Samantha Bernardo is Miss Grand International's first runner-up
29 Mar – After winning first runner-up at the Miss Grand International, Pinay beauty Samantha Bernardo recently took to social media to express her thoughts about the competition.
On 28 March, the beauty queen posted several photos from the said pageant, and wrote, "Everyone deserves to be here. I am so happy to have these beautiful moment with [Lala Guedes], [Aurra Kharishma], [Ivana Batchelor] and of course our very own, [Abena Appiah Akuaba]. I love you. You know that. I told you, we will be in Top 2!"
In the same post, Samantha decided to use the opportunity to raise awareness on several topics including the #STOPASIANHATE campaign.
"This is the message I want to share to everyone as your Miss Grand International. My purpose here is to be a symbol of hope, compassion and unity. I know I did my best and I have lived up to my purpose. I hope I made you proud again Philippines," she added.
Samantha, who competed at the event held in Thailand on 27 March, bested Guatemalan beauty Ivana Batchelor, but lost the ultimate title of Miss Grand International to US representative, Abena Appiah.
The Filipina beauty queen also landed in the top 10 during Miss Grand's National Costume competition on 26 March with her eagle-inspired national costume, designed by Patrick Isoren, and wowed everybody with her emerald green evening dress.
(Photo Source: Samantha Bernardo Instagram, Abena Appiah Instagram)
