Pilar Carmelita Arlando is the new Miss Singapore World 2009, the pageant organiser announced in a press release late Friday afternoon.
Organiser ERM Marketing World decided not to select the first runner-up, Ms Claire Lee, as the new Miss Singapore World due to her claims of injury and inability to stand for long hours.
Ms Arlando, 20, was the second runner-up of Miss Singapore World 2009 held earlier this year in July and her ascend to the throne comes 10 days after Ris Low's official resignation as Miss Singapore World 2009.
The newly-crowned beauty queen, who remained mostly silent throughout Ris Low's saga, told Lianhe Wanbao that she "felt moved by the decision [of the organisers] and is proud of the title.
She said: "I've always told myself that I have hope."
ERM decided that Ms Arlando would a better choice as "the international pageant will be physically and psychologically demanding and it would be best that [Ms Claire Lee] remain to recuperate in Singapore."
ERM explained in the media release that the contest agreement does not bar it from exercising discretion in selecting from any of the finalists of the contest.
The company said: "The contest agreement does not bind us legally to automatically select the first runner up take over the winner should the winner fail to fulfil her duties.
"In this instance, there were two runners-up to choose from."
ERM also added: "[Pilar's] parents have been interviewed and they reassured us that she has no criminal records or probation order to keep."
Ms Arlando, who also won Miss Personality and Miss Abry awards, is the only girl in her family. She is mixed as her father is of Chinese-Indian descent and her mother is a of Portuguese and Dutch descent.
The new Miss Singapore World 2009 is also a student at MDIS, studying for her Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management.
When Lianhe Wanbao asked about her relationship with Ms Ris Low, she replied: "We are in the same school and see each other often. We are quite good friends."
Great Miss Singapore choice!
So we should leave Ris and Claire to rest and hope they will recover and learn from this incident.
Now that we have a new Miss Singapore World 2009... we should all support
Pilar.
Pilar - You BoomZ!
I agree with zevoticus. Let's move on from Ris and put a close to it. No more Boomz. But lets support Miss Pilar :)
Who said that: "I do not have any convictions or criminal records I enjoy travelling, baking and participating in various sports activities. Im a good girl." ?
Ris or Pilar ?
Hey you think that Ris Low is a benchmark? Open your beady lil eyes to the fact she is isn't a benchmark. If she was don't you think she'll still be keeping her crown?
C'mon get real. I have been to all the shows and even the finals. In my opinion Pilar should have been crowned in the first place. I do forgive Ris Low and understand her plight but I think we should focus on the future. Miss Pilar is the new representative and I am sure she will do us proud. We should just give her our support and stop reigning on her parade.
I myself also not good in English during young but I have proven myself as my career developed and today's even there is one who that I speak and write very well. For every Management, professional and business party, I will tend to speak maturely and carefully.
so if any contestant who say "Majority dont speak properly English" then they are not fit to be in Singapore. Singlish is not bad but it depend whether where and who are we interact with especially foreigner.
Hm,...buying 12K table is damm stupid!! I am in Procurement role but if such act Sure Win Dip will win a contest then that is either bribery to supplier or .....