Rabiya Mateo National Costume Headpiece Not Worn, Is this the reason?

What could be the reason why Rabiya Mateo did not wear the sun headpiece during the national costume competition?

RABIYA MATEO – During the Miss Universe national costume competition, Rabiya Mateo did not wear her headpiece and Brenda Mage has this explanation.

Patterned and inspired by the Philippine flag is the national costume of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo which has impressed a lot of Filipinos. The outfit was created by the late Pinoy international fashion designer Rocky Gathercole. The strong strokes of blue and red that served as the color of her wings means “royalty” and “courage and strength” of an independent woman, respectively.

(See: National Costume of Rabiya Mateo Catches Attention)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CO1l4WCHMnw/

Aside from the two dominant colors, people were also impressed over the other details such as matching her outfit with red and blue heels on her feet and the three stars which represented Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao – the three major islands of the Philippine archipelago.

(See: Catriona Gray Personal Top 6 In National Costume, PH Not Included)

However, there has been a photo circulating online which looked as if a headpiece is included in the whole outfit but was not worn by Rabiya during the competition. In an explanation from Brenda Mage, a gay beauty pageant finalist, and a famous comedian, shared some enlightenment about it citing some rules under the Republic Act 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines”.

(See: Miss Universe 2020 National Costume Competition Live Stream)

Brenda cited the rules stated under Section 34, which says, “It shall be prohibited (e) to wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform” and “(g) to print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise.”

Rabiya Mateo National Costume — Photo grabbed on FB | Brenda Mage

The comedian also cited IPOPHL Director General Josephine R. Santiago on his post: “State flags or emblems, or coat of arms are not allowed under the Intellectual Property Code. The rationale behind it is, that’s a national symbol – owned by the public. No individual firm or entity can own it. Intellectual property, trademark among them of course, gives exclusivity. But the symbol belongs to everyone, to the nation.”

Meanwhile, in the comment section, someone said that the reason why she wasn’t able to wear it is that the headpiece did not fit perfectly on her head. It was accordingly too big for her head.