"She's a winner!"
This was the remark of Jonas Gaffud, creative director of Miss Universe Philippines, when asked about Rabiya Mateo's chances at the 2020 Miss Universe beauty pageant which will be held in Florida on May 16.
Gaffud said that Rabiya is ready to fly to the US in a few days for the most prestigious beauty pageant.
"Rabiya’s training is the usual like runway, interview, make up, fitness, speech, photoshoots etc. But we also focused on mental health. There is so much pressure online and amongst Filipino fans that some beauty queens have been subjected to in the past. And Rabiya is not exempted. So we have reminded her to be stronger," said Gaffud, when asked about the beauty queen's preparations.
He added: "Rabiya can win Miss Universe because of her beauty, simplicity and humility. We just need to get that perfect aura for her stars to align on May 16."
Gaffud said that a 9-man delegation from the Philippines and the US will join Rabiya in her quest for the fifth Miss Universe crown for the Philippines.
The pageant guru also said that the Philippine team is expected to arrive early in Florida to meet the health protocols in the competition.
"Maaga para maka-rest kami. Then we can also isolate ourselves. We will do all necessary health protocols just to make sure that Rabiya will be protected. At all costs," said Gaffud.
Asked about the flight details of Rabiya, the pageant expert said: "That will depend on the flight available. Scheduled to leave next week pero maraming cancelled flights so pwede this weekend or next weekend."
Gaffud said that Rabiya will do her best to win another Miss Universe crown for the Philippines. "I don’t promise anything. We will just do our best."
More than 70 candidates will vie for the title of Miss Universe 2020. The 69th edition of the competition has been delayed due to the pandemic.