Professional organizer Issa Guico Reyes shared the story behind Rabiya Mateo’s national costume in Miss Universe 2020 pageant. She shared that two people had to lift the wing that Rabiya wore when it was delivered to her.

“Two men carried the wings when it was delivered to me for packing. And Rabiya Mateo just carried it like an Angel! Hands down to a true queen!!!”

Despite the sentiments of some Pinoy pageant fans, the managing director of Neat Obsessions praised Rabiya Mateo’s dedication to winning the crown as Miss Universe 2021.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray came to the defense of her compatriot, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, after the latter publicly apologized to Filipinos for her performance in the pageant’s national costume competition.

Miss Universe 2020 is set to take place this coming May 17 (May 16 in the US, where it’s being held) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, United States. The 69th edition of Miss Universe was delayed due to the pandemic. Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa is set to hand over the crown at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant.

Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo was in tears as she said sorry to fans who were disappointed with her performance in the Miss Universe 2020 national costume competition.

“I’m so sorry kung na-disappoint man kayo sa akin but I know na I did my best I even cut my finger earlier ang yung stockings ko puno ng dugo…

“But I keep fighting kahit wala ng oras and wala ng enough time to retouch my hair, to retouch my makeup. Like I was there, I was running for pin, i was running for scissors.. for everything just to be able to execute the costume really well,” Rabiya explained.

Catriona Gray defends Rabiya Mateo, “Rabiya Mateo does not need to apologize! She worked that stage and PER-FORMED. National costume is a segment to celebrate culture and a country’s identity but isn’t a part of the scoring towards the crown. Kaya laban, Queen!

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