Miss World 2013: Miss Philippines celebrates win despite protests

Miss Philippines Megan Young was crowned the Miss World title in Bali despite threats by radical groups to disrupt the contest.

Radical group Islamic Defenders’ Front (IDF) had claimed that they would gatecrash the fashion party on Saturday, claiming it was ‘pornography’ and went against the teachings of Islam.

Ever since the pageant was announced, thousands had taken to the streets to mark their protests and tried to force the government to ban the contest.

However, the pageant ended without any untoward incident, as members of IDF held a prayer session in mosque near the capital “to express their anger”.

A member of the group, Ustad Maman told media, “Indonesia has already shown how it feels about Miss World -- we rejected it here, we reject it anywhere.”

According to media reports, the location of the grand finale was shifted from Sentul to Bali because of its “little hardline influence”.

The demonstrations also forced the organisers to strike out the famous bikini round, and replace it with Balinese sarongs.

The string of protests following the grand finale had forced the American, British and Australian embassies to issue official warnings about a possible attack.

The Nusa Dua resort was heavily guarded by “armed police and water cannons” on Saturday night, as 127 contestants, dressed in high heels and gorgeous gowns, walked the ramp in a bid to win the coveted beauty title.

Four contestants allegedly pulled out of the contest due to illness.

The evening ended with 23-year-old US-born beauty walking away with the first-ever Miss World title for Philippines.

In her celebratory speech, she promised to be the “best Miss World ever”.

Dressed in a glittering white gown, she was crowned by last year’s winner, China’s Yu Wenxia.

Megan, who presents a TV show and boasts of an impressive acting career in the movies, promised to “just be myself in everything I do, to share what I know and to educate people”.

France's Marine Lorphelin came in second, while Ghana's Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter was crowned the third.

Ever since it was launched in 1951, Venezuela tops the ranking with the most number of Miss World titles at six, while India and Britain follow second with five titles.

Last year, similar protests had forced Lady Gaga to cancel her tour to Bali.