IN PHOTOS: Rabiya Mateo's Miss Universe 2020 journey

By Cara Emmeline GarciaPublished On: April 14, 2021, 12:28 PM Updated On: April 14, 2021, 12:29 PMSCROLL/SLIDESHOW

Philippine-bet Rabiya Mateo is all set to make the country proud as she represents the nation at the 69th Miss Universe pageant happening on May 13, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. Philippine Time.

The Iloilo-native recently flew to the United States to attend the different events and the beauty pageant's preliminary competition, aiming to take home the 5th Miss Universe crown.

But what are the chances that she will bring home the title?

Well, according to beauty queen maker and Miss Universe Philippines creative director Jonas Gaffud, Rabiya is a sure-fire “winner” at the competition.

In an interview before their flight, Gaffud reiterated that the beauty queen has been training consistently in the last few months to gear her for the stage.

He told the press, “Rabiya's training is the usual, like runway [walk], interview, make-up, fitness, speech, photoshoots, etc. But, we also focused on mental health. There is so much pressure online and among Filipino fans that some beauty queens have been subjected to in the past, and Rabiya is not exempted.

“So we remind her to be stronger.”

Jonas continued, “Rabiya can win Miss Universe because of her beauty, simplicity, and humility. We need to get that perfect aura for her stars to align on May 16.”

Take a look at her journey to the most coveted crown in the universe in this gallery:

1 of 10 Photo by: rabiyamateo (IG)
Rabiya Mateo
For her departure outfit, Rabiya Mateo wore a beautiful barong made of pina fiber and embellished with pearls designed by Chino Christopherson and Marc Rancy. The look was paired with beautiful flared trousers with details on her left leg.

2 of 10 Photo by: aces_and_queens (IG)
Departure
Rabiya departed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on April 10, 2021, while waving the Philippine flag.

3 of 10 Photo by: aces_and_queens (IG)
Dream Team
Joining Rabiya is pageant guru Jonas Gaffud and the rest of the Miss Universe Philippines Team to ensure Rabiya is all set for the competition.

4 of 10 Photo by: rabiyamateo (IG)
Philippines!
According to Rabiya, she will do her best to take home the 5th Miss Universe crown.

5 of 10 Photo by: jonasempire.ph (IG)
Selfie
Jonas Gaffud shares that he and Rabiya had decided to leave early for the competition to make sure that the beauty queen is well rested and that they can isolate themselves first before checking in at the Miss Universe hotel venue.

6 of 10 Photo by: normant (IG)
First out of the country trip
Jonas Gaffud also shared that this is the first time Rabiya is taking a trip out of the country, so she is very excited to see the adventure that awaits her upon landing.

7 of 10 Photo by: aces_and_queens (IG)
Press
Upon her arrival, Rabiya had already met with the press, asking her what she aims to pursue while in the competition. The beauty queen wore an exquisite embroidered brown blazer dress to show her Filipino roots.

8 of 10 Photo by: theqrownph (IG)
IG Live
A jet-lagged Rabiya Mateo looked effortlessly beautiful as she gives a quick update to her fans through Instagram Live.

9 of 10 Photo by: aces_and_queens (IG)
Backless
For her first day, Rabiya wore a turquoise blue terno with backless detailing designed by Marlon Tuazon.

10 of 10 Photo by: rabiyamateo (IG)
Miss Universe
Is Rabiya Mateo our fifth Miss Universe titleholder?

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