ILOILO City – Ilongga Rabiya Mateo, this year’s Miss Universe Philippines, has been the talk of the town ever since she was crowned over a week ago.
While it was the morena stunner’s performance that won her the crown, another important reason for her meteoric success was the support she received from Miss Iloilo 2020 committee under the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI).
The Filipina-Indian beauty queen’s life changed when she was crowned the first-ever Miss Iloilo in January, which was one of the highlights of this year’s Dinagyang Festival.
Since that day, the Miss Iloilo 2020 committee headed by its chairpersons Sarah Peña and Beverly Rosales worked hard for the accreditation of IFFI as partner-organization of Miss Universe Philippines – paving the way for the official nomination of Mateo to the pageant.
“Miss Rabiya always calls Pangging Rosales and Miss Sara Peña. Amo gid ‘ni sila ang go-to people ni Rabiya kay ti ang duha nga ini sila gid ang naga-head sang Miss Iloilo 2020. Whatever Miss Rabiya needs, they always support,” said Kevin Pison Piamonte, Miss Iloilo 2020 director and respected Ilonggo theater director.
In an interview with Panay News, Piamonte said Rabiya has the determination to succeed.
The University of the Philippines professor recalled how the 23-year-old licensed physical therapist from Balasan, Iloilo worked tirelessly preparing for her Miss Universe Philippines bid since March.
“Nakita ko daan nga grabe ang iya fighting spirit. She knows how to position herself,” said Piamonte.
Piamonte also addressed issues about other people claiming to be “responsible” or “instrumental” for Rabiya’s stellar success.
“As far as people calling themselves mentor or part of the team who helped Rabiya, probably there was involvement [pero] indi lang kami ya kabalo as to what extent. Basta kami sa Miss Iloilo we are supporting Rabiya all along,” Piamonte said.
He further thanked all the Ilonggos from different sectors that offered their kind help and support, love and prayers for Rabiya.
“If there are people supporting Rabiya, ang akon lang mahambal salamat kay aton ini tanan nga mga Ilonggos, parti sang aton dungog,” said Piamonte.
With Rabiya poised to conquer the universe, Piamonte said the Miss Iloilo committee and IFFI will continue to support Mateo./PN
