The Filipino pageant fanatics were in for a treat as the two Grand queens, Miss Grand Philippines 2021 Samantha Panlilio and Miss Grand International 2020 first runner-up Samantha Bernardo came along for a catch-up live session recently.
Samantha Bernardo hosted the live as she welcomed her Binibini sister for a friendly interview. Samantha Panlilio recently represented Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2021 pageant where she bowed out early in the competition after failing to make it to the Top 20, which came as a shock to many. Prior to pageant night, Samantha had entered the Top 10 Best in National Costume and Top 5 Best in Swimsuit.
During the live, Panlilio went forward to make the session even more exciting and special as she shared her supposed speech for Miss Grand International with all her fans. She started, “One of history’s most influential people, Martin Luther King said I have a dream. In Thai you say, Chan mi khwam fan, In spanish, Tengo un sueño, Mandarin: Wo you yige mengxiang, French, J’ai un reve. And in my country we say may pangarap ako. Do you hear how powerful that statement is felt in any language?”
“Every person, every child should be entitled to pursue their dream. However during these times of war, conflict and the pandemic, how can those people affected focus on their dreams when they are focused on mere survival? I am not a superhero; I cannot solve all these problems in one lifetime, but I am Miss Grand Philippines and a Peace Ambassador of my country and I am standing in front of you today, because like you I am a dreamer. So let’s take action and create a safe space for children to aspire freely,” she added.
Panlilio continued, “Let’s leave a timeless legacy that will serve as a reminder that is our duty to humanity to close the divide, promote equality and educate those around us to inspire generations to follow. And this is what I’m going to live by forever, the very essence of miss grand international.”
“Hope this serves as an inspiration for the youth to keep fighting for their dreams, while at the same time helping those affected with the ongoing crises so that they can aspire freely as well,” she concluded her speech as Bernardo was seen overwhelemed and cheering for her sister!
After her journey at the competition, a heartbroken Panlilio also took to her social media as she expressed, “I am completely heartbroken but I know that I did my best and that’s all that matters. I feel nothing but grateful. My heart is warm.” Samantha added that she feels “honored, humbled, and grateful” to be even given the chance to represent the Philippines. “It will take some time for me to heal but I know that this is not the end of my journey and wherever life takes me next, I’ll still continue to fight; the true Filipina spirit,” she wrote.