Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2020. The pageant was held at the Baguio Country Club’s Cordillera Convention Hall on October 25, 2020.
A licensed Physical Therapist and graduated as cum laude from the Iloilo Doctor’s College back in 2018. She stands 170 cm tall. Her father is an Indian and her mother is a Filipina. She works at a Review Center as Review Coordinator and Lecturer. Rabiya is an education advocate.
Her winning answer during the Top 5 Q/A:
Q1: 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?
A: "If I were given the chance, I would want to use the face of Miriam Defensor-Santiago. For those who don't know, she was an Ilongga, but what I admire 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."
Q2: This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential and non-essential. Where do pageants stand in this time of crisis?
A: "As a candidate, I know I am not just the face of Iloilo City but I am here carrying hope as a symbol of light in the darkest times. And 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."
Rabiya is just a 22-year-old young lady who bested 45 other candidates that will represent the Philippines for the Miss Universe (schedule to be announced).
