At the conclusion of the first edition of Miss Universe Philippines under a new leadership held just hours ago at Cordillera Convention Hall, Baguio, Rabiya Mateo from Iloilo city was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and became the official representative of Philippines at Miss Universe 2020. Rabiya succeeds Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados.
Hailing from Iloilo, Rabiya was a part of the favourites for the crown since the beginning of the competition but no one really realised how fast she climbed the ladder to the win. She was definitely a strong competitor giving the most sincere and dedicated performance.
Rabiya is also a staunch advocate of education. “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”, Rabiya said at the beginning of the competition.
The newly crowned Mis Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo’s court included –
1st Runner-up - Ysabella Ysmael from Parañaque
2nd Runner-up - Michele Gumabao from Quezon City
3rd Runner-up - Pauline Amelinckx from Bohol
4th Runner-up - Kimberly Hakenson from Cavite
From the forty-six stunning beauties who made it to the finals, only sixteen made it to the final cut which included Sandra Lemonon, Marie Fee Tajaran, Riana Pangindian, Caroline Veronilla, Lou Dominique Piczon, Alaiza Malinao, Apriel Smith, Tracey Maureen Perez, Paula Madarieta Ortega, Christelle Abello apart from the winner and her court. Skelly Ivy Florida made it to the final Top 16 as she was the Fan Vote Winner.
The Major awards included Lou Dominique Piczon winning the Best in National Costume award, Rabiya Mateo winning Best in swimsuit, Ysabella Ysmael winning Best in Evening Gown award, Pauline Amelinckx winning Face of the Universe while Tracy Maureen Perez winning Miss Photogenic award.
The finale was hosted by American radio DJ and actor KC Montero while American Idol alum Jessica Sanchez and Filipino actors Allen Cecilio, Anjo Damiles, and Kevin Montillano performed as musical guests.
This year’s pageant was the first edition of the national pageant under new leadership. Shamcey Supsup became the National Director and under her delegation, it marked the first time in the history of the Miss Universe Filipino franchise that contestants could communicate in other local Philippine languages other than Filipino. All in all, it was a win for the director as the finale was held successfully.
Congratulations to all the winners!