Pageant fans are now counting the days as their excitement continues to build for the forthcoming staging of the 69th Miss Universe in Miami, Florida, USA. Of course, for pageant-crazed Pinoys, what’s giving them reason to buzz about is the fact that their queen, Ilongga beauty Rabiya Mateo, is already in the vicinity of the pageant venue doing some last-minute prep work, sponsor visits and appearances and is already seen in the Miss Universe Organization’s pre-pageant releases.
One of such releases is last week’s online posting of the candidates’ Up Close and Personal videos, which gave the fans their first bases for comparing all the delegates as the one-minuters gave the public a glimpse of what each candidate actually is like. In Rabiya’s case, her focus was clearly on the promotion of her advocacy which is education. Coming from a poor family, she cited how education has transformed her life.
“Now that I am a teacher, I hope that my students will see the value of education the way that I saw it,’ she said. “I live in a country where there are a lot of poor families and education is our social equalizer,” the outspoken queen added.
Her video, which is now among the most viewed among all candidates’ videos, gives Filipino fans high hopes that the country is, once again, on track to snatching another Miss Universe crown.
The heads of the country’s premiere pageant camps are in agreement when it comes to assessing Rabiya’s chances in her competition.
Gerry Diaz, who now Heads Aces and Queens, the camp that trained Rabiya for the Miss Universe Philippines search believes the country’s bet possesses some obvious advantages over her pageant rivals: “I think she can be ahead in terms of physical qualities. I think it is quite undeniable that she has beauty of face and figure, good communication skills and intelligence.”
“I also love her confidence. The way she answers her questions is very natural and very relaxed. She speaks very fluently,” adds Diaz.
Almost in the same breath, Rodgil Flores, the founder and head of the Kagandahang Flores camp, which is the group responsible for the recent victories of Samantha Bernardo and even Miss USA Abena Appiah and many other international winners, says: “Personally, nagagandahan ako sa kanya nang sobra. Kita mo rin sa kanya yung drive and desire to excel. She talks very well and is full of conviction.”
Based on what they see in Rabiya, how far do they think will she go in the competition? Diaz expresses confidence for a top 5 finish.
“She is a strong bet to the top 5. If she aces her Q and A, there are chances for us to win our 5th Miss Universe crown.”
Flores agrees: “She has strong chances. She has the MU face. Aside from being MU worthy, I know that when she gets to the competition, she’ll really give it her best shot.”
As no one is ever sure as to who will eventually seal the deal come coronation night, Thrillmaker also dared ask the two respected mentors what they think can stop Rabiya from going far in Miss Universe.
“I don’t see anything that could prevent her from winning, unless there are unforeseen circumstances but she is ready for that. She has the determination and focus,” Diaz assures. And based on what she said in the Up Close video, it seems Rabiya is already describing herself as the next winner.
“We need nowadays is not a beauty queen with just a pretty face. We need phenomenal women who are not afraid to speak and to stand for the things they believe in.”
Rabiya Mateo is gunning to be the fifth Filipina to wear the prestigious Miss Universe crown, next to Catriona Gray, Pia Wurtbach, Margarita Moran and Gloria Diaz.