Ever since the coronation, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo’s win has been clouded with all the criticisms. With all the support from her sister queens, Rabiya has now received Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s support.

During an interview at ANC News program ‘Headstart’,  Catriona said, “I’ve actually already personally reached out to Rabiya…But I just try to comfort her to know that, at the Miss Philippines, there is always people who would talk about you…give positive and negative.”

“It really comes with the territory of being a Philippine Queen. But she (Rabiya) has an amazing opportunity, considering what her back has really gone through to be able to perform at the level that they have, and what the country is still going through this pandemic. So, she has an amazing opportunity to really rise above the hate and rise above the criticisms…and really show people how a queen can positively impact a community at such a time as this”, she added.

At the interview, Catriona was also asked about her opinion on alleged cheating in beauty pageants to which she said, “Honestly, there is always the judging score process, but there’s also the treatment of the candidates. It’s hard for me to speak specifically for the actual judging system at the recent Miss Universe Philippines pageant, since it’s a new pageant and I’m privy to that information.”

Catriona has, thus, advised Rabiya to turn negativity into something that will make her stronger. She has also highlighted the importance of fairness for every candidate as she believes they are given the same conditions, the same resources at the pageant and also that the judging panel is properly briefed and it’s really all about equal footing. Well, it’s definitely beautiful to watch a queen support another one.