The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc (IFFI) has joined the Ilonggo community and the rest of the country in praying for the victory of Rabiya Mateo, the country’s official representative to the 69th Miss Universe pageant.
The 24-year-old Ilongga beauty is scheduled to compete alongside more than 70 candidates from all over the world in Florida, USA today, May 17 (Manila time).
“But to us, Rabiya is already a winner! We have all witnessed how hard she has tried her best and we are confident that she will represent us with dignity and honor,” the IFFI said in a statement.
“Indeed, Iloilo is truly proud of our Rabiya Mateo and we will always be grateful for the joy, the pride, and the inspiration that she has given us all amid this global pandemic,” it further said.
Mateo was crowned Miss Iloilo in 2019. The pageant was produced by the IFFI, the organizer of the Dinagyang Festival.
She represented Iloilo City in the Miss Universe Philippines tilt in October last year and won the title.
“Rabiya has truly gone a long way from a simple lass to a phenomenal woman with a heartfelt beauty. She has truly inspired young people for all walks of life and from different parts of the world to make a difference and to reach for greater heights,” the IFFI said.IMT
