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Iloilo City's Rabiya Mateo crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2020

"As a candidate, I know I'm not just a face of Iloilo City. But I am here carrying hope as a symbol of light in the darkest times." 

Rabiya Mateo's answer to the question "This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential or non-essential...

Where do pageants stand in this crisis?" sealed her fate to the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 crown in a taped as live grand coronation ceremony held at Baguio Country Club in Baguio City.


Completing her answer to the applause of the viewsers "As of the moment, I want to help my community. I want to use my strength to make an impact.

"And that is the essence of beauty pageants—it gives us the power to make a difference."

A consistent crowd favorite, Rabiya aced not the just the Q&A portion but also gave a total performance during the show. She was adjudged Best in Swimsuit in the preliminaries.


The Top 5 candidates were given two consecutive questions for the Q&A round.

When Rabiya came on stage, she exuded charm and confidence by laughing heartily as she exchanged pleasantries with pageant host, KC Montero.

First she was asked: "If you could create any new paper currency with the image of a Filipino on it, dead or alive, who would it be and why?"

Rabiya's winning answer paying respect and admiration to another Ilongga: "If I were given the chance, I want to use the face of Miriam Defensor Santiago for those who don't know, she was an Ilongga.


"But what I admired about her is that she used her knowledge, 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 that we never had."

Rabiya was first crowned as Miss Iloilo Universe 2020 in this year's Dinagyang Festival celebration last January paving the way as the city's official representative to the Miss Universe - Philippines 2020 pageant.

Besting 47 candidates, Rabiya will compete for the Miss Universe 2020 international beauty pageant following Gazini Ganados's stint last December 2019.

The other Miss Universe Philippines 2020 placers are:
  • First RU: Miss Parañaque Ysabella Roxas Ysmael
  • Second RU: Miss Quezon City Michelle Gumabao
  • Third RU: Miss Bohol Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx
  • Fourth RU: Miss Cavite Billie Hakenson
The pageant judges are: Frontrow President RS Francisco, Congressman Eric Yap, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, General Manager JCA Productions Jackie C. Aquino, IPG Media Brands CEO Venus Navalta, Miss Universe 2020 first runner-up, Janine Tugonon, Baguio first lady Arlene Magalong, P&G Group Director for Media Arthur Peña, and Frontrow CEO Sam Verzosa.

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