Rabiya Mateo, Now The Most Followed Miss Universe 2020 Candidate On IG, Looks Back On Her Journey

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo can now relax and catch up on some much-needed rest, as the 69th Miss Universe competition is over. Held on May 16 in Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, United States, the prestigious pageant's coronation night ended with Mexico's Andrea Meza crowned as the new queen.

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo reached the Top 21 of the competition, and was also a fan favorite. Post-Miss Universe, Rabiya took to Instagram to express her thoughts about the opportunity to represent the Philippines.

"It was such a beautiful moment to represent you, Philippines. I am forever honored to be part of the legacy, of our history. In my heart, I did everything I can. I trained really hard to be physically fit. I would have sleepless nights trying to read articles to be updated. I made a lot of sacrifices people cant sometimes see. Early calltime. Late night rest. Trying to be sane and motivated. It was a challenge but it made me so much stronger everyday. Salamat mga kababayan! Mahal ko kayo!"

She also made special mention her mentor and creative director, Jonas Gaffud. "I know how much you’ve sacrificed for me. I love you Mama J," she writes.

  

Rabiya shared this message on Instagram, the social media platform where she now happens to be the most followed Miss Universe 2020 candidate with 1.5 million followers.

On May 14, she thanked her followers, as she reached one million followers on Instagram, and just a few days after, her following quickly grew and is now at almost 1.6 million as of this writing.

Now that's still a milestone worth celebrating!

Rabiya also shared in jest on her Instagram Stories what she really wants to do now that Miss U is over:

Former Filipina Miss Universe titleholders Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray were quick to express words of love, support, and encouragement for Rabiya:

Miss Universe Philippines national director and Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner-Up Shamcey Supsup-Lee also posted a message for Rabiya.

Jonas Gaffud also expressed his thoughts about the outcome of the competition, posting a video of Rabiya in the Furne One Amato gown she was supposed to wear had she advanced to the Top 10 of the competition.

Congratulations, Rabiya!

Photos from @rabiyamateo