philippines and around the world," she added.

Morley said she is delighted that Young is receiving all these awards.

"She certainly deserves this wonderful recognition. We would like to thank Benigno Aquino III for receiving us, it is a great honor. Over the next year we have committed to visiting as many of the poorest regions of the Philippines as we can, in support of the most disadvantaged people," Morley said.

Meanwhile, Quirino said: "What more fitting a tribute for a Queen like Miss World 2013 Megan Young than to be in Malacanang Palace to meet the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III . Truly an honor for us all." -- Reports from Willard Cheng and RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News

source