By: Liah Roxas – Magundayao
Despite of not being able to bring home the Crown, Mateo, during an Instagram live, Mateo said that She believes that the end of her beauty pageant stint is “A beautiful start of something new”.
Rabiya O. Mateo, a 24yr old half Filipina hailing from IloIlo City, was among the 74 candidates who competed for the 69th Miss Universe crown. She ended her journey on Monday, May 17 as a semifinalist in the Top 21.
Candidates who made it to the top 10 were: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, India, Peru, Australia, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Costa Rica, Mexico and Brazil.
Andrea Meza of Mexico bagged home the pageantry crown, held in Hollywood Florida USA.
Mateo was able to continue the Philippines winning streak for it’s 11th consecutive year for the country’s list of Miss Universe representatives placing in the top 20.
“Actually, it’s just one girl who’s going to be crowned, but I know in my heart, every one of us, we are alright even without that crown,” Mateo added.
Messages of love and support pour in for Mateo as She ends her journey. Former beauty queens and known personalities showed support through kind and motivating words for her Hard work representing the country to the Miss Universe stage. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray sent messages of love and encouragement in their social media.
Rabiya Mateo believes that the friendship between the candidates, the impact She gave to everyone and the opportunity to represent the country is what matters the most.
The Philippines will just have to wait again for another opportunity to shine and bring home the crown.
