“SALAMAT mga kababayan! Mahal ko kayo!”
Ito ang bahagi ng mensahe ni Rabiya Mateo para sa sambayanang Filipino ilang oras matapos ang ginanap na 2020 Miss Universe sa Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino sa Hollywood, Florida, United States.
Naniniwala ang pambatong kandidata ng Pilipinas sa nasabing international beauty pageant na ginawa niya ang lahat ng kanyang makakaya para mabigyan ng karangalan ang bansa.
Pumasok sa Top 21 semi-finalists si Rabiya ngunit nalaglag na nang ihayag na ang Top 10. Ang kandidata ng Mexico na si Andrea Meza ang kinoronahang Miss Universe 2020.
“It was such a beautiful moment to represent you, Philippines. I am forever honored to be part of the legacy, of our history,” ang mensaheng ipinarating ni Rabiya sa lahat ng Pinoy sa buong mundo na sumuporta sa kanya.
Aniya pa, “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 can’t sometimes see. Early call time. Late night rest.
“Trying to be sane and motivated. It was a challenge but it made me so much stronger every day.
“Salamat mga kababayan! Mahal ko kayo!” ang madamdamin pang pahayah ng dalaga.
Sa kabila ng pagkatalo ni Rabiya sa pageant, bumuhos pa rin ang papuri at pagsuporta sa kanya ng madlang pipol kabilang na ang mga kapwa niya beauty queen.
“Our beautiful @rabiyamateo. We’re so proud of you! We know how much heart you put into this. And we love you for it. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do when you come back home. Your future’s as bright as the sun. You are our queen!” ang pahayag ni 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach na ipinost niya sa Instagram.
Sey naman ni 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray, “She made our country proud! 11-year consecutive semi-streak Pilipinassss!”
Binati rin ni Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee si Rabiya sa ipinakita nitong performance sa pageant, “Set goals not just for the outcome itself, but for who you get to become in the process.
“You have shown us what it means to be relentless, unyielding and unstoppable in the pursuit of your dreams.
“Despite the setbacks, critics and failures, you continued to wear the Philippine sash with pride and love. And for that, you are a winner, not just in my eyes but in the hearts of millions of Filipinos around the world. Padayon!” mensahe pa ni Shamcey.