The Miss Universe franchise in the Philippines, previously held by Binibining Pilipinas, was granted to Miss Universe Philippines organization which is headed by national director Shamcey Supsup-Lee. As a separate organization Miss Universe Philippines will encourage Filipina women to become empowered individuals, who also embody the mission of being agents of meaningful change wherever they are.

The first edition of Miss Universe Philippines i.e. Miss Universe Philippines 2020 is all set to host its coronation in the month of October in Mall of Asia Arena, Bay City, Pasay, Metro Manila. Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados will crown her successor at the end of the finale. Rabiya Mateo has become the official representative of Iloilo City for Miss Universe Philippines 2020 is one of the fan favorites for the title.

Rabiya, whose name means “princess or queen”, stands 170 cm tall and hails from Balasan, Iloilo. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the Iloilo Doctors College. She now works at SRG Manila Review Center as Review Coordinator and Lecturer.

Rabiya who has always been passionate about beauty pageants and representing her province at international stage hope to bring forth another successful finish for Iloilo City. Rabiya wasn’t keen on posting the help she has given towards the City of Love but she has somehow loosened up and has opened the things she has done to inspire people with social media.

The diva who feels that being a beauty queen gives her the power and stage to advocate about the thing’s individuals should take on especially during such tough times. She has been volunteering in Iloilo to help the front liners and anyone who is need. After realizing the power to inspire others, she gradually opened her private world for people to see what she has been up to during this quarantine period.

Rabiya in cooperation with BULIG (a Hiligaynon word that means “help”) of the Jazmin Foundation, volunteered her time and effort to raise donations for the PPEs of front liners as well as financial assistance for pedicab drivers who lost their means of income as a result of the ECQ. She also stepped out of her comfort zone to be one of those who made the PPEs at the Iloilo Science and Technology University with assistance from the Iloilo Chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The diva strongly believes that no one in the world should be left alone and not during the time of pandemic. She wanted to be more involved and to do something personal for the amazing heroes who have been working tirelessly to stop the spread of the virus in the communities.  As for the hungry, Rabiya took part in cooking and preparing meals for the frontliners at the Iloilo Doctors Hospital – an initiative started by Lars Buko Batchoy and where her presence alone was enough to motivate the rest of the volunteers to stand up and be counted.

When it comes to her intended cause, Rabiya is a staunch advocate of education. She believes that it is the solid way to a better and successful future. “As an educator, I want people to see education the way that I see it – a golden ticket to success. Knowledge is and always will be power, wherever you are, whoever you’re with. If you are knowledgeable you will excel and become successful,” the diva said.

Rabiya will be a strong contender as her motive too is firmed and with that, the diva can surely reach heights. She is a strong-willed girl and with her charming personality, she can easily impress the judges. Being a beauty queen Rabiya realized her power and stood up for the front liners and anyone who needs the essential items in such tough times of pandemic.

The diva is also preparing herself for the competition as she is working on her on-stage walk, body postures, body angles, communication, and interview skills. She is also maintaining her body healthy and fit for the competition and experimenting with her looks for the competition. Rabiya is not just a delegate from Iloilo who is responsible to represent the province but is also an inspiration for everyone out there because with power comes responsibility and one should be able to take that responsibility. Rabiya is often described as a positive role model, a harbinger of hope and a rallying point. She can truly be one of the strongest contender for the title of Miss Universe Philippines 2020.