MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo revealed that she did not expect to win the inaugural crown from the new franchise of the prestigious pageant.
In an interview with Heyadamg YouTube channel, Rabiya described herself as a "dark horse" because she definitely wanted to win but didn’t expect it because the competition was so tight.
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“Do I want to win? Definitely. Did I expect to win? No. Kasi ang lalakas ng mga kalaban. Tama pala no, may nagsabi kasi sa akin, 'Never compare yourself to other girls. 'Wag mong sabihin na tatalunin ko si ganto.' 'Yung dapat mong gawin ay to sashay the runway as if you're already the winner. 'Yon talaga yung iniisip ko during that time,” Rabiya said.
The beauty queen from Iloilo City added that she gave her all to the pageant as it was her only chance to be known in the country.
“It's all about trying to project it to the universe. Ano ba ang gusto mong mangyari? Sabi ko nga, nagkapandemic, ang dami kong ni-sacrifice. This is the only night or chance na mapapakilala ko ang sarili ko sa buong bansa. This is my only chance to snatch that crown. Sinabi ko na gagawin ko lahat, ibibigay ko lahat, ask the universe and it will be given to you,” she said.
"You know naman that when I started, 'di naman talaga ako kilala, tapos 'yung mga kasama ko pa ang gaganda, ang gagaling din magsalita. Plus 'yung iba may mga experience na talaga. So parang it was a fresh start din sa'kin, a humble beginning, that pushed me to do extra every single day."
According to her, instead of being a liability, her pageant inexperience even became an advantage.
"Kung titignan n'yo ko, I'm very raw. Twenty-three pa lang ako. But I was able to win because I was being true to my thoughts. I was being genuine in how I answer the question and minsan 'yung rawness mo, 'yun ang nagbibigay sa'yo ng edge kasi pinakikita 'yun ng mga judges... I will never compare myself to the former queens. I want to have a different image... Winning a pageant should not have a formula kasi kung may formula, then hindi dapat ako ang mananalo."
In an Instagram post today, the Filipina-Indian licensed physical therapist dedicated her win to two single moms in her life: her mom and grandmother.
"We made it, Mama and Lola! These two are the strongest women that I know. Both were single mothers but were able raise their children full of dreams and aspiration in life. To my Lola Sol in heaven, your favorite apo is now Miss Universe Philippines. I love you so so so much. I wish you were still here witnessing our victory," Rabiya said.
Rabiya's predecessor, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados, is also the daughter of a single mother.
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