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Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo lights up Festive Walk Iloilo's giant Christmas Tree

Celebrating her 24th birthday today, November 14, Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo did not only blew a candle on top of a birthday cake but also led the lighting of the giant Christmas Tree at Festive Walk Iloilo.

Iloilo City’s pride has come home to a rousing welcome from the Ilonggos with Iloilo Business Park hosting Ilonggo beauty queen on her grand homecoming after winning the crown a few weeks ago. 


“We are so proud that Iloilo Busines Park is Rabiya’s official host for her grand homecoming this weekend. She has a perfect model not just to Ilonggos but to all Filipino in terms of how a phenomenal woman like her inspires young people to continue to dream bigger,” says Jennifer Palmares-Fong, vice president for sales and marketing, Iloilo Business Park



Fresh from being crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2020, Rabiya Mateo has flown back to her hometown for the very first time to be with her family, thanking her fellow Ilonggos for their all-out support throughout her journey. 

Aside from her homecoming, Rabiya is also marking two other milestones during her short stay in Iloilo City. First is her birthday and the other one is her first-ever Christmas tree lighting as Miss Universe Philippines at Festive Walk Iloilo - both on the same day.

Richmonde Hotel inside Iloilo Business Park became the official home of Rabiya and her family during this homecoming. 


“We welcome Rabiya and her family with the richness of genuine Ilonggo hospitality,” says Natalie Lim, resident manager, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo.

During the lighting ceremony, Ilonggos gets a closer look at Rabiya as she struts her signature pageant walk, aptly called the “Festive Walk.”


“Rabiya’s milestone has once again put Iloilo City in the global spotlight, and we are more than happy to support her as she vies for the Miss Universe crown next year. We are very excited to see her do her signature ‘Festive Walk’ at the global stage. For us, she is truly an embodiment of a guwapa nga Ilongga that mirrors a phenomenal woman with a heartfelt beauty,” Palmares-Fong adds.

Know more about highlights and updates of Rabiya’s first-ever Christmas tree lighting by following Festive Walk Iloilo on Facebook www.facebook.com/FestiveWalkIloilo. ###


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