Serving as the breadwinner for her family and already earning her own income as early as when she was just a grade school student, Samantha Bernardo knows what it means to hustle with persistence, grit, and determination. Her life experiences over the years are what moulded her values, and formed her work ethic, which have both been vital in the many milestones she has accomplished since.
Discipline and Early Success
Samantha Bernardo was only eight years old when she moved to Palawan. Growing up in the beautiful province, she was enrolled into Puerto Prinsesa Elementary School, where she was introduced to gymnastics. The sport was so naturally appealing to her, that she poured her time and energy into the practice. Gradually becoming really good at it!
Her first taste of success came when she participated in her first ever city meet. She won 5 gold medals during that competition, which also translated to a total of Php 30,000 in prize money—an extremely attractive incentive for young Samantha.
As part of her rigorous regimen, she would eat while splitting, go to sleep without pillows, and even race with her back bent! Her intense dedication to her craft paid off as she consistently competed and won awards over the course of her high school athletic career. She was always the representative of Palawan at the national level for rhythmic gymnastics.
According to Samantha, the early hardships she endured in training as an athlete taught her the essential principles of discipline and diligence that she was able to carry over to her pageant journey.
Becoming a Woman of Strength
Even before entering beauty pageantry, Samantha had always been a woman of strength. In fact, she was named “Samantha” by her late father, as a depiction of a “Strong Woman”. Samantha describes her life so far as “one hell of a ride.” She has had her fair share of turbulent experiences, with equal parts tears and joy.
Upon graduating high school, she pursued Hospitality Management in college, which enabled her to land a job as a Hotelier in the Philippines and later, abroad. She found herself managing a hotel in Cambodia, where she also worked part time as a make-up artist and personality development trainer, as well as conducted gymnastics classes on the side. Samantha refers to that chapter of her life as “fulfilling and liberating.”
Unfortunately, it was during her out-of-country work engagement that her greatest heartbreak happened. It was while she “was away from my family, that my dad passed away.” That moment only made her tougher, as it was then that she learned to be “fearless” and decided to return home.
It was through that agonizing occurrence that she says she was able to prepare her heart for the challenges that would come her way. She adds that her mind and soul were fed with the kind of wisdom and understanding that only such pain could expose her to, “it gave me a sense of purpose and substance..” and provided her the unquestionable assurance that “I am strong because of all of this.”
Beauty Queen Experience
“Winning is always sweeter when you worked hard for it with your principle and integrity intact.” The beauty queen first tried her hand in beauty pageantry just after completing her Bachelor’s Degree. She was scouted by Kagandahang Flores after winning Mutya ng Palawan Tourism in 2013, and proceeded to join Miss World Philippines that same year, where she won Best in Talent.
However, it was not until 2018 that she got her first big break. It was just after her father’s death that she developed the courage to just go for it! She competed in Binibining Pilipinas (BBP) and won 2nd Runner Up (RU) overall, a huge accomplishment considering she did it all on her own and without a team! Samantha tried again in 2019, still placing 2nd RU, but this time catching the attention of local Fragrances and Grooming brand, acquiring the title Miss Blackwater.
2020, the year of Covid-19, brought the most uncertainty for Samantha. Because of the age limit requirement for international pageantry, this would be her last chance in BBP. Just after being awarded Miss Ever Bilena in March, the whole world suddenly went on lockdown, and the future of pageantry deferred.
Samantha shares that her faith and patience were tested. Nevertheless, she realized that “there are things that are beyond our control and many circumstances that are inevitable… but what I have learned is not to stay still” Her incessant efforts paid off after she was appointed as Miss Grand International Philippines 2020, leading to her major win as Miss Grand International 1st Runner-Up in March 2021 in Thailand!
“You may not take the top spot at all times, but knowing that you gave your all, and by presenting yourself with your best foot forward, that is already winning.” She also extends her gratitude to her Filipino supporters who have fully followed her journey her and cheered for her. All of whom, she genuinely appreciates with a humble heart.
Malaria-free Advocacy
As early as in 2018, Samantha has utilized her platform in BBP to create awareness for causes that she cares about. For Samantha, this is one of the most rewarding benefits of joining beauty pageants. “It gave me a sense of responsibility to be given this opportunity to be a channel of hope, and have my voice be amplified.”
The fight against malaria is one that is dearest to her, as one of the most affected area of this issue is her home-province. The Philippine Department of Health reports that over 90% of the country’s Malaria cases are from Palawan.
Samantha is involved with the Provincial Malaria Congress and modestly discusses why the advocacy resonates so much with her. “I am just someone who is lending her voice to this cause, hoping to be an effective spokesperson for the campaign…” She gives most credit to the volunteers who she has personally worked with. Seeing them devote their time to “tirelessly and unconditionally try and eradicate Malaria has inspired me to pour my heart into this endeavour, ignited my passion, and believe in humanity.”
Her dream is to be part of the movement that will hopefully achieve a malaria-free Philippines a decade from now.
Pandemic Pivot and Entrepreneurship
Samantha considers herself as “someone who enjoys challenging myself and discovering new potentials within me.” Time does not stop even when there is a pandemic, hence she took advantage of the quarantine period to focus on self-amelioration.
Beyond being an international title-holder, Samantha is also a Financial Advisor for Sun Life. The strategic investments she has made for her own accounts and her clients’ have helped keep her family safe and sound financially amidst the current economic situation. At present, she is working towards her managerial promotion with the insurance company.
She is a small business owner as well. Her clothing brand is called “Dream Queen’; sold primarily online through their social media handles and on e-commerce apps like Shopee.
The 28-year old multi-hyphenate is still active in modelling too, and has recently signed an endorsement deal with leading local cosmetics and skincare brands, Ever Bilena Cosmetics and Hello Glow, respectively. “I am very proud of this project because I am a Filipina, and wherever we go, our beauty really stands out! With the help of Ever Bilena and Hello Glow, we can be more beautiful and exceptional.”
Aside from advancing her professional career, she has made use of the time spent at home with her family. And for Samantha, this has been what matters most to her.
Hope for the Future
Strength and substance don’t come easy, and thus far, these come hand-in-hand for Samantha. Never backing out from new opportunities Samantha is open to exploring new fields to widen her horizon. “I am always optimistic about learning new things that help me better myself” She is most excited for a future “that is bright and prosperous!”
For the meantime, her earnest prayer is simply for this pandemic to be over. Samantha has confidence that once this Covid chapter has closed, we would all have emerged from it as better people. After overcoming this difficult predicament, she hopes that “we put into heart all of the lessons that this life changing event has taught us, and value every moment that we are alive.”
And it’s through this lens of gratitude that she is able to further hone her strengths and live life to the fullest!
Visit the Pages of DreamQueen Apparel and Movement Against Malaria by Samantha Bernardo.
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