The Philippines’ Samantha Bernardo won first runner up to USA’s Abena Appiah during the glitzy Miss Grand International 2020 coronation finals held at the Show DC hall in Bangkok.
The pageant was broadcast live via YouTube channel Grandtv on Saturday night.
Bernardo, handpicked by the Bb. Pilipinas organization, initially received an identical first place score with Appiah and 2nd runner up Miss Guatemala Ivana Batchelor after walking in swimsuit, evening gown and participating in the Top 5 Q&A. The top three finalists were asked a question on the COVID-19 vaccine to break the tie, a first to happen in an international pageant.
The three pageant favorites were asked the question: If only a single vial of vaccine was left, to whom would they give it to a 15-year-old or 70-year-old?
Appiah and Batchelor chose the younger option while Bernardo chose the older person. Netizens and pageant fans preferred Bernardo as top winner and poured their sentiments after the announcement of winners.
"My heart goes to senior citizens because my mom is turning [into a] 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," she said.
"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," Bernardo said
Apart from being a model and actress Appiah, who was also appointed to compete, is a music therapist who works with kids with special needs. The 27-year-old African-American competed in Miss Earth 2019 representing Ghana. She became the first USA delegate to win the Miss Grand International title, a back-to-back victory following their country’s first win in Miss Earth pageant in November 2020.
The 27-year-old Bernardo is a native of Palawan and a graduate of a Hospitality Management degree, duplicated Nicole Cordoves’ 1st runner-up finish in 2016.
She paraded a Philippine Eagle-inspired national costume, designed by Patrick Isorena, which landed among the Top 10 best in national costume. Bernardo, from Kagandahang Flores Camp since the start of her Binibini journey, underwent a quick last-minute training with mentor Rodgil Flores shortly before flying to Thailand.