Third time's a charm for Binibini Samantha Bernardo.

After joining Binibining Pilipinas for the third time, Bernardo was handpicked to represent the Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2020 pageant in Thailand on March 27.

Bernardo is the first Filipino to compete in an international competition this year. She is a rhythmic gymnast, who is also a financial advisor and businesswoman.

"I was on vacation in Boracay when they called me. Sabi ko, 'Oh my gosh!' This is it," said Bernardo when asked where she was when she received the wonderful news during a Zoom conference with members of pageant media on February 19.

Bernardo, 25, vowed to bring home the golden crown for the Philippines as she flies to Thailand on Feb. 24.

"Maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta. Manalo, matalo andiyan pa rin kayo. Rest assured that I will give my 110 percent. I am prepared for the competition," she said.

During the event, Samantha shared on her thoughts on her participation in an international pageant during the time of worldwide pandemic.

"For a moment, with the pandemic happening, medyo nag-isip din ako: does it really makes sense for me to join a pageant now? But with the support of the people behind me, I felt that this makes sense. At the end of the day, sabi ko, ilalaban ko ito,” Bernardo said.

“If it’s not me, who? If it’s not now, when?” she added.

Bernardo also gamely responded to questions from media, which range from her experiences during her Binibini stint, her preparations for the upcoming international pageant, up to her personal advocacies.

Asked about her thoughts on the mission of the competition which is to stop war and violence, the beauty queen from Palawan said: "It is a global effort which we need to eliminate. But it's not about violence but it's also fighting our fears."

Bernardo first competed in Bb. Pilipinas 2018 where she won 2nd runner-up. In 2019, she joined again and won the same placement. She competed for the third time and was personally handpicked for the international competition.

The new Filipino beauty queen is also fighting malaria as part of her advocacy.

She has joined the worldwide campaign of football superstar David Beckham in the campaign to stop the mosquito-related disease.

“Malaria must die. So millions can live. I’m super honored to be part of this world movement with David Beckham and Malaria Must Die as your Malaria Free Philippines spokesperson, " said Bernardo on Facebook recently.

“I thank God for this opportunity and pledge to continue doing this until we achieve Malaria Free Philippines by 2030 together with the Department of Health and Kilusan Ligtas Malaria. We salute all our leaders, volunteers and spokesperson internationally. You too, can make a difference. We need your support. Join and follow us to spread awareness for our future generation and #BeatMalaria," she also said.