Hail to the new Pinay queen, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo!

Rabiya Mateo, a 23-year old Ilongga beauty is the newest representative of the Philippines to the much-awaited Miss Universe pageant this year.

In an exclusive interview with GMA-7’s “Unang Hirit" on Monday morning after her coronation, Mateo said that she did not expect to win in the most prestigious pageant.

"I will be honest po. I also didn't expect to win. I mean, I wanted to win. I gave everything, pero kasi napakarami mo ring magagaling na kalaban na nakasabay," Mateo said. "However, sabi nga nila: If para sa 'yo, then ibibigay sa 'yo ni God."

Started out as an “underdog” the newly-crowned Pinay expressed her gratitude to all who supported her journey as she still feels a “mix of emotions”

"Actually, hindi pa talaga siya nagsi-sink in na nanalo na talaga ako ng first ever Miss Universe Philippines na title. However, nararamdaman ko po ngayon is mix of emotions. Masaya na kinakabahan na medyo pressured din po because, of course, I want to continue the Philippine legacy sa international stage. And, dati pangarap lang 'to, pero nangyari na siya," She said.

"And, as of the moment, I feel na ang dami-daming tao 'yung nagsu-support sa'kin, even though I started as the underdog kasi dati po hindi naman ako nakakakapasok sa mga prediction list ng mga mananalo and then, noong papalapit na ng papalapit na po 'yung competition, people are starting to recognize me and they are starting to recall my name."

Mateo who bested over 40 other candidates during the coronation event held at the Baguio Country Club, stole the show during the question-and-answer portion which she believed her 'edge’ to be noticed by the judges.

She was asked the first question: "If you could create a new paper currency with the image of any Filipino on it dead or alive, who would it be and why?"

Mateo said she would pick the late Miriam Defensor-Santiago, explaining: "For those who don't know, she was an Ilongga. But what I admired about her is that she used her knowledge, her voice to serve the country. And I want to be somebody like her. Somebody who puts her heart, her passion into action. And after all, she is the best president that we never had."

For the final question, she was asked: "This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential or non-essential. Where do pageants stand in this time of crisis?"

Rabiya answered: "As a candidate, I know I am not just the face of Iloilo city. But I am here carrying hope and as a symbol of light in the darkest times. And as of the moment, I want to help my community. I want to use my strength to make an impact. And that is the essence of beauty pageants. It gives us the power to make a difference."

After winning the first franchise of Miss Universe Philippines Organization, she revealed that she had yet to make official preparations, but she has already spoken to Miss Universe Philippines Organization national director Shamcey Supsup about future plans.

"I'm very much excited and, sabi ko nga, parang ang bilis ng pangyayari. Parang last week, nagpre-prepare lang ako for a pageant and, ngayon, another pageant pa 'yung ipe-prepare ko, so I feel thankful and honored," she said.

Congratulations, Rabiya!