Rabiya Mateo after Miss Universe competition: 'I just finished one beautiful chapter, I’m excited to write a new one'

Rabiya Mateo is ending her Miss Universe journey with no bitterness in her heart.

On Instagram, the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 posted photos of herself during the competition clad in a glimmering blue dress and said, "my Miss Universe journey has ended." 

"I just finished one beautiful chapter. Now, I’m excited to write a new one," she added. "More blessings to receive! More people to inspire!"

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Rabiya Mateo (@rabiyamateo)

In an earlier post after the pageant, Rabiya said, “It was such a beautiful moment to represent you, Philippines. I am forever honored to be part of the legacy of our history."

Rabiya bowed out early in the 69th Miss Universe, finishing her stint as one of the Top 21.

During preliminaries, Rabiya lit up the stage in a yellow sun-inspired evening gown created by Furne One.

She showed total Pinoy pride at the National Costume competition in a show-stopping Philippine flag-inspired ensemble with 21kg-heavy wings.

Rabiya also stole the show in a yellow two-piece bikini during the swimsuit preliminary competition.

Rabiya Mateo hoped to become the fifth Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margarita Moran (1973) and Gloria Diaz (1969).

Andrea Meza of Mexico was crowned as the new Miss Universe followed by Brazil's Julia Gama as the 1st runner-up, Peru's Janick Maceta del Castillo as the 2nd runner-up, India's Adline Castelino as the 3rd runner-up, and Dominican Republic's Kimberly Jimenez as the 4th runner-up. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News