Ilongga stunner Rabiya Mateo will represent the Philippines in Miss Universe 2020, the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant.

On Sunday, October 25, Rabiya was crowned Miss Universe 2020, besting more than 40 other candidates representing cities and provinces nationwide.

The pageant’s grand finale was held at the Baguio Country Club’s Cordillera Convention Hall.

The 23-year-old Iloilo City candidate impressed judges and viewers with her answers during the question and answer portion of the pageant.

The Top 5 finalists were given two consecutive questions each. For the first question, Mateo was asked: “If you could create a new paper currency with the image of any Filipino on it, dead or alive, who would it be and why?”

The licensed physical therapist answered: “If I were given the chance, I will use the face of Miriam Defensor- Santiago. For those who do not know, she was an Ilongga but what I admire about her is that she used her knowledge and her voice to serve the country. And I want to be somebody like her. Somebody who puts her heart, her passion into action. And after all, she is the best president we never had.”

For the second question, Mateo was asked: “This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential or non-essential, where do pageants stand in the time of crisis?”

She answered: “As a candidate, I know that I am not just the face of Iloilo City. But I am here carrying hope and as a symbol of light in the darkest times. And I want to help my community. I want to use my strength to make an impact. That is the essence of beauty pageants. It gives us the power to make a difference.”  

The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Top 5 included 4th Runner-Up (Miss Cavite Kimberly “Billie” Hakenson), 3rd Runner-Up (Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx), 2nd Runner-Up (Miss Quezon City Michele Gumabao), 1st Runner-Up (Miss Parañaque Ysabella Ysmael), and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 (Miss Iloilo City Rabiya Mateo).

Mateo said she would do everything she can to become the fifth Filipina to win the international Miss Universe crown after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).

The date and venue of the Miss Universe 2020 pageant have yet to be announced.

Mateo graduated cum laude from Iloilo Doctors’ College. She currently works at SRG Manila Review Center as review coordinator and lecturer.IMT