After months of waiting, Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo is now ready to compete at the 69th Miss Universe beauty pageant which will be held in Hollywood, Florida on May 16.
This was revealed by Jonas Gaffud, creative and events director of the Miss Universe Philippines brand during an exclusive interview recently.
"Rabiya’s training is the usual like runway, interview, make up, fitness, speech, photoshoots etc.," Gaffud said.
But the pageant guru wants to focus also 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 remind her to be stronger," Gaffud said.
Asked what would make Rabiya win, Gaffud said: "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."
More than 60 contestants will vie for the title of Miss Universe 2020.
Earlier, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach believes Rabiya has what it takes to win the title.
“You can also tell that she really wants it. Iba kasi yun eh, importante kasi yun. Parang hindi ka dapat napipilitan sa posisyon na ‘yan. You also have to be ready with the responsibilities and really want it,” Pia said.
Pia added: “She answers well, which is very important. She’s very smart and it’s also very important with Miss Universe nowadays, kasi they go through so many rounds of question and answer—and ang ganda rin niya, I’m really excited for her to compete.”