Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo: 'If para sa 'yo, then ibibigay sa 'yo ni God'

Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City feels thankful and honored to be the Philippines' new representative to the Miss Universe pageant.

In an exclusive interview with GMA-7's "Unang Hirit" on Monday morning after her coronation, the 23-year-old Ilongga beauty confessed that she herself "did not expect her big win at the Baguio Country Club on Sunday.

The beauty queen expressed her gratitude to all who supported her, especially since she started out as the "underdog" of the competition.

"I will be honest po. I also didn't expect to win. I mean, I wanted to win. I gave everything, pero kasi napakarami mo ring magagaling na kalaban na nakasabay," Mateo said.

"However, sabi nga nila: If para sa 'yo, then ibibigay sa 'yo ni God," she added.

Rabiya was still feeling a "mix of emotions" when UH hosts Suzi Entrata and Lyn Ching asked her how she was being crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020.

The beauty queen was also asked what she thought was her "edge" on the other contestants during the pageant.

"Actually, hindi pa talaga siya nagsi-sink in na nanalo na talaga ako ng first ever Miss Universe Philippines na title. However, nararamdaman ko po ngayon is mix of emotions. Masaya na kinakabahan na medyo pressured din po because, of course, I want to continue the Philippine legacy sa international stage. And, dati pangarap lang 'to, pero nangyari na siya."

"And, as of the moment, I feel na ang dami-daming tao 'yung nagsu-support sa'kin, even though I started as the underdog kasi dati po hindi naman ako nakakakapasok sa mga prediction list ng mga mananalo and then, noong papalapit na ng papalapit na po 'yung competition, people are starting to recognize me and they are starting to recall my name."

"So I was able to peak at the right time, and that has been my advantage. And, of course, because I'm a fresh face, siguro people are not expecting too much and because of that, I was able to, you know, give my best and na-impress 'yung judges during the coronation night," she said.

Miss Universe 2020

As the first winner of the new Miss Universe-Philippines franchise, Rabiya Mateo is set to represent the Philippines in the global Miss Universe pageant.

The beauty queen told "Unang Hirit" that she had yet to make official preparations as of Monday, but she has already spoken to Miss Universe Philippines Organization national director Shamcey Supsup about future plans.

"I'm very much excited and, sabi ko nga, parang ang bilis ng pangyayari. Parang last week, nagpre-prepare lang ako for a pageant and, ngayon, another pageant pa 'yung ipe-prepare ko, so I feel thankful and honored," she said.

Mateo bested over 40 other candidates during the coronation event 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.

Rounding off the Top 5 are Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol and Kimberly Hakenson of Cavite.

Mateo, who also won Best in Swimsuit during the preliminary rounds, likewise stole the show during the 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."

The 23-year-old Ilongga 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