Rabiya flew like an angel on the runway with flag- inspired wings, but the sun was missing.
Rabiya Mateo, our Miss Universe 2020 bet, showed the world her national costume on May 14. The Ilongga beauty stunned the runway with her red and blue wings and three stars to represent the colors and symbols of the country’s flag. It was a creation of the late Filipino designer Rocky Gathercole. She said in an interview that her look made her feel like a Victoria’s Secret Angel.
Although, behind the smile and confidence she showed on the runway, Rabiya apologized to her fellow Filipinos in her Instagram Live a few hours after the event. Apparently, there were many who showed their disappointment with her national costume due to a missing headpiece, the Philippine flag’s sun. Rabiya was questioned left and right by fans online on why she didn’t wear the headpiece crafted by Bulacan jewelry designer Manny Halasan.
Different personalities came to her side
She said in Filipino while wiping her tears away in her IG live, “I’m sorry if you were disappointed in me. I did my best. I even cut my finger. My stockings had blood, but I kept fighting.”
Despite the harsh criticisms, Rabiya is not alone. Many personalities backed her up, like former beauty queen and national director of Miss Universe Philippines, Shamcey Supsup. She said that they decided not to make Mateo wear the headpiece since it kept falling off, and the feathered wings were already too heavy.
Jonas Gafud, the creative director of Miss Universe PH, echoed her, saying, “There were more accessories to the costume but the wings was 21 kilos already.”
The missing sun
As for the jewelry designer, Halasan, he shared to Instagram glimpses of the headpiece he created for Rabiya, but without further explanation.
Although he said in a different statement, “Looking at the National costume for Miss Universe 2020, I hope to share the vision with everyone. It’s patriotic, historic, triumphant. Victorious… I always believe in perfect timing. If it is not yet for you, let time and experience make you better and excellent. There is a time for everything.”
What really matters
Fashion designer, Marc Rancy also gave his sentiments on social media saying, “Rabiya does not owe any of you an apology. Let’s just cheer for her, and let her have fun. She worked her way to get to where she is now. She earned it.”
Rabiya decided to look on the brighter side after all the challenges and sacrifices she will have to overcome and face in her Miss Universe journey. For Rabiya, she felt great. She said in Filipino, “I felt so beautiful while walking. I saw the cheers of the judges and the Filipinos who were screaming for me. I am thankful for the support.”
Here comes the riveting sun
— Rabiya Mateo (@MissU_PHUpdates) May 15, 2021#RabiyaMateo #MissUniverse #Philippines pic.twitter.com/kRcXsxtnkx
Besides, there are many ways you can bring honor in your country in joining Miss Universe. With what happened, Rabiya showed a different story, one that is a raw and close to home: resiliency. She showed how Filipinos can still smile and rise above challenges and difficulties by facing them head on. At the end of the day, Miss Universe is more than what meets the eye. What matters is the heart that shines inside than the crown on our heads.
Related:
Rabiya Mateo Stuns With A Different Look For The Miss Universe Preliminaries
3 Stars and Rabiya: The Story Behind The Miss Universe Philippines National Costume
Miss Universe Style Radar PH: Rabiya Mateo From Luxury Glam To On-Trend Fashion
The post Rabiya Mateo On The Case Of The Missing Headpiece appeared first on MEGA.
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