After National Costume mishap, Catriona Gray says Rabiya Mateo is 'the sun' during prelims

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray expressed her all out support for Rabiya Mateo as she competed at the 69th Miss Universe's preliminary competition on Saturday.

In a tweet, Catriona wrote "Our girl literally said, 'No sun in my natcos [national costume]? I am the sun.'"

Our girl literally said, 'no sun in my natcos? I am the sun.' ???????????????? #AribaRabiya

— Catriona Gray (@catrionaelisa) May 15, 2021

She also used the hashtag "Ariba Rabiya."
 
During the Miss Universe 2020's national competition on Friday morning, Rabiya stunned the crowd when she emerged wearing a Philippine flag-inspired costume adorned with red and blue angel-like wings in the back.

Although three stars completed her ensemble, many netizens questioned why the sun in the Philippine flag was not symbolized in her attire.

In an emotional video after the show, Rabiya revealed that she had a mishap backstage.

“I just wanna do a quick live to tell you guys that I’m so sorry if you’re disappointed with me,” she said.

“I even cut my finger earlier and my stockings were covered in blood but I kept fighting,” she added.

During the evening gown competition on Saturday, however, the Miss Universe Philippines was a showstopper as she graced the stage wearing a gorgeous and bright yellow gown.

According to Rabiya's designer, Dubai-based FIlipino designer Furne One, the gorgeous gown was inspired by the "radiance of the Philippine sun."

Many netizens also pointed out that Rabiya's yellow gown completed the colors of the Philippine flag when combined with Pia Wurtzbach's blue and Catriona's red.

Many seem to agree with Catriona's tweet, as it has garnered more than 100,000 likes and 20,300 retweets as of writing. —Kaela Malig/JCB, GMA News