Pia Wurtzbach believes that Rabiya Mateo is on the “right path” as she aims for the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown, ABS-CBN News posted yesterday.
Wurtzbach had a virtual conversation with the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 titleholder Tuesday night via “Queentuhan”, her pageant-themed show with fellow beauty queens Bianca Guidotti and Carla Lizardo.
Visibly impressed by what she heard throughout the program, the former Miss Universe praised Mateo for her “self-awareness” and determination to learn and improve.
Wurtzbach went on to refer to Mateo as their “bunso” as she gave her blessing.
“May all the stars align for you, Rabiya. You are our bunso (youngest)…So bunso, make us all proud,” she said.
During the interview, Mateo said she is set to start training for Miss Universe soon, admitting that she is “not yet in my best fighting form.”
“I want to have the best body. That’s my target. I’m aware that my frame is kind of small. So I really need to hit the gym and to have those weights,” she said.
Mateo said the Miss Universe Organization has yet to reveal a final date for the pageant, but she happily told the hosts of “Queentuhan” that she has been communicating with some of this year’s candidates.
More specifically, she said she has been getting along with Miss India. “But I’m excited to meet all of the girls.”
When asked about the kind of reign she would like to have as Miss Universe Philippines 2020, Mateo replied: “I want it to be more connected with my community. I want to be involved with different schools, with different programs…it’s just gonna be one year. I want people to remember me as somebody who actually did the work, and not just a beauty queen who is beautiful.”*
