Photos of Crizaldo (left) and Mateo (right)

Two Ilonggas made it to the list of official candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2020.

Rabiya Mateo of Balasan town and Kim Chi Crizaldo of Sara town are among the 52 candidates vying for a crown in the first edition of the pageant.

Mateo, the newly crowned Miss Iloilo 2020, will represent Iloilo City while Crizaldo will represent Iloilo province.

The Miss Iloilo 2020 pageant was among the major activities of the recently concluded Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City.

“It is such an honor nga ako guid and napilian to represent Iloilo City sa national stage. Kon ano ginpakita ko sa [Miss Iloilo pageant] doblehon ko pa sa [Miss Universe Philippines pageant],” Mateo said.

The 24-year-old beauty is a licensed physical therapist. She graduated cum laude from the Iloilo Doctors’ College (IDC) in the city.

Crizaldo, on the other hand, joined the Miss Iloilo City Tourism pageant in 2018.

The 24-year-old flight attendant was born in Seoul, South Korea. Her mother is an Ilongga.
The official candidates were presented to members of the press on Friday, Feb. 14.

The Miss Universe Philippines coronation night is set on May 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The winner will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant.IMT