By SHY POLIDO
ILONGGA Rabiya Mateo said she is more than ready to bring, not just the Philippines, but also her own province into the international scene.
In a virtual press conference Saturday, Mateo shared some of her preparations for the highly-anticipated Miss Universe 2021 pageant.
“I’m focusing more on my fitness trainings to develop my muscles,” Mateo told local reporters.
She narrated how she would spend time in the gym.
“Usually, two to three hours of training. [I want] to improve especially my upper extremities. I’m working hard to have the cuts, and improve my stamina as well,” she said.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 is also grateful for she is currently “working with the best people.”
Also, as part of the preparation, Mateo shared she is spending some time watching previous videos of Philippine representatives to the Miss Universe. From there, she could “learn and inspire herself further.”
“I’m telling you, I am giving my all in this fight. [The year] 2020 was my year, and 2021 is going to be the year for the whole Philippines,” Mateo stressed.
She added that her current title is a “good pressure” for her part.
“With Miss Universe Philippines, it gives me the power to do the difference. I’m happy that there is so much that I can do,” the beauty from Balasan, Iloilo said.
Bringing Iloilo to the Miss U stage
In a previous interview with Panay News, Mateo said her Miss U PH win was a win for all Ilonggos. Now, the 24-year-old stunner is giving her supporters some hints as to how she would bring her “beloved province to the rest of the universe.”
Beaming, she said: “I’m excited to wear my national costume. [It’s] not conservative, but rather festive.”
Mateo was the first Ilongga to be selected to represent the country in Miss Universe after Jaro, Iloilo native Louise Aurelio Vail, who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas in 1965. Vail was among the 15 semifinalists during that year’s Miss Universe in Miami, Florida, USA.
At 5 feet and 6 inches tall, she will try to become the fifth Filipina to capture the Miss Universe crown after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969)./PN
