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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 10) - The Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. officially confirmed that current contestant Samantha Bernardo was appointed to represent the Philippines in the Miss Grand International pageant in Thailand in March.
The local pageant explained reigning Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Aya Abesamis was not able to compete internationally due to the age limit, after the Miss Grand International pageant was delayed because of the pandemic. We extend our full support to her [Bernardo] in her quest to win the first MGI crown for the country, BPCI said in a statement. Also, our heart goes out to Aya Abesamis for being unable to join MGI 2020 due to age limit, caused by the delay of the MGI contest because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it added.