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After successfully bagging the title of Miss Universe Philippines 2020, beauty queen Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City is easing her way to her new life and thanking the many people who have helped her achieve her goal.

In particular, Rabiya commended her mom and her grandmother for becoming her symbol of a strong, empowered woman.

“These two are the strongest women that I know,” she said on Instagram after posting a photograph of her two relatives.

“Both were single mothers but were able to raise their children full of dreams and aspirations in life.”

She continued, “To my Lola Sol in heaven, your favorite apo is now Miss Universe Philippines. I love you so, so, so much. I wish you were still here witnessing our victory.”

View this post on Instagram

We made it, Mama and Lola! These two are the strongest women that I know. Both were single mothers but were able raise their children full of dreams and aspiration in life. To my Lola Sol in heaven, your favorite apo is now Miss Universe Philippines. I love you so so so much. I wish you were still here witnessing our victory.🖤 (Will be posting a thank you message later) #MissUniversePhilippines2020 #aribarabiya #halabirabiya

A post shared by Rabiya Mateo (@rabiyamateo) on Oct 26, 2020 at 8:59pm PDT

In the comments, several queens have congratulated the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines, including that of Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtbach.

“Congratulations, queen! Welcome to the sisterhood. Ikaw ang bunso!” Pia said.

In reply, Rabiya wrote, “Aww! Thank you, Ate Pia. I can't wait to talk to you about life. I know madami ako matututunan.”

Rabiya was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 last October 25.