Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2020 Samantha Bernardo has been training non-stop for the Miss Grand International pageant in Thailand on March 27. Part of the process, she said, is remaining focused despite the distractions around her. (IN PHOTOS: Samantha Bernardo’s journey to the Miss Grand International Philippines crown)

“I will not be plastic about it. Mental health is very important for me,” Samantha said during her virtual send-off hosted by Bb Pilipinas on Friday, February 19. “And I know kasi na very advent ng social media madaling kumalat ang lahat di ba. Kaya nga kanina sinabi ko be careful with what you post, what you say to peple because talagang lagi nilang iniisip akala ‘nyo walang nasasaktan pero meron talaga.“

(And I know that in the advent of social media, everything spreads fast. That’s why earlier I said to be careful about what you post and you say to people. Some people think nobody gets hurt when they post [hurtful things] but in reality, someone does get hurt.)

“But for me, I focus on positive things. I do yoga everyday, that really helps me a lot. I read a lot of books and at the same time I work out. You know pag hindi tayo nag-eexercise, talagang mag-iiba yung mental health natin. Kasi psychology connects to physiology and physiology connects to psychology. “

(If we don’t exercise, it really affects our mental health. Because psychology connects to physiology and physiology connects to psychology.)

“You just need to focus on things na nag-mamatter sa iyo (that matter to you) and at the same time prioritize also your health.”

Samantha said that she has been receiving a lot of support from family, friends, and previous queens, including past titleholders Parul Shah and Nicole Cordoves, whom she consulted for her preparations.

“A lot of queens have reached out to me, specifically the Miss Grand International queens from the past. I messaged them…nandiyan na lahat. Parang ang gagawin ko na lang is gagalingan ko na lang and bring out ko yung best ko sa competition.

(I messaged them…so everything’s there. So I just need to do my best and bring out my best during the competition.)

Samantha, who was 2nd runner-up in 2018 and 2019, was appointed to represent the Philippines after Aya Abesamis, who assumed the title after Samantha Lo quit in 2019, was deemed unable to compete due to age restrictions.

Samantha hopes to win the country’s first gold crown currently held by Venezuela’s Valentina Figuera. – Rappler.com