Miss Universe Philippines 2020 is Rabiya Mateo
Miss Iloilo City, Rabiya Mateo, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 in a competition held at Baguio Country Club in Baguio City and aired on Sunday, October 25.
The 23-year-old Ilongga bested 45 other beauties to win the title and succeeded last year’s titleholder Gazini Ganados. She graduated cum laude at the Iloilo Doctor’s College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy.
Ysabella Ysmael (Parañaque), Michele Gumabao (Quezon City), Pauline Amelinckx (Bohol), and Kimberly Hakenson (Cavite) were the first, second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively.
Rabiya will represent the Philippines at the 69th Miss Universe pageant expected to be held in the first quarter of next year. She will try to win the fifth crown for her country after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).
The competition was the first edition of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant since Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee took over the franchise earlier this year from Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Incorporated (BPCI).
Photos: Miss Universe Philippines