Samantha Bernardo is Miss Grand International 1st runner-up

Samantha Bernardo was named Miss Grand International’s first runner-up during the grand coronation night in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday.

Miss USA Abena Appiah was crowned Miss Grand International 2020, while Miss Guatemala won second runner-up, Miss Grand Indonesia was third runner-up, and Miss Grand Brazil was fourth runner-up.

Samantha, who was just a step closer to the crown, took the stage by storm as she walked gracefully in a body-fitting gown studded with gems and wowed the audience during the Q&A portion.

After announcing the third and fourth runners up, the host revealed that the scores of the top three were tied, so there would be another round of Q&A.

Asked to whom she would give the last COVID-19 vaccine—a 15-year-old or a 70-year-old, Samantha answered:

“My heart goes to the senior citizen because my mom is turning into senior citizen and I experienced the loss of my dad four years ago and I cannot afford to lose my mom. My heart goes to them because they are the most vulnerable during this time.”

She added: “A 15-year old has the stamina to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and with proper exercise and healthy living they can live with it. I know as well that every citizen here will choose and never afford to lose their parents and so I will choose senior citizen.” 

In her speech earlier in the program, Samantha spoke of rising against the different wars happening in the world, be it for a better healthcare system and education, or against racism.

“As a malaria-free Philippines spokesperson, I have always lived up to my faith in humanity,  cultural understanding and respect for others. These are what I will continue to stand for if I become your next Miss Grand International,” she said. 

“As we face a COVID-19 free world, join me as we work together in mending our conflicts and focusing on what truly matters. We are living under one sky so let us all live peacefully where love is our language, humanity is our race and peace is our lasting legacy in our world.”

Before winning first runner-up, Samantha was named among the top 10 best in national costume and top 5 through popular vote.

During the preliminary competition, she dazzled the audience in her emerald green evening gown called “Lipad,” which represented Palawan’s yellow-throated bird.

She also took hold of netizens’ attention when she wore the Philippine eagle-inspired national costume “Agila” and made it to the top five voted best in swimsuit.

Should Samantha have won, she would have become the first Filipina to become Miss Grand International. – RC, GMA News