Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio is ready for her journey to win the Philippines’ first ever Miss Grand International title. 

In her send-off party on Friday, November 12, Samantha said that she was looking forward to showing the fruits of her hard work at the upcoming pageant. “I’m honestly so excited. It’s so exhilarating and I’m just so, so honored to represent the Philippines internationally,” she said. 

She continued, “I’d been really putting my heart and soul into training for Miss Grand International and I’m happy to say that I think I did great.”

Samantha also promised fans several surprises as she competes in the pageant: “I’m actually looking forward to the preliminary event because I have something really good in store and I can’t wait for you guys to see it.” 

When asked why she should be the Philippines’ first winner of the coveted crown, the 25-year-old beauty queen replied: “I think that I should be the first Filipina to be crowned as Miss Grand International because I know that I have the grit, I’m ready to work, and whatever the challenge you put in front of me, I know that I can handle it.” 

Samantha is the third of the Binibining Pilipinas 2021 titleholders to compete, following Cinderella Faye Obeñita and Maureen Montagne. 

Cinderella was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2021 in Egypt, while Maureen was named Miss Globe 2021 in Albania. Following the back-to-back success, Samantha admitted that she initially felt pressured, but she’s now taking her pageant sisters’ achievements as an inspiration for her to do well in her own international pageant. 

“You know, at first, I’m only human, I did feel the pressure. But at the end of the day, I’d like to take it as inspiration because they have done amazing. And that drives me even harder to do better for Miss Grand International.” 

She continued, “They give me motivation…. I saw that they were just so confident and they were really able to just keep everything together.… Instead of taking it as pressure and putting all the weight on my shoulders, I’m taking Maureen and Cindy’s wins as an inspiration to push me even harder, to really clinch that first golden crown.” 

Cinderella, who was also present at the send-off event, shared that she was confident Samantha would perform well in the pageant. 

“I’ve seen personally your dedication, determination, and perseverance. You really want to win the first Miss Grand International crown and it’s really possible because the whole Philippines is really rooting for you. I know you will always keep your A game,” she told Samantha. 

The Miss Grand International 2021 coronation night will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on December 4. – Rappler.com