By Jennifer P. Rendon
Holiday cheers, coupled with beauty and elegance were what Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo brought to her fellow Ilonggos as she lit up Festive Walk’s giant Christmas tree on Nov 14, 2020.
Ilonggos indeed know how to make a rousing welcome for their pride, the second Ilongga to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant after 55 years.
Fresh from being crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2020 two weeks back, Rabiya returned to her hometown for the very first time to be with her family and to thank her fellow Ilonggos for their all-out support throughout her journey.
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony was even made more special as it was also Rabiya’s 24th birthday celebration.
“We are so proud that Iloilo Business Park is Rabiya’s official host for her grand homecoming this weekend. She is a perfect model not just to Ilonggos but to all Filipino in terms of how a phenomenal woman like her inspires young people to continue to dream bigger,” IBP vice president for sales and marketing Jennifer Palmares-Fong said.
Richmonde Hotel, which is located at the Iloilo Business Park, became the official home of Rabiya and her family during this homecoming.
“We welcome Rabiya and her family with the richness of genuine Ilonggo hospitality,” Richmonde Hotel Iloilo resident manager Natalie Lim said.
During the lighting ceremony, Ilonggos got a closer look at Rabiya as she strutted her signature pageant walk while donned in a red Jun-G Candelario gown.
It was even made more memorable as she granted a press conference with her supporters and followers.
“Rabiya’s milestone has once again put Iloilo City in the global spotlight, and we are more than happy to support her as she vies for the Miss Universe crown next year. We are very excited to see her do her signature ‘Festive Walk’ at the global stage. For us, she is truly an embodiment of a guwapa nga Ilongga that mirrors a phenomenal woman with a heartfelt beauty,” Palmares-Fong said.
