Fly high, Sam! PH’s Samantha Panlilio is ready for Miss Grand International 2021
The ‘Grandest’ day has arrived and Philippines’ bet Samantha Panlilio is set to give it her all in the Miss Grand International stage.
A few hours before the Miss Grand International 2021 coronation night, Panlilio posted on social media photos and videos of her to signal fans and supporters that the grand day has come. In one of her posts are photos of her wearing a purple sheer hand-beaded gown from Lee Atelier.
In a separate post, which was accompanied by a stunning video by Claude Evangelista, the 25-year-old beauty queen reflected on her Miss Grand International journey and thanked those who made it possible for her to get at this point.
“During these past weeks, I have learned many things. Among them is grit and gratitude. Representing the Philippines on the MGI stage has immensely humbled me because once I step on that stage, I am not representing myself. I am representing the Philippines; I am an artwork, an expression of all my supporters, mentors and creatives,” Panlilio wrote.
She added, “Thank you to all of you for making our journey come to life. The memories and experiences I have gained competing at @missgrandinternational have also forever changed me as a woman. I have come to discover the power within me and what it means to be a Filipina.”
She signed off her post with: “I am Samantha Panlilio. I am capable. I am Grand.”
The Binibining Pilipinas, which has produced two winning queens this year—Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne and Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cindy Obeñita—wishes Panlilio the best.
“We can’t wait for you to shine bright on the Miss Grand International 2021 stage! Thank you for raising our flag, Sam!” the organization wrote on its Facebook page.
Panlilio, who is among the early favorites in the pageant, was a stunner during the preliminaries.
She wowed pageant fans during the pageant’s swimsuit competition, where she gave a first glimpse at her pasarela walk, which she also effortlessly nailed during the preliminaries. She was named one of the “best in swimsuit” finalists, the winner of which will be announced during the pageant’s grand coronation night.
Panlilio also slayed the evening gown preliminaries with her bespoke sheer cape gown by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez dubbed “Layag Balangay,” inspired by the Philippines’ lashed-lug boat used as trading ships in pre-colonial times.
Her Paru-Paro Festival-inspired piece by Louis Pangilinan with a pair of oversized diaphanous butterfly wings by Santino Rivera (who also designed the costume’s gold headdress) also impressed the audience during the national costume competition.
The Miss Grand International 2021 coronation night is set today, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. Philippine time.
Panlilio is gunning for the Philippines’ first Miss Grand International title.
Laban, Sam!