THE euphoric moment induced by the recently concluded 69th edition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant persists as a charming subject to most Filipinos with the participation of Miss Universe Philippines candidate and semi-finalist, an Ilongga beauty queen Miss Rabiya Mateo.
Ms. Rabiya competed against 73 candidates from different nations during the prestigious beauty pageant that glued everyone in the globe -- watching the spectacle of glamour, fashion, beauty, brains, and confidence to wear various styles and wardrobe creations.
Ms. Rabiya put on all her efforts to shine in every category and her most stunning execution was her "Halabira Walk" decked out in her yellow skinny swimsuit.
Her style of catwalk fascinated many Filipinos, her fellow Ilonggos as well as the Negrense and Bacolodnon fans who were mostly her die-hard supporters.
Ms. Rabiya's humble beginnings melted the hearts of thousands of her supporters as she endured from her past up to the Miss Universe pageant which demanded her full commitment from the beginning up to the finish line.
She did her best in all categories from the training workshops up to the pageant proper.
Her name was called the No. 15 semi-finalists out of the 21 candidates.
The Beauty Queen
Ms. Rabiya was born in Balasan, Iloilo to a Muslim Indian-American father and an Ilongga mother. She has a brother named Mokmok.
She studied at Iloilo Doctor’s College in Molo, Iloilo City where she earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy graduating cum laude in March 2018. She underwent the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) board examination and became a board passer in the same year.
Before the Miss Universe pageant, she works as a physical therapy lecturer at review centers in different provinces in the country.
While doing her teaching career, she also spent time on charity works where she helps educate children living near a dumpsite in Iloilo City.
Moreover, Ms. Rabiya, before she left for California, she left a message to her fellow Ilonggo which was posted by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas in his Facebook page which she spoke in combination of Ilonggo and English which states, "Madamu nga Salamat sa akon pinalangga nga Ilonggo and akon Mayor Jerry Treñas sa pat palangga nyo sa akon kag pag suporta sa akon sa competition sa Miss Universe. Biskan layo ako, nabatyagan ko gid ang inyo paghigugma kay gin dala kona until the last moment. I failed to bring home the crown, but I was able to meet a lot of amazing and wonderful women and that for me is already an achievement and it’s gonna be a life lesson and journey about my life. I'm here at the airport. I'm gonna have the best time of my life. I'm gonna travel. Sa palaabuton nga inadlaw, tani makita ko kamo kay ma home coming ako."