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Miss Universe Philippines filmed different versions of coronation to prevent leaks, Rabiya Mateo says


Miss Universe Philippines 2020 taped different versions of the coronation prior to the announcement of the actual winner.

Titleholder Rabiya Mateo addressed the controversy in an interview with GMA-7's "Unang Hirit" after photos of other finalists getting crowned surfaced online.

"I think that was a safety protocol din ng Miss Universe Philippines, kasi sa ibang TV series, kunyari reality TV show, ganu'n 'yung nangyayari para walang may mag-leak," the beauty queen said.

As the supposed leaks fueled speculations on social media, Mateo said they were unaware of who the winner would be at the time.

"To be honest po, we were not aware who’s the real winner during that time, and yesterday ko lang din po nalaman. So it was still a surprise para sa 'ming lahat, kasi I think ilang tao lang din 'yung nakakaalam, not even the production staff," she said.

Rabiya Mateo was announced the winner of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 held at the Baguio Country Club on Sunday.

Ysabella Ysmael of Paranaque City was named first runner-up, while Michele Gumabao of Quezon City clinched second runner-up honors. Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol and Kimberly Hakenson of Cavite also made the top 5.

The pageant, however, did not go without controversy as Taguig bet Sandra Lemonon has posted cryptic Instagram Stories over the pageant.

"Get ready loves, tomorrow I will be announcing big news, it's time to be honest & speak facts," Lemonon said on Sunday.

In another story, she wrote: "Accepting defeat graciously is one of many mark of being a queen but what you forgot to say is that REAL queens Play FAIR don't CHEAT."

Quezon City bet Michele Gumabao also posted a statement saying she left the venue early Sunday morning "while the pageant was going on."

"I knew who won last night pa. I tried to go to the viewing party but everyone kept asking what happened. All the hugs, all the looks, I couldn't handle that," she wrote.

The second-runner-up also clarified she "can handle defeat." What she can't handle, Michelle said, were "people asking why why why." — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News

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