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Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Bernardo was named first runner-up during the coronation night of Miss Grand International (MGI) 2020 last March 27 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Miss Grand United States of America Evelyn Abena Appiah was crowned the winner, with Guatemala’s Ivana Batchelor as 2nd runner-up, Indonesia’s Aurra Kharishma as 3rd runner-up, and Brazil’s Lala Guedes as 4th runner-up. Sixty three candidates competed in the pageant, including Bernardo who aimed to bring home the first golden crown for the Philippines.

Bernardo impressed the audience and the judges with her performance. Her swimsuit performance earned her a score of 9.62, and she got 9.68 as she walked in her jewel-embellished gown. She also delivered a heart-warming piece during the speech round, and gave a memorable answer in the Top 5 question and answer round. 

Bernardo figured in a three-way tie breaker for the crown, which lead the MGI organization to throw in a deciding question: “If there is only one dose of COVID-19 vaccine left and you have to choose who you give it to – either a 15-year-old or a 70-year-old citizen – which on would you give it to and why?”

“My heart goes to senior citizen because my mom is turning 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 so I will choose senior citizens,” Bernardo responded.