After Miss Globe 2019, Philippines is set to compete again for Miss Grand International title with PH bet Samantha Lo at Caracas, Venezuela.
Pre-pageant activities already started in Venezuela when fans noticed Lo’s absence. Lo said that she wanted to remain silent until she arrived in Caracas safely because the local organizer was not able to equip her with proper transit visa that should’ve enabled her to complete an earlier trip to the host country.
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“Despite what happened last week and the trauma that came with it, I have moved forward and pursued this journey knowing that I did not intentionally commit any of the acts that have been unfairly attributed to me,” she said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed they received reports saying “[Lo] was unable to continue her journey to Caracas due to alleged issues with her passport.”
“It is not easy for me to do this — I still struggle with the fear and the trauma of recent days — but I know there is a bigger picture here and I will not let such fear silence me or deter me from the grand task ahead,” she said.
Despite the unfortunate events, she aims to bring home the crown and she expressed her gratitude to Miss Grand International for welcoming her.
“I have come here not only as the candidate from the Philippines but as the voice of those who have faced similar situations like mine, the voice of those who have been abandoned of opportunity and pressured to remain silent.”