Philippines wins 1st runner-up at Miss Globe 2017

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Philippines Nelda Ibe finished as first runner-up at the Miss Globe 2017 beauty pageant held on November 3 in Tirana, Albania.

Last year's winner, Dimple Patel from India, passed on the crown to Miss Vietnam Khanh Ngan.

Tension brewed at the coronation night when only Miss Philippines and Miss Vietnam were left standing and as they held hands for the announcement of the winner. When the host declared that the crown goes to Miss Vietnam, Miss Philippines was immediately proclaimed as first runner-up. "Not bad, not bad!" said the host.

As first runner-up, Nelda will take over the crown should Miss Vietnam fails to fulfill her duties.

Ibe's victory came as a surprise to many as she was rumored to have been eliminated from the talent finals for an undisclosed reason.

Despite this, the Filipina cadet pilot, fondly called "the pilot queen," wowed the judges with her Sampaguita-inspired national costume designed by Frederick Berches. She also placed second runner-up at the bikini competition.

Nelda also led the online votes alongside Miss Korea, although the special award of Miss Internet was given to Korea.

Other winners at the pageant include Miss Siberia (second runner-up), Albania (third runner-up), and Cape Verde (fourth runner-up). 

Nelda has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Tarlac State University and is currently a cadet pilot. Before she flew to compete in Albania, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte wished her good luck in a video message.

Since she finished second among the 53 beauties from all over the world that joined the pageant, Nelda is "thankful beyond words."

As she said in her Twitter account on November 3: "Thank you, Lord! I'm so blessed beyond measure and thankful beyond words!"