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Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo fires short but powerful answers in quick-fire Q&A
On her first morning as Miss Universe Philippines 2020, Rabiya Mateo virtually stopped by "Unang Hirit" to talk about her crown, the competition and life outside the pageant scene.
The 23-year-old Ilogga beauty also showed off her smooth and breezy question-and-answer skills in a "rapid Q&A" during the morning show.
Rabiya gave some profound and well-rounded answers to simple this-or-that questions. When asked to choose between sunrise or sunset, she replied: "I would choose sunrise because it represents home and new beginnings."
When asked to choose between "beach or mountain," she said: "Mountains because I love to climb greater heights."
Rabiya even had a graceful answer to "career or love life."
"Ngayon, career muna because 'yung love life makakapaghintay 'yan diyan!" she said, awakening cheers from the studio.
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The 23-year-old from Iloilo City, who won Best in Swimsuit during the preliminary rounds, likewise stole the show during the final question-and-answer portion.
She was asked: "If you could create a new paper currency with the image of any Filipino on it dead or alive, who would it be and why?"
Mateo said she would pick the late Miriam Defensor-Santiago, explaining: "For those who don't know, she was an Ilongga. But what I admired about her is that she used her knowledge, her voice to serve the country. And I want to be somebody like her. Somebody who puts her heart, her passion into action. And after all, she is the best president that we never had."
She was also asked: "This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential or non-essential. Where do pageants stand in this time of crisis?"
Rabiya answered: "As a candidate, I know I am not just the face of Iloilo city. But I am here carrying hope and as a symbol of light in the darkest times. And as of the moment, I want to help my community. I want to use my strength to make an impact. And that is the essence of beauty pageants. It gives us the power to make a difference."
— Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News