QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — From the court sidelines to the glamorous world stage, this Filipina beauty did not just spice up basketball reporting but also ignited the hearts of many.
Laura Victioria Lehmann, a 24-year-old Filipino-American, conquered the top spot, besting 35 beauties in the most recent Miss World Philippines 2017 held on Sunday, September 3 at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Lehmann will represent the country at the Miss World competition to be held in Sanya, China on November 18.
Like a diamond shining at its brightest, she stood among the crowd when she was asked to respond to people “who believe that pageants do not provide an opportunity to empower women.”
“To anyone who doesn’t believe in pageants, I would ask them to take a look at the girls that we had on stage tonight. Because we had lawyers, we had architects, we had women of substance who are here today not only because of what they look like, but also because of what’s in their heart, what’s in their mind, and because they brought forth ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ projects,” she answered with conviction.
“They are here fighting to represent the Philippines and become the best version of a Filipina. And to me, that is something to celebrate, not protest,” Lehmann added.
Aside from the coveted title, she was also named Miss Cosmo Skin, Miss BYS Philippines and the Multimedia Fast Track winner.
During the pageant, host KC Montero asked her about her views on the internet.
“Well, I think that the internet has its pros and cons. I know that especially today, it’s been spreading a lot of negativity but I think at the end of the day, it’s a positive tool and we can use the internet and we can use social media for social good,” she said.
Here’s a sneak-peek to the Miss World Philippines 2017 title holder, and get to know her with these quick facts:
1. Not a beauty pageant newbie
Laura Lehmann first competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2014 where she bagged the 1st runner-up title.
2. Mark Bumgarner made her red gown
Mark Bumgarner, a fashion designer for celebrities like Heart Evangelista and Maggie Wilson-Consunji, created Lehmann’s sparkling red gown for the finals. On her Instagram, she shared how the designer encouraged her to have fun with the outfit.
“Besides designing my dress, he was always there to take care of me and to remind me to ‘feel’ my gown – to make sure it wasn’t just a dress but rather a part of me when I walked. He also told me that the real secret was just to have fun – as everyone should,” she said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYnGLs0DRoS/?taken-by=iamlauralehmann
3. Laura is both a sportscaster and a travel host
After Bb. Pilipinas, she concentrated on hosting events and finishing her degree at Ateneo de Manila University. She was the courtside reporter for the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 77 and 78.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSAmfLTD1FB/?taken-by=iamlauralehmann
4. The Queen is in a relationship
Laura has been dating Von Pessumal, former Ateneo Blue Eagles and now PBA player.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGRZzBvtm8z/?taken-by=iamlauralehmann
5. Laura Lehmann has been a part of the Philippine Softball Team
She said how excited she was to share her debut as an anchor for the sport she used to play.
In her Instagram post, she wrote: “My debut day as a UAAP Anchor. Had such an exciting and nostalgic time covering my first love – UAAP Softball. And with the greatest analyst too, [Riki Flores-Reyes].”
https://www.instagram.com/p/4yfXq8Nmwi/
6. A show of gratitude.
After being crowned as the Miss World Philippines 2017, Lehman posted a thank you message, the following day thru her social media account.
She wrote: “I woke up this morning just like YOU – with my oversized pajamas, ripped blankets and two dogs beside me not believing someone as normal as me had a crown on her head. But when I took a moment to reflect, I realized instead that’s the best thing about Miss World Philippines,” she wrote.
“I joined this pageant because I truly believe in everything it stands for. [Miss World] reminds us all that the greatest beauty is that in giving, and I am so proud to be part of it. Maraming, maraming salamat po. Hindi ko po makakalimutan ang gabi na to. Para sa bayan. (Thank you so much. I won’t forget this night. This is for the country
(Instagram photos courtesy Laura Lehmann instagram and Miss World Philippines instagram)
Jodi Bustos, Eagle News Service
