The grand finale of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 was hosted on 25th October 2020 at the Cordillera Convention Hall of Baguio Country Club in Baguio City, where Rabiya Mateo was crowned as the new queen and became an official representative of the Philippines for Miss Universe 2020. Since her win, she has been busy with media appearances, charity work, and sponsor visits.
The beauty queen arrived to the Iloilo City at the morning of 13th November 2020 which was originally scheduled for 12th November 2020 but was pushed back due to the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses. She wore a beautiful red gown with keeping her crown on display while she waved at the people of her community. Rabiya made sure she had a safety face shield on to protect herself but she looked happy and grateful for all the love and support the people showered on her.
The Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas had posted the route of Rabiya’s motorcade in the city, “We will paint Iloilo City red! My beloved Ilonggos, we encourage you to come and welcome our Miss Universe Philippines 2020, Rabiya Mateo, on her homecoming to the City of Love on 13th November at 9:00 AM. Let us show the Ilonggos’ power by wearing red and bringing red pieces such as flaglets, banners, and balloons in support of the queen.”
"We also remind everyone to observe proper health protocols. Always wear your face masks and face shields, and observe social distancing. It is a day to celebrate and be proud of being an Ilonggo. Level up Iloilo!" he added.
According to the schedule released by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc, Rabiya's activities include a motorcade starting on Friday, a press conference, and the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Parol of Hope in SM Iloilo. The queen is scheduled to have an outreach program and the ceremonial lighting of a Christmas tree at the Festive Walk on 14th November 2020.
She is the first Ilongga to be selected to represent the country in the Miss Universe beauty pageant after Jaro, Iloilo native Louise Aurelio Vail, who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas in 1965. Vail was among the 15 semifinalists during that year’s Miss Universe in Miami, Florida, USA.