MISS Grand Philippines Samantha Bernardo was all glitz and glamour, flaunting her elaborate attire for the Miss Grand International (MGI) 2020 National Costume competition live in Thailand on March 24, 2021.
The "Agila" costume was designed by Patrick Isorena and inspired by the Philippines’ national bird, the Philippine Eagle.
"It is considered to be the largest of the extant eagles in terms of length and wing surface, the rarest and most powerful birds in the world," said Sam on her Instagram post.
The costume was also intended to raise public awareness on the Philippine Eagle, now considered an endangered species due to massive loss of habitat resulting from deforestation in most of its range.
For the costume's color, Isorena chose gold as the main color for Bernardo’s costume to represent “the magnificent journey of our queen and to pay homage to the MGI Golden Crown.”
Isorena described Sam as extravagant, wealthy, rich, and indestructible.
"A queen who never gave up on her dreams," he said.
Samantha Bernardo won 2nd runner-up in the Binibining Pilipinas 2018. In 2019, she was appointed to represent the country after titleholder Aya Abesamis was unable to compete due to age restrictions.
The coronation night will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on March 27, 2021. (RSR)