BY NYRA GEE ARMADA
RABIYA Mateo, a proud Ilongga and an undoubtedly exhilarating queen, dazzles the world on the Miss Universe stage. With a great sense of honor and pride, she represents the Philippines in the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world. From her undeniably captivating features, wit, and talent, there could be no doubt that Mateo will emerge triumphant in this competition.
“I may or may not win the crown. But one thing is for sure: I’m gonna make [Filipinos] proud,” Rabiya said.
All eyes were on the 24-year-old beauty queen from Balasan, Iloilo as she awed the world with her astonishing performance during the national costume competition last Friday. Rabiya enthralled everyone with her Philippine flag-inspired ensemble and confidently rocked the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Resort Casino in Hollywood, Florida in the United States. The outfit was designed by the late Filipino international designer Rocky Gathercole and was paired with mismatched heels.
Truly, Rabiya conquered the international spotlight and earned claps and cheers from the spectators.
“I feel like I’m a Victoria’s Secret Angel right now,” she said.
After that stunning performance, Rabiya created uproar in the online world as she sent the netizens abuzz. Her Instagram followers surged to one million on Friday afternoon hours after her performance in the national costume show.
Since the start of the preliminary competition, Rabiya not only had eyes for the crown, she embodied it too.
On May 15, in the swimsuit round of the competition, she walked into the spotlight and fascinated the world with a bright yellow two-piece swimsuit and a flowy, long, sheer robe while wearing a pair of heels crafted by Filipino shoe designer Jojo Bragais, who was picked as the shoe provider of the candidates this year.
Rabiya flaunted her beach body and occupied the runway with oozing poise which was rewarded by the deafening sound of applause. There she sashayed like a dauntless queen, showcasing her striking pasarela walk which perfectly complemented her body curves. Truly, a mark of confidence that shows rather than tell, that creates an impact through the delightful effect of her presence.
Dressed in a bright yellow dress with Swarovski crystals and sheen items, Rabiya sparkled like the brightest star during the evening gown competition. The show-stopping dress was designed by Philippine-born, Dubai-based Furne One of Amato Couture. With the dress, everyone’s eyes were glued on the Ilongga.
Along with the metaphors of light, she carried elegance and exuberance with her. According to the designer, the costume’s beadwork was inspired by the “radiance of the Philippine sun, which symbolizes positivity and optimism.” Rabiya was also seen wearing sun-shaped dangling earrings to complement it.
Standing five feet and six inches, Rabiya is among the 74 candidates vying for the Miss Universe title today./PN
