Samantha Bernardo's journey to the Miss Grand International Philippines crown

FEB 8, 2021 8:07 PM PHT ALEXA VILLANO

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Samantha is set to compete in the Miss Grand International pageant in Thailand on March 27

After 3 years of waiting, Samantha Bernardo is finally getting the chance to compete in an international pageant. On Friday, February 5, the Miss Grand International organization confirmed on its Facebook page that Samantha, 28, will represent the Philippines in Thailand on March 27.

Samantha, who was Binibining Pilipinas 2nd runner-up twice (in 2018 and 2019), will vie for the gold crown, which the Philippines has yet to win. The highest placement thus far was courtesy of Nicole Cordoves, who was 1st runner-up in 2016.

Bb Pilipinas has yet to issue a formal statement of Samantha's appointment but already shared the confirmation of her participation on its social media accounts.

In an interview with Rappler Monday, February 8, the Palaweña beauty queen said she will definitely miss the friendship between the contestants from 2020-2021 batch of binibinis.

"I will miss all the ladies but I know I can still see and bond them after this year," she said. "I can say that I got closest in this batch because of the pandemic."

As she prepares for the competition, let's look back at Samantha's journey to the Miss Grand Philippines crown.

2018: A good start

Samantha was among the candidates who joined the screening for the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant alongside heavy favorites such as Catriona Gray, Aya Abesamis, Karen Gallman, and Vickie Rushton.

Catriona went on to win Miss Universe, Karen as Miss Intercontinental, and Vickie as Binibining Pilipinas 2018 1st runner-up.

https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/photos-samantha-bernardo-journey-miss-grand-philippines-2020-crown