MANILA, Philippines — Despite placing second in the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant, Parañaque City bet Ysabella Ysmael still earned praise from her beauty queen aunt, Miss Universe 1973 Margarita “Margie” Moran.
“The first runner up is my Champion,” Moran said of her niece in an Instagram post Sunday.
“You were a standout but the purpose designed for you is greater than you can imagine,” Moran added.
“We love you for who you are,” Moran told Ysmael.
And Ysmael was visibly touched by her aunt’s words, as she replied: “I love you, Tita Margie. Thank you for the overflowing love, never ending support, and loving guidance.”
It was 22-year-old Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City who bagged the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 crown during a pre-taped coronation ceremonies held at the Baguio Country Club’s Cordillera Convention Hall.
Mateo will try to become the fifth Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown after Moran, Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Gloria Diaz (1969).