Featured Article: Miss Spain Wins Miss World 2015

Spanish model Mireia Lalaguna was crowned Miss World 2015 after beating out 113 contestants from across the globe on Saturday night at a coastal resort city in south China's Hainan Province.

The pharmacy student from Barcelona claimed the illustrious crown after winning over the contest's judges during the 65th edition of the world famous pageant in China's Sanya.

"Without the love I have received from all of the people I have met here, and from all of the people wishing me well and supporting me at home, I would never have gotten to this point," said the beauty queen, according to a statement released by the event's organizers.

"I want to show them and the world that I am deserving of the Miss World title and I hope to do everyone proud."

The pageant's second place was awarded to Russia's Sofia Nikitchuk, while third place went to Indonesia's Maria Harfanti.

However, the ceremony was not without controversy. Officials in Hong Kong last month stopped Miss Canada, Anastasia Lin, from boarding a plane bound for Sanya, telling her she would not receive a visa.

The 25-year old actress claimed the decision was due to her stance on China's human rights record, including its persecution of Falun Gong, a Chinese spiritual group of which she is a practitioner.

PH makes top 10

Meanwhile, Miss World Philippines representative Hillarie Parungao was among the Top 10 contestants who made it to the semifinal, but failed to make it to the Top 5.

Aside from getting into the Top 10, Hillarie won the Multimedia challenge, a new challenge in the Miss World Pageant. The winner of this challenge has a holistic understanding of all forms of media, and can gather support for her cause by connecting to her fanbase.

The event was hosted by Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Access Hollywood presenter Tim Vincent, and TV host Angela Chow.

Featured Article: Miss Spain wins Miss World 2015 originally appeared on Rappler on December 20, 2015.