Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) 2020 Rabiya Mateo said her success in the national pageant is the success of the whole Iloilo City.
“Sa tanan nga Ilonggo nga nagsuporta sa akon nga journey nga ni, gina-offer ko gid sa inyo with all my heart, with all my soul ang crown nga ini,” the 24-year-old Ilongga beauty queen said in an interview.
“I wouldn’t be here without those people who supported me,” she added.
Mateo bested 45 other candidates from different parts of the country in the recently concluded MUP 2020 in Baguio City.
The licensed physical therapist admitted that she still couldn’t believe she won the pageant.
“It was a surprise win. Hindi parin ako makapaniwala na I won. I wanted it, gusto ko gid ya magdaug but I didn’t expect that it will happen right away. This is my first ever national pageant and other contestants were bigatin, well-experienced, well-versed, have solid support groups,” she said.
“It’s one in a life opportunity to be able to win the Miss Universe Philippines crown and to represent the Philippines in the international pageant,” Mateo added.IMT
