
After spending a week in Los Angeles, California, Miss Universe Philippines bet Rabiya Mateo was greeted by fellow Pinoys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the 69th Miss Universe competition.
Her arrival was shared in an update by Miss Universe Philipines creative director Jonas Gaffud, who was one seat away from the beauty queen.
“Rabiya Mateo and team are now in Florida for final preparations prior to hotel check in on May 6,” he captioned.
Source: Kirsten Regalado on Facebook
Florida-based Filipino pageant fans greeted the beauty queen upon her arrival at the airport, which was followed by a welcome breakfast together with the team and fans.
News show 24 Oras also reported that Rabiya was invited for an exclusive dinner in one of the most popular Japanese restaurants in Hollywood prior to her arrival in Florida.
The creative director also stated that Rabiya was “battle-ready” for the competition, leaving fans eagerly anticipating for her to take the stage this May.
“Ibubuhos ko ang lahat ng lakas sa laban na ito at taas noo kong sasabihin, 'Ikinararangal kong maging modernong Pilipina sa isip, sa puso, sa diwa, sa salita at sa gawa',” Rabiya captioned in an Instagram post.
The 69th Miss Universe competition will be held on May 16 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida with over 70 candidates.
Checkout the beauty queen's journey to Miss Universe in this gallery below: