The Philippine Eagle was the inspiration for Miss Grand International (MGI) Philippines Samantha Bernardo’s costume, which was showcased last night on Facebook.
Bb. Pilipinas, the organizer that sent Bernardo to compete in the Bangkok-based pageant, posted photos of the beauty queen wearing the national costume that was designed by Patrick Isorena.
The organization said that the costume was created to raise “awareness because the Philippine Eagle is critically endangered, mainly due to massive loss of habitat resulting from deforestation in most of its range.”
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“Gold as the main color of the costume to represent the magnificent journey of our Queen. And to pay homage to the MGI Golden Crown,” Bb. Pilipinas added.
“Just like gold, it is extravagant, wealthy, rich, and indestructible, like Samantha – A queen who never gave up on her dreams.”
Bernardo is considered one of the frontrunners in MGI, and she is even one of the five finalists in the pageant’s Best in Swimsuit competition. She was chosen to represent the Philippines after Aya Abesamis was disqualified due to the pageant’s age restrictions. The Philippines has yet to win MGI, although the country has won other major competitions such as Miss World and Miss Universe.
The coronation will be held on March 27.
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