Push Admin

Miss Grand International Abena Appiah has message to Filipino bashers

Article (news)

Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- Amid critical reactions to her triumph over Samantha Bernardo, Miss Grand International 2020 winner Abena Appiah Akuaba humbly offered her message of love and gratitude to the Filipino people in a recorded video Tuesday. </p><p>Speaking in Tagalog, Appiah reiterated her oneness with the Filipinos who have been part of her beauty pageant journey since 2014. </p><p>“Kumusta sa lahat, mahal ko kayong lahat,&quot; she said in her messaged released by her trainer Rodgil Flores to ABS-CBN News Tuesday. It was recorded after a TV guesting stint in Bangkok, Thailand earlier in the day. </p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1650361" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>Appiah, who won over Bernardo in the dead heat finish at the pageant over the weekend, also directly addressed local critics who have bashed her victory. </p><p>“I love Samantha, I’m very sorry you feel the way you feel but I want you to know, I love you regardless and I’m still part of the Filipino family. And no matter what happens, we’re still one people. Mwah! I love you. Salamat po,” she said.</p><p>Appiah, Bernardo and other MGI beauties are headed to Phuket , Thailand later this week after fulfilling their engagements in Bangkok. </p><p>Flores said Bernardo is hopeful that she can return to Manila after Easter Sunday.</p><div><strong>Related video:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1649778" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>Amid critical reactions to her triumph over Samantha Bernardo, Miss Grand International 2020 winner Abena Appiah Akuaba humbly offered her message of love and gratitude to the Filipino people in a recorded video Tuesday. </p>

Amid critical reactions to her triumph over Samantha Bernardo, Miss Grand International 2020 winner Abena Appiah Akuaba humbly offered her message of love and gratitude to the Filipino people in a recorded video Tuesday.

Miss Grand International Abena Appiah has message to Filipino bashers

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Lifestyle

Miss Grand International Abena Appiah has message to Filipino bashers

Mario Dumaual,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 30, 2021 06:30 PM PHT

Read More:

Miss Grand International

Abena Appiah

Miss USA

Samantha Bernardo

beauty queen

beauty pageant

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.