Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo said the support of Ilonggos was one of her great sources of strength during her pageant stint.
“What I’ve been through is never easy. From the moment I won the Miss Universe Philippines [title] up until the Miss Universe competition binugbog ako emotionally, mentally,” Mateo told Boy Abunda in her first full interview after the pageant in Florida, USA.
But the Ilongga beauty queen said she kept reminding herself to be strong, never give up and give her best.
According to Mateo, she drew strength from the people of Iloilo who showed their support to her.
“Sa mga taga Iloilo talaga [ako kumapit]. When I won that was October 25, I didn’t feel na I was the winner but that moment I had my homecoming, I saw almost everybody shouting my name, cheering for me and doon ko narealize na ang sarap sa feeling na maiuwi ko ang korona sa Iloilo City. Sila (Ilonggos) talaga, pinagtatanggol nila ako sa lahat,” she said.
The 24-year-old licensed physical therapist won the Miss Universe Philippines title last year and became the country’s official representative to the 69th Miss Universe.
Mateo made it to the semifinals but failed to advance to the Top 10 of the international pageant.
“It was heartbreaking at first, but I realize every girl in the competition also made sacrifices and it’s all about destiny,” Mateo said in a statement she losted on Instagram.IMT
