VIRGINIA-BORN AND OLONGAPO-RAISED

Philippine Daily Inquirer, 01-Oct-2013: MANILA, Philippines — She hails both from the Philippines and the United States and embodies the best of both sides.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. had this to say about Amerasian Megan Young, the Virginia-born and Olongapo-raised actress who made history Saturday night when she became the country’s first ever Miss World title holder.

“We don’t have a toast tonight. But we’re saying three things: Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, mabuhay ang America at mabuhay ang Ms. World!,” said Thomas in impromptu remarks at a reception to introduce new Embassy press and cultural officers Monday night.

He earlier congratulated Young via Twitter, mentioning her birthplace Alexandria, Virginia, in his congratulations. Young, 23, was born to an American father and Filipino mother in 1990 and moved to Olongapo City at age 10. She has since remained in the Philippines and pursued a career in show business.

“She represents both of our countries as a Filipino-American in so many ways: intelligence, beauty — I know something about beauty in the Philippines I tell you — poise and never quitting,” said Thomas, known to have met his Filipino girlfriend Mithi Aquino during his tour as envoy here. 

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