Laura Lehmann's winning answer in the Miss World PHL Q&A

Laura Lehmann became the first Filipina to wear the prestigious Pearl of the Orient crown after being named Miss World Philippines 2017.

The former courtside reporter clinched the title by answering Miss World 2013 Megan Young's question: "There are people who do not believe that pageants are there to empower women, what would you say to them?"

Laura answered: "To anyone who doesn't believe in pageants, I would ask them to take a look at the girls we have on stage tonight, because we had lawyers, we had architects, we have women of substance who were here today not only because of what they look like but because of what's in their heart, what's in their mind and because they have brought forth beauty with a purpose projects, they're here fighting to represent the Philippines and become the best version of a Filipina and to me that is only something to celebrate not protest."

Q&A: Candidate no. 15 Laura Lehmann @gmanews pic.twitter.com/sbWamR4ZG5

— Jannie (@jannieannb) September 3, 2017

Even in the early stages of the competition, Laura was a crowd favorite, bagging two special awards including Miss BYS Philippines and Miss Cosmo Skin.

Laura is set to compete in the Miss World 2017 international pageant to be held in November in China. —JST, GMA News