PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Not even heightened tensions between China and the Philippines could stop this young lady from hitting the ramp.

Sarah Sopio Osorio of Kalayaan town in the troubled Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea was crowned Mutya ng Palawan 2011.

In the provincial beauty pageant graced by showbiz celebrities Luis Manzano and Geoff Taylor, Osorio beat 17 other beauties from different towns of Palawan.

The 18-year-old Osorio, who is taking accountancy at the Palawan State University, will serve as ambassador of Palawan’s natural beauty, crusader of innovative social developmental advocate of a conserved and sustainable environment.

Maria Daziella Gange of Cuyo town won the 1st Runner Up title, Thoreen Halvorsen of San Vicente for the 2nd Runner Up, Diana Grace Nolsol of Taytay as 3rd Runner Up, and Diana Sunshine Rademann of Aborlan as 4th Runner Up.

Former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz served as chairman of the board of judges, composed of former beauty queens and known fashion designers in the country.