Philippine pageant fans were quick to notice that Palawan representative 26-year-old Samantha Bernardo was not appearing in the post-pageant activities of Binibining Pilipinas 2019 after being crowned second runner-up last June 9, which the beauty queen has finally spoken out about through her Instagram account last Tuesday, June 18.
In disappointment from landing the same placement as she did last year, Samantha expresses her frustration in the rumors that netizens are assuming she has an attitude. She states, “What I always read now on my social media is, ‘Samantha, you are too strong kasi. You are too rehearsed. You are too pageant patty, your makeup is so dark and so on.. that’s why you are a runner up again’ ‘Where is Samantha? She’s so bitter. Why is she not attending activities? She deserves to be 2nd runner up because she’s not fulfilling her duties now.” Immediately, the former Mutya ng Palawan Tourism 2013 defends herself, explaining that she has since had to attend a wedding overseas after finals night.
In Samantha’s words, “Give me a break. I have fulfilled my duties as 2nd runner up last year and I must admit that being 2nd runner up again this year was quite a shock. But I know truly in my heart that I gave my all, I deserve better and that I have no regrets,” adding, “I fully respect and trust the decision of all Bb. Pilipinas judges that night on choosing the right queens and I have nothing against it. People should know that runners up are not required to show up on every activity, it’s our prerogative. So let’s stop the hate and let’s just focus on spreading love and positivity. Let’s support our queens and waste our energy on things that matter the most! I have served my purpose and I will continue doing this whatever happens, with or without a crown.”
Samantha ends her post to her 53,800 followers with words of motivation, writing, “To anyone who’s going through tough times, please read: Don’t be afraid to start all over again. Don’t be afraid that your heart is hurting. It means your feelings are genuine. I went through a lot that I can only surpass with courage and acceptance and if you need to let go of whatever is hurting you, then do it to heal. DO IT BECAUSE WHATEVER HURTS YOU, SHOULD NOT BRING YOU DOWN, BUT TO RISE BEYOND WHAT IS NO LONGER WORTH KEEPING BURIED INSIDE YOU. Be brave, beautiful soul.