"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," said Samantha Bernardo, the Philippines' representative to the Miss Grand International 2020 pageant in Thailand.

Bernardo gave this reply to the pageant's final question to break a three-way tie for the title: : 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?

In the end, Bernardo finished runner-up to the United States, with Guatemala placing second runner-up.

Like Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, Bernardo joined the Bb. Pilipinas pageant three times. She previously joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2018 and 2019 and finished at the 2nd runner-up spot on both editions.

She was a candidate in the 2020 Binibini edition which was postponed to April 2021.

Bernardo had less than one month to prepare for the international pageant as she was a replacement for Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2019 titleholder Aya Abesamis, who was unable to compete.

The 28-year-old Bernardo, who is from Palawan, performed well throughout the pageant and was a fan favorite.

She wowed everyone with her Granada Walk. Bernardo has been a front runner throughout the competition.

“I know I did my best and I have lived up to my purpose. I hope I made you proud again Philippines. [It’s an honor, my beloved Philippines],” said Bernardo on Instagram.