Catriona Gray Welcomes Miss Universe PH 2020 Rabiya Mateo To The Sisterhood

Catriona Gray Welcomes Newly Crowned Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo To The Sisterhood

CATRIONA GRAY – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray congratulates Rabiya Mateo for bagging the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

Iloilo City’s representative Rabiya Mateo was named as the winner of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant. The preliminary and coronation event was held at the Baguio County Club.

The 23-year-old Mateo bested 46 other candidates representing cities and provinces nationwide. She received the just unveiled “Filipina” crown from Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados.

Catriona-Gray-4 — Photo Source: @catriona_gray IG

During the Q&A portion, Rabiya Mateo was asked whose image of any Pinoy does she want to be on the new paper currency. She said, “If I were given the chance, I want to use the face of Miriam Defensor-Santiago. For those who don’t know, she was an Ilongga. But what I admired about her is that she used her knowledge, her voice to serve the country. I want to be somebody like her – somebody who puts her heart, her passion into action. After all, she is the best President that we never had.”

Miss-Universe-Philippines-2020-Rabiya-Mateo-2 — Photo Source: @ABSCBNNews Twitter

For her second question, the Ilongga beauty queen shared where she thinks do beauty pagents stand during the pandemic. Rabiya said, “As a candidate, I know I am not just a face of Iloilo City but I am here carrying hope and as a symbol of light in the darkest of times. 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 pageant. It gives us the power to make a difference.”

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was quick to congratulate Rabiya Mateo. She also welcomed her to their sisterhood.

“Congratulations to our new queen Rabiya!!! Welcome to the sisterhood! Excited to witness your journey. Welcome to the sisterhood Queen,” she wrote.