Iloilo's Rabiya Mateo is Miss Universe Philippines 2020

 Iloilo's Rabiya Mateo is Miss Universe Philippines 2020

Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City was crowned the winner of the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant held at the Baguio Country Club. The finals aired on Sunday, October 25.

Rabiya, 23, was crowned by Gazini Ganados, who placed in the Top 20 of the Miss Universe pageant last year.

Rabiya Mateo, Iloilo City: (Question and Answer)

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?

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.

This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential and non-essential. Where do pageants stand in this time of 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, 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."

The rest of the Top 5 were ranked as follows:

1st runner-up: Maria Ysabella "Bella" Ysmael, Parañaque

2nd runner-up: Michele Gumabao, Quezon City

3rd runner-up: Pauline Amelinckx, Bohol

4th runner-up: Kimberly "Billie" Hakenson, Cavite

Rabiya will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant.