MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday congratulated newly crowned Miss Universe Philippine 2020 Rabiya Mateo.
In a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the “stars have aligned” for the Ilongga beauty.
“Binabati po namin si Ms. Iloilo, Rabiya Mateo, na itinanghal na Miss Universe Philippines kahapon,” said Roque, who also served as one of the judges for the pageant.
(We congratulate Ms. Iloilo, Rabiya Mate, who was proclaimed Miss Universe Philippines yesterday.)
“Nag-align ang mga bituin para siya ang iproklamang pinakatatanging Pilipina sa buong universe. Congratulations to Ms. Mateo and may her reign be fruitful and productive,” he added.
(The stars have aligned for her to be proclaimed extraordinary Filipino woman in the entire universe.)
Mateo, 22, was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines on Sunday after she bested more than 40 other candidates.
During the pageant’s question and answer portion, Mateo was asked where do pageants stand during a crisis.
“As a candidate, I know I’m not just the face of Iloilo City, but I am here carrying hope and as a symbol of light in the darkest times,” Mateo said.
“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 a beauty pageant. It gives us the power to make a difference,” she added.
