Beauty Pageants will always be a staple of the Filipino culture, empowered by the mix of deep historical roots, the unwavering Filipino pride, and of course, the fancy bits. Despite the pandemic turmoil, the Miss Universe 2020 pageant continues to create a buzz in social media. Perhaps the new normal wasn’t so new after all as Filipinos display the same solid love and support they give each year to the country’s reigning bet.
Halabira Rabiya
Aiming for the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown was Rabiya Mateo, a regal beauty from Iloilo. She was competing among 74 of the most beautiful women from each nation for the 69th Miss Universe title. The pageant was held at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, in Florida, wherein Rabiya Mateo proudly represented the Philippines on the global stage. With unseeingly high expectations, judging eyes everywhere, and a strong batch of contenders, the competition was intense and full of hardships. But despite everything, Rabiya proved that she was a force to be reckon with. Her Philippine-flag inspired national costume and her yellow Furne Amato evening dress drew so much attention that it went trending, showcasing her booming confidence and that Victoria’s Secret Model vibe. During her road to the crown, Rabiya landed a spot in the Missosology Top 5 popular picks. She was also hailed as the most followed Miss Universe 2020 candidate with over one million followers on Instagram. Moreover, as tradition to every Filipino beauty queen walk, Filipinos were quick enough to coin the term “Halabira” as her signature walk. It was characterized by the emphasis of her curves and the full swing of her hips on stage as she shines with her bright yellow swimsuit. Every Filipino from across the world was in the fight together with Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, hoping to bag the fifth Miss Universe title for the Philippines.
A downpour of love and support for Rabiya Mateo
However, a series of mixed emotions filled in the atmosphere when Rabiya ended her Miss Universe 2020 journey as part of the Top 21 finalists. Meanwhile, Mexico’s Andrea Meza was hailed as the 69th Miss Universe along with Brazil, Peru, India and Dominican Republic in the winner’s circle. There is no denying on the lingering feelings of despair as the crown slips through the Philippines grip. Nevertheless, Filipinos went on to social media to express their downpour of love and support for the Filipina beauty queen. Famous TV personalities and former beauty queens also threw in their support and gratitude for Rabiya’s efforts. In Miss Bolivia Lenka Nemer’s live Instagram video, Rabiya strongly acknowledged that such loss was only headed to a beautiful start. The journey was worth more than the crown. Rabiya remained positive stating “it’s just gonna be one girl who’s gonna be crowned. But I know in my heart – every one of us – we are queens already even without that crown.”
Apart from the culturally embedded obsession of Filipinos with beauty pageants, one thing remains true: going home to the warmth of the Filipino people. Simply showing that at the end of the day, no matter where you tackle your challenges, win or lose, you will always find your way back home. Have you found your home of choice?
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Written by Julia Adajar
Photo from Philippine Star
