By Jennifer P. Rendon
Even just for a couple of days, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo brought cheers to Ilonggos amid the crushing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The celebration is worth it as Ilonggos waited for more than half a century to send a candidate to the Miss Universe pageant.
Mateo was supposed to arrive in Iloilo on Nov 12, 2020, but it was postponed for a day due to the onslaught of typhoon Ulysses in Metro Manila.
She arrived via private plane around 11:11 am Friday and proceeded to Richmonde Hotel at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
She later led a motorcade around the city, wearing a red gown designed by Ram Silva.
The beauty queen endured the scorching heat of the sun as the motorcade took off from Iloilo Business Park and went through the major streets of Iloilo City.
Mostly garbed in red tops, hundreds of Ilonggos also braved the heat and at times forgot social distancing protocols as they lined up the streets to get a glimpse of Mateo, who turns 24 today, Nov 14.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) has earlier “encouraged Ilonggos to wear red and give Rabiya a warm welcome, while maintaining proper social distancing and observing the necessary health protocols.”
A day before Mateo’s arrival, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas also urged Ilonggos to “paint Iloilo City red.”
“Let us show the Ilonggos’ power by wearing red and bringing red pieces such as flaglets, banners, and balloons in support of the queen.”
Traffic was jammed in certain parts of Iloilo City as throngs of people waited for Mateo’s motorcade.
Still, it was a festive mood for fans and well-wishers who patiently waited, danced, and waved their flaglets to greet their queen.
Mateo also passed by Iloilo Doctors’ College where she attended and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy in 2018.
She then proceeded to the Iloilo City Hall for a courtesy call with Treñas.
While she hails from Balasan, Iloilo, Mateo represented Iloilo City during the Miss Universe Philippines 2020.
She also visited the office of Rep. Julienne Baronda of Iloilo City’s lone congressional district.
Her next stop was a courtesy call at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol with Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.
A press conference followed at the Iloilo Business Park (IBP).
She also led the ceremonial lighting of Christmas Parol of Hope and the opening of Iloilo Market Market 2020 at SM City Iloilo.
A dinner was later hosted for her honor at the Molo Mansion.
Today, Mateo will also lead a community outreach at Calajunan, Mandurriao.
She will again grace another ceremonial lighting of the giant Christmas tree at the Festive Walk Mall of Iloilo Business Park.
