Ilongga crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020. Rabiya Mateo, whose name means princess or queen, a 23 year-old Filipina-Indian stunner from Balasan, Iloilo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 during a competition held in Baguio City on Sunday, October 25. Mateo is graduate of bachelor of science in physical therapy, Mateo finished cum laude, best intern and university valedictorian where she delivered her speech on behalf of the graduates of Batch 2018 at the Iloilo Doctors’ College. This 5’6 beauty works at SRG Manila Review Center as review coordinator and lecturer.

During the final question-and-answer, the top 5 candidates were given two questions. For the first question, Mateo was asked: “If you could create a new paper currency with the image of any Filipino on it, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

The now Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo answered: “If I were given the chance, I will use the face of Miriam Defensor- Santiago. For those who do not know, she was an Ilongga but what I admire about her is that she used her knowledge and 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 we never had.”

For the final question-and-answer, which is also the common question for the top 5 girls, Mateo was asked: “This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential or non-essential, where do pageants stand in the time of crisis?” Mateo answered: “As a candidate, I know that I am not just the face of Iloilo City. But I am here carrying hope and as a symbol of light in the darkest times. And I want to help my community. I want to use my strength to make an impact. That is the essence of beauty pageants. It gives us the power to make a difference.”

Hail to the new Queen! A well-deserved win. Congratulations Miss Rabiya Mateo from all of us in Filtrends and your fellow Filipinos!