Indeed, 2011 is a lucky year for Pinay beauty queens!

At the Earls Court Two in London, it was announced a few minutes ago that our very own Gwendoline Ruais finished first runner-up at the 61st Miss World pageant.

The Miss World title was bagged by 21 year-old Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares from Venezuela. It's the country's sixth time to win the crown.

Miss Puerto Rico Amanda Victoria Pérez was hailed as second runner-up.

Completing the seven finalists were Miss England Alize Lily Mounter, Miss Korea Kyung Min Doe, Miss South Africa Bokang Ramaredi Montjane, and Miss Scotland Jennifer Reoch.

Gwendoline tied for the highest finish for the Philippines in the Miss World pageant, which our country has never won.

Actress Evangeline Pascual also finished first runner-up in 1973.

Gwendoline's second-place finish capped the Philippines' successful run in beauty pageants this year.

Shamcey Supsup finished 3rd runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant held last September 12 at Sao Paulo, Brazil.

(Angola's Leila Lopes won the crown.)

Dianne Necio was one of the Top 15 semifinalists in the Miss International contest held last night, November 6, at Chengdu, China.

(Ecuador's Maria Fernanda Cornejo won the title.)

Congratulations, Gwendoline!