Why Bb. Pilipinas 2nd runner up hasn't showed up in post-pageant activities

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A post shared by SAMANTHA BERNARDO (@samanthabernardo__) on Jun 17, 2019 at 7:17pm PDT

MANILA – Beauty queen Samantha Bernardo lashed back at her detractors who accused her of “not fulfilling her duties” as Binibining Pilipinas 2019 second runner-up.

Bernardo, who also finished second runner-up in the same pageant in 2018, said netizens know nothing and that what she shares on social media “is just the surface.”

“I've been so sick for almost 2 weeks until coronation night (all the staff can attest that I used oral spray and nasal spray every now and then before going out on stage just to be presentable),” she said, explaining her absence at the post-pageant events.

Bernardo said she also had to go to Singapore for a wedding, which the Binibining Pilipinas organization knows about.

“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,” she said.

“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,” she added.

Bernardo then called on netizens to stop the hate and 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,” she said.

Bernardo ended her post by sharing an inspiring message to those who are going through tough times.

“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,” she said.

“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,” Bernardo ended.

Gazini Ganados from Talisay, Cebu will represent the Philippines in this year's Miss Universe pageant.

Other Bb. Pilipinas 2019 winners include Leren Mae Bautista (Binibining Pilipinas Globe), Emma Mary Tiglao (Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental), Samantha Lo (Binibining Pilipinas Grand International), Resham Rameriz Saeed (Binibining Pilipinas Supranational) and Bea Patricia Magtanong (Binibining Pilipinas International).