ILOILO City – A grand homecoming is waiting for the newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo.
According to Mayor Jerry Treñas, the city government together with the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) is preparing for the homecoming of Rabiya who represented Iloilo City in the national pageant and eventually “brought home the bacon.”
“We are planning initially nga pag-abot ni Rabiya makadto sya sa Iloilo City Hall para sa courtesy call pagkatapos sa provincial capitol kay Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.,” said Treñas.
A confetti parade will also be staged along Calle Real and a welcome dinner for Mateo at night, along with other programs.
It is, however, unclear when will Mateo be coming home.
Treñas earlier expressed that Mateo is “an epitome that Iloilo City can truly level-up and rise above challenges during these times.”
“The Ilonggo community is truly proud of her achievement. She is indeed a phenomenal woman with heartfelt beauty. We wish her luck in her next journey,” said Treñas.
The city mayor assured that Iloilo City and its people will be behind Rabiya all the way.
To note, Mateo is the second Ilongga who will compete in the Miss Universe competition.
According to Iloilo provincial capitol resident historian Nereo Cajilig Luján, Louise Aurelio Vail of Jaro was the first Miss Universe Ilongga candidate to compete and made it to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines board director Albert Andrada expressed his support for the Ilongga beauty queen as the winner of the first edition of their first Miss Philippines Universe franchise amid the limitations of the pandemic.
His statement follows the swirl of intrigues against the pageant and the alleged violation of rules on the restricted use of hair and make-up personnel due to the pandemic.
Andrada reiterated that the organization had strictly followed their own health protocols and also complied with Baguio City and Baguio Country Club regulations.
Andrada also laughed at speculations on social media that Mateo was provided the questions in the finals before her coronation over the weekend. He said that during the question and answer taping at Baguio Country Club, other finalists were held inside a bus before their turn onstage.
Andrada also released the statement of pageant favorite Alaiza Malinao of Davao who belied the accusation that she used a glam team for her makeup. Malinao also hailed Mateo as a deserving winner. (With ABS-CBN News/PN)
