IT WAS the most beautiful day in Western Visayas!
The cold weather didn’t impede the warmth of anticipation as the entire locale rooted for its very own representatives during the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 tourney. And as expected, the four lasses from Western Visayas brought to Baguio the truest sense of action-passion with their wit, charisma, conviction, and advocacies.
Despite missing the coveted title, Antique’s pride Joecel Marie Robenta and Ilongga Kim Chi Crizaldo spewed power even during the preliminaries. Grateful as ever, they never failed to showcase their true selves and colors, which once again brought pride to their provinces and supporters.
A thankful heart
Here’s Crizaldo’s answer when asked during the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 preliminary interview “what’s one thing people like you should focus on?”
“One thing that young people like me should focus on is our authenticity. If we are able to acknowledge and accept our vulnerabilities, fears and insecurities, then we can empower ourselves and other people. If we use our authenticity, we can be phenomenally beautiful in our own ways.”
After the pageant, Crizaldo thanked her family, friends and the team that supported her journey.
“I wanna say thank you to everyone who has helped me in this journey! Sobrang salamat po sa lahat ng tumulong sa ‘kin,” Crizaldo said.
For humanity
Meanwhile, Robenta, a frontliner, shared her plans after the competition.
“I will be flying back to Cebu on Thursday, Oct. 29 2020. I will be arriving in Manila tonight from Baguio and fix things until Thursday. I don’t want to waste my time anymore especially during this time of pandemic. I must go back to the hospital to continue my work as a nurse. I have to do something to help humanity. I hope I have made everyone proud despite of not getting the crown,” she shared on Facebook.
If there is one lesson she learned from her journey, that is the sense of being grateful every day, she said.
“Because there’s always a time for everyone and we have to wait for our own time,” she added.
Robenta also thanked those who supported her throughout the Miss U experience.
Laban, Aklan!
Aklan’s bet Christelle Anjali Abello showcased her fiery yet endearing personality as she clinched a spot in the Top 16.
Confident as she is, she possessed one of the brightest smiles during the final swimwear and gowns display. Can we get a chorus of Laban, Aklan! again?
Basta Ilongga, gwapa!
And of course! Here comes the reason of the swelling of our pride. Miss Rabiya Occeña Mateo. And literally, she’s a blaze on stage! Intensified heartbeats, yes, as she was the locale’s hope to join the finalists.
And what made her the “talk of the town” right after? Not only because she bagged the prestigious title. Not only because of her fierce eyes and elegant sashays, but the sincerity in her heart as she nailed the questions during the final interview.
Here are Mateo’s winning answers:
Q: If you will create a paper currency with the image of any Filipino on it, dead or alive, who will it be and why?
“If I will be given a chance, I will use the face of Miriam Defensor-Santiago. For those who don’t know, she was an Ilongga. But what I admire 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.”
Q: This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential or non-essential. Where do pageant stands in this time of crisis?
“As a candidate, I know I am not just the face of Iloilo 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 essence of beauty pageants. It gives us the power to make a difference.”
Iloilo City mayor Treñas, meanwhile, expressed his pride after the announcement.
“Hail to our queen for triumphantly bringing the crown, prestige and pride to Iloilo City. She has just proven that Ilonggo women are gwapa inside and out. Truly, an Ilongga that upholds our brand as the City of Love will always stand out in whatever endeavor we take. We wish her luck in her next journey,” the mayor said.
MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES PHOTO 
Rabiya Mateo in her national costume portraying Queen Maniwantiwan, wife of Marikudo, the Aeta ruler of Panay Island. It was designed by Tata Blas- Pinuela.
Mateo was joined by Michele Gumabao (Quezon City), Kimberly Hakenson (Cavite), Pauline Amelinckx (Bohol), and Maria Ysabella Ysmael (Parañaque) in the Top 5 seats.
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Joecel, Kim, Christelle, and Rabiya, Western Visayas is truly proud of you!/PN
