Christine Mateo gave her daughter Rabiya words of encouragement amid criticisms.
Rabiya is set to compete today, May 17 (Manila time), for the highly-coveted Miss Universe crown in Florida, USA.
In an exclusive interview, Christine said Rabiya is “on the right track.”
“Galingan mo lang anak at nandito lang kami nagchecheer sa’yo. God bless and we love you.”
“Win or lose, anak andito parin si mama mo, andito parin ang kapatid mo, ang mga pinsan mo na nagmamal sa’yo at hinihintay ka namin dito.”
To Rabiya’s bashers, Christine said: “God bless you all. God bless us all. Enjoy nalang po natin ang pageant na ito, minsan lang naman ito sa isang taon.”
In a virtual press conference early this month, the 24-year-old Ilongga beauty said representing the country in the Miss Universe pageant is the “biggest fight” of her life and she offers this to her single mother.
Rabiya, who hails from Balasan town in Iloilo province, was named Miss Universe Philippines in October last year.
The physical therapy graduate became Iloilo City’s official candidate to the national pageant after she won the Miss Iloilo title in 2019.
The Miss Iloilo pageant was part of the celebration of the 52nd Dinagyang Festival.IMT
