Around GMA

Article Inside Page

The road to the Miss Universe 2020 crown is nearing its home stretch, with only a few days remaining before coronation night.

The prestigious pageant will take place on May 16 (May 17, Monday, Philippine time) at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Philippine bet Rabiya Mateo is among the early favorites to win the coveted title, at least based on feedback from pageant observers.

Many, of course, are hoping that her popularity among fans would rub off on the judges on the big day.

But win or lose, Rabiya is already a winner in the hearts of many Filipinos including Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee.

“You continually surprise us with your tenacity and drive to be better every day. All your hard work and sacrifices have led you to the Miss Universe competition and I am confident that you will continue to make us proud. Just remember that you are already a winner no matter what,” wrote Shamcey on Instagram in support of the beauty queen from Iloilo.

“And to all the Filipino fans, thank you for the overwhelming support. Para sa inyo ang laban na 'to!”

Shamcey knows too well the pressure resting on Rabiya's shoulders as the pageant date draws near.

Back in 2011, a 25-year-old Shamcey represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant held in São Paulo, Brazil.

Shamcey gave out a strong performance but fell short, settling for third runner-up behind Brazil's Priscilla Machado, Ukraine's Olesya Stefanko, and winner, Leila Lopes from Angola.

Now, and as the head of MUPH, Shamcey generously shares her wisdom with Rabiya as she attempts to be the fifth Miss Universe winner from the Philippines.

Rabiya referred to Shamcey as her “idol,” something that she brought up during a virtual chat with the media recently.

“I remember that Miss Iloilo night and when she was putting the crown on top of my head I told her that, 'I'm a fan, Ms. Shamcey.' And sabi niya, 'Don't be,' Rabiya recalled the surreal moment that took place in 2019.

“I can't imagine that it's been months of preparing and I built a strong friendship with somebody like her, somebody who I [only] see on television and the moment I won she was always there, she would always message me 'Kamusta ka na?' 'How are you doing?'”

“And, 'If may mga bagay ka na gustong pag-usapan, let's talk about it.'

“Para ko na siyang naging ate. That's why thank you so much, Ms. Shamcey for playing a big role in this journey. I also offer this fight to you.”

Shamcey, like a true ate who speaks from experience, imparted a piece of valuable advice for Rabiya to remember throughout her stay in the Miss Universe bubble.

“Don't think [too much] anymore, all the training, all the late-night training with your Q & A, your catwalk, everything,” Shamcey told Rabiya.

“My advice for you is to enjoy, to enjoy the moments with your fellow candidates because it will just really fly by very fast. It's going to be just 10 days and magugulat ka na lang tapos na siya.

“So I just want you to savor every moment at the Miss Universe competition, kasi tapos na 'yung hard work mo. Everything will just fall into place.

“Kumbaga you're prepared and I've seen your transformation, hindi lang ako kundi ang buong Pilipinas, na-amaze sa transformation mo.

“No matter what happens we are very proud of you and you are our queen, no matter what.”

Take a look at some of Rabiya's jaw-dropping photos in this gallery: