Gloria Diaz positive about Rabiya Mateo's chance of winning Miss Universe crown

In just a couple of weeks, Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo will proudly represent the country in the prestigious international beauty pageant.

One of the Filipinos who fully supports Rabiya is none other than Gloria Diaz, the first Filipinas to win the Miss Universe crown in 1969.

At the online media conference of her upcoming movie, Mommy Issues, on Thursday, April 29, the former beauty queen was asked about her opinion on Rabiya and her chances of winning the Miss Universe title.

"Maganda naman si Rabiya talaga," she said.

"We can never really tell but, you know, she is really deserving.

"Actually, ang dami kong nakikitang photos niya and she seems to be a very nice girl."

On the other hand, Gloria's co-actress, Pokwang, confidently claimed, "Maiuuwi niya ang korona. Maiuuwi niya 'yan, period!"

As of Thursday, Rabiya is leading in the local online poll for Miss Universe on the Lazada shopping app.

The Top 21 Miss Universe will be based on the said online poll.

Check out Rabiya Mateo's journey to Miss Universe in this gallery:

Meanwhile, in an online tally, the Philippines tops the Asian countries with the most number of Miss Universe titles.

When told about this, Gloria said in jest, "I'm so happy. At least, hindi lang tayo sa COVID number one!"

Then, she added, "At the same time, pwedeng tayo na siguro ang pinakamaraming Miss Universe crowns. After how many years, 45 years, 'tapos sunud-sunod na ngayon. Viva La Filipina!"

If Rabiya wins, she will be fifth Filipina to win the title following Gloria, Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).