Rabiya Mateo spills the tea behind her controversial Miss Universe national costume

Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo just spilled the tea about some controversies surrounding her performance at the National Costume Competition of the Miss Universe pageant.

In a virtual interview with "Unang Hirit," the beauty queen said she only received her Philippine flag-inspired outfit on the day of the actual event.

"To those who don't know, I only got my costume on the (same) day. It's like an hour away from the event," she said in Filipino.

Due to the weight, Rabiya made a couple of quick adjustments like altering her skirt and setting aside her sun-inspired headpiece.

"I cut my skirt on the spot, because it was so heavy for me. And my head-dress, I wasn't able to wear it, because I was scared I would lose my balance," she said.

Rabiya added that this was part of the reason why she got so emotional during her Instagram Live after the competition.

"I felt bad for the designers who helped me and, of course, I felt pressured because the competition was starting," she said.

"I also got emotional in my IG Live because at the time, I wanted to thank everyone who supported me," she added.

Rabiya however said that her workouts prior to the pageant paid off, because she was still able to carry the the heavy dress.

"The wings were really heavy that's why when I was walking in seven-inch heels, I kept thinking to myself: Just don't fall and you'll be fine. Just take it easy," she said.

Rabiya Mateo exited the 2020 Miss Universe competition as part of the Top 21, while the crown went to Mexico's Andrea Meza.

During the pageant's national costume competition, Rabiya Mateo emerged in a Philippine flag-inspired costume with giant wings that were said to weigh more than 20 kilograms.

The costume, which was created by late Filipino fashion designer Rocky Gathercole, was missing a sun-inspired headpiece made by renowned costume and jewelry designer Manny Halasan.

Rabiya went on Instagram Live after the show, turning emotional while thanking her supporters and apologizing to those who felt disappointed in her performance. —Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News