Philippines representative, Samantha Bernardo, is a step closer to winning the crown during the Miss Grand International 2020 beauty pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday, March 27.

On the coronation night, Evelyn Abena Appiah of the U.S.A brought home the title as Miss Grand International 2020, tied with candidates from Philippines, Guatemala, Indonesia, and Brazil.

After the 4TH and 3rd runner-up were revealed, the host drew another set of Q&A to break the ties between Miss PH, U.S.A, and Guatemala. The host asked, “If there is only one dose of COVID-19 vaccine left and you have to choose who to give it to, either between a 15-year-old or a senior citizen of 70 years old, who would you choose to give it to and why?”

Bernardo was the only candidate who chose for old-aged said, “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.”

“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 a senior citizen,” she added, a counterpart to what Miss U.S.A and Miss Guatemala chose.

Moreover, Samantha spoke all the important things to war, hunger, health care system, racism, and education.

“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.

“I will be a channel of hope, compassion, and unity to stand and horn and stop any horrible war and violence in this world. As we face the COVID-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 be peacefully where love is our language, humanity in our race and peace is our lasting legacy to the world,” she continued.

Before naming the first runner-up, the Filipina beauty queen became an instant bet online as Bernardo placed in the top 10 during the costume wear competition held on Friday, March 26.

Her eagle-inspired costume stuns the eyes of netizens as it hadn’t only been made by the designer, Patrick Isoren, but the meaning behind the queen’s costume had raised awareness of the Philippine eagle.

Also, Bernardo made her way slaying her evening gown, designed by Louis Pangilinan who got the idea from the Palawan’s throated leaf bird but before that the queen has become the face on the internet when she showed off her #GRANDnadawalk in her swimsuit competition.

Bernardo was a former Binibining Pilipinas 2nd runner-up in 2018. Years of getting involved in the pageant, the Philippines haven’t won yet. Should Bernardo get the title; she would be the first Filipina to be crowned as Miss Grand International.

List of Miss Grand International 2020 winners:
• Miss Grand International 2020: Evelyn Abena Appiah (U.S.A)
• First Runner-up: Samantha Bernardo (Philippines)
• Second Runner-up: Ivana Batchelor (Guatemala)
• Third Runner-up: Aurra Kharishma (Indonesia)
• Fouth Runner-up: Lala Guedes (Brazil)

Source: https://youtu.be/PacD3EySaEk