Philippines finishes as 2nd Runner-Up in Miss Grand International 2017

The Philippines’ Elizabeth Clenci was named 2nd runner-up in Miss Grand International 2017 pageant held in Phu Quoc, Vietnam on Wednesday night.  Clenci, a 26-year-old, Filipino-Romanian from Mandaue, Cebu was the only Asian contender in the Top 5 that included eventual winner Miss Peru Maria Jose Lora, Miss Venezuela Aleman Ferrer (1st runner-up), Miss Puerto Rico Brenda Azaria Jimenez (3rd) and Miss Czech Republic Nikola Uhlirova (4th).

Clenci, a music major and full-time session bassist, was well applauded by the audience at the Vinpearl Convention Center with her answer to the final question for all Top 5 candidates, "If you have to issue a law to punish criminals of war and violence, how would you punish these people and why?’ "(Character) is such a complex phenomenon that we cannot judge someone's character based on the crimes that they commit. If we punish somebody just as equally as the crime that they have committed, then what does that say about us?" I would implement better rehabilitation,” Clenci said.

“Tonight, I stand with all of these women behind me, spreading the message of peace. I am here to remind you all, as a Philippine Peace Ambassador, but this is your responsibility, too. This is our responsibility. Today, tomorrow, and for the generations to come,” the National Peace Ambassador said during her Top 10 speech.

The Top 10 semi-finalists were Indonesia (Best in National Costume), Ukraine, South Sudan, Thailand (Miss Paradise Cave Heritage) and Vietnam (Miss Health and Beauty). Rounding out the Top 20 quarter-finalists were Australia, Paraguay (Best in Social Media), Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Netherlands, China (Best in Evening Gown), Russia, India  and Laos.

Miss Grand International 2017, which featured77 countries from all over the world, was hosted by the Philippines’ Nicole Cordoves, 2016 Miss Grand International first runner-up and actor Xian Lim. (ETON B. CONCEPCION / Photos: Miss Grand International fb)



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