Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo turned emotional as she addressed her fans on her Miss Universe National Costume performance.
Rabiya began her Instagram live video by saying sorry for those who were disappointed by her costume.
“I just want to quickly clarify, I’m so sorry kung na disappoint man kayo sa akin but I know I did my best,” she said.
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The beauty queen added that she even injured herself backstage.
“I even cut my finger earlier, yung stockings ko puno na rin siya ng dugo, but I kept fighting,” she said.
She said that she did not have enough time to retouch her makeup and hair.
“I was running for scissors, for pins and everything just to execute the costume really well,” she added.
Rabiya thanked those who continue to support her and seeing the audience on stage gave her the confidence to walk on the Miss Universe runway.
“I felt really great. I felt so beautiful nakita ko yung cheer ng mga judges, yung sigawan ng mga Pilipino,” she said.
Rabiya said that the fight has just begun and she asked for prayers and support throughout the competition.
Her costume was a creation of the late Filipino international designer Rocky Gathercole, who had once been based in the UAE, and jewelry designer Manny Halasan.
“This outfit is inspired by the Philippine flag. The blue represents royalty, red stands for the courage and strength for an independent woman and yellow, the color of sun and stars, symbolizes freedom to choose whoever you want to be,” the host said while Rabiya walked on the stage.
