Newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo admitted that the issues thrown at her amidst her win hurt her.
Firstly, Rabiya said that it was painful for her because things would have been better if settled through a simple conversation instead of it posting on social media.
“Of course it was painful. Because there are things na you can settle by just talking with each other. Things that shouldn’t be posted in social media,” said Rabiya.
She also thanked Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup for the advice she gave Rabiya.
“Yun nga yung sinasabi ni Ms. Shamcey sakin, ‘Once you become famous, people would throw anything at you and they would expect you to you know have that mettle na as if maabsorb mo lahat,” said Rabiya.
Rabiya then added that she felt better after she talked to the right person.
“Sometimes it’s okay to be emotional about it with the right people. So ngayon po, I’m doing well. I feel like I talked to right kind of people and binigyan na rin po nila ako ng advice how to handle this kind of situation,” said Rabiya.
Here are some of the issues thrown at the newly crowned queen.
Firstly, 2nd runner up, Miss Quezon City Michele Gumabao, left the pre-taped pageant proper before the announcement of the winners. On social media, she revealed that she already knew who won the night before the announcement.
Then, top 16 finalist Miss Taguig City Sandra Lemonon shared cryptic negative posts about the recently concluded pageant. Some also accused Rabiya of cheating insinuating that she received the questions beforehand.
Despite all the issues thrown at her, Rabiya will represent the Philippines for the coming Miss Universe 2020 pageant.