Skip to main content

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.

Popular posts from this blog

Connie Carillo Diversified Farm in Bingawan: Helping Sustaining a Healthy Community Through Farm Schools

The area around the town of Bingawan, the edge of the central portion of the province is where it ends and the town of Tapaz, Capiz province begins and is very much another unsung corner of Iloilo with warm, friendly, welcoming people. Bingawan has some rich farming land and farming is at the heart of its village life. The landscapes are gorgeous here; with gentle pastures, to the high mountains. The area offers some beautiful hikes and bike trails across its lovely rolling meadows, woodland and a few working farms. The town would be less touristic than its neighboring towns but is well worth exploring. If you are concerned about how organic can contribute to benefit our shared environment, promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved, then a trip to Connie Carillo Diversified Farm is for you. With the governments’ efforts to improve the knowledge and technical skills of the farmers, the Connie Carillo Diversified Fa
Read more

Cebu Pacific Improves Travel Fund, Voucher Policies

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, makes significant improvements in its customer policies by offering non-expiring travel fund and extending the validity of travel voucher to provide passengers with better travel experience. Effective August 1, 2023, CEB rolled out the following changes: 1.         NO EXPIRATION OF TRAVEL FUNDS . Previously, travel funds were valid for six (6) months from the date of conversion. However, under the new policy, travel funds will no longer have an expiration date. Passengers can now use their travel funds as a virtual wallet to pay for new bookings or add-ons in the future without any time constraints.  In addition, those with a MyCebuPacific account can use their non-expiring travel funds not only                   for themselves but also for booking flights on behalf of their family members or friends, adding            an element of convenience and support for their loved ones' travel arrangements. 2.         LONGER TRAVEL
Read more

Building a Healthier Future Together: LG PH Donates to West Visayas State University Medical Center

 LG Philippines affirms its commitment to build a better community with its recent CSR initiative in Iloilo. The activity was spearheaded by LG, together with Mark Vincent Fabresis from ML Laundry Equipment and Supply and BigWash. 2 sets of Giant C Max and 2 sets of Titan C Max washers and dryers were donated to West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSU-MC) in Region VI, modernizing their laundry facilities. The turnover event, held on July 20, 2023, was attended by representatives from WVSU-MC, LG, and BigWash, highlighting the collective effort to enhance healthcare services in the region. L-R: Mr. Paul Rizzel Ledesma - Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Julio H. Lacao Jr.- Head of Linen Section, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Dr. Dave Endel R. Gelito III - Medical Chief II, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Dr. Celina C. Gelada - Vice President for Medical and Allied Services, West Visayas State University Medical Center, Mr. Philip Lee - Big Wash Director
Read more