MANILA – It appears that Aya Abesamis has replaced Samantha Lo as the reigning Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2019.

In a post on its official Facebook page on Saturday, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) shared a photo of Abesamis attending an event while wearing the Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2019 sash.

Its caption likewise introduced the former 2019 1st runner-up as the new titleholder of the Grand International crown.

It was in November last year when Lo prematurely ended her reign as Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2019.

She submitted a resignation letter to the BPCI citing her need to pursue another direction in life.

Lo’s resignation came a month after she competed in the Miss Grand International pageant in Venezuela, where she came short of entering the top 20.

Her participation was marred with controversy in relation to her travel documents. She was detained in Paris due to issues with her passport, before she finally arrived in Venezuela.

BPCI and Lo subsequently released conflicting statements regarding her detention in Paris, and how the beauty queen had secured her passport.