Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) — The Philippines’ Samantha Bernardo was first runner-up during the 2020 Miss Grand International pageant on Saturday.
Miss United States Evelyn Abena Appiah won the title during the coronation night held in Bangkok, Thailand. Guatemala’s Ivana Batchelor was 2nd runner-up, followed by Indonesia’s Aurra Kharishma and Brazil’s Lala Guedes, respectively.
During the final round of the competition, Bernardo faced a three-way tiebreaker with Miss USA and Miss Guatem
ala with the 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 senior citizen — which one would you give it to and why?”
Bernardo answered: “My heart goes to senior citizens because my mom is turning [into a] senior citizen. And I’ve 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 so I will choose senior citizens.”
The 27-year-old beauty queen earlier landed in the Top 10 during the national costume competition with her Philippine eagle-inspired costume. She also ranked third among contenders with the highest number of online votes in the swimsuit competition.
Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc previously announced that Bernardo had to represent the Philippines after titleholder Aya Abesamis was deemed unable to compete due to age restrictions.
Bernardo was Binibining Pilipinas 2nd runner-up in 2018 and 2019.
The Philippines has yet to win the Miss Grand International title.
