Pinay beauty queen Rabiya Mateo has already arrived in Los Angeles, California, in time for some pre-pageant activities ahead of the Miss Universe 2020 pageant.
The 24-year-old Ilongga is set to compete with around 80 candidates from all over the world for the Miss Universe crown.
The pageant's grand coronation night is scheduled to happen on May 16, 2021, at the City of Hollywood in Florida.
Rabiya boarded her flight to the U.S. Friday evening, April 9, 2021, with some of her team members including Miss Universe Philippines' creative director Jonas Gaffud.
Before her flight, Rabiya updated her Instagram and wrote, "Lalaban para sa bayan."
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In her interview with ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo, Rabiya expressed how excited she is for the Miss Universe pageant.
She said, "There's a mix of emotion. I'm happy but at the same time, I'm nervous but that's completely normal. But I'm excited to go to the U.S.
"This is my first international flight and I can't wait to meet the other candidates from the different countries."
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RABIYA mateo ARRIVES IN LOS ANGELES
Rabiya arrived in Los Angeles, California, Saturday, April 10, 2021 (Philippine time), to attend some pre-pageant activities with skincare guru Olivia Quido-Co of O Skincare & Spa, one of the sponsors of the pageant.
Aside from Rabiya, Miss Universe El Salvador Vanessa Velásquez is also expected to participate in the said event.
In her interview with U.S.-based ABS-CBN journalist Steve Angeles, Rabiya asks her fans to pray for her and support her on her journey to get the country's fifth Miss Universe title.
She said, "Sa mga kababayan ko sa Pilipinas, nandito na ako ngayon sa Los Angeles.
"Ipinapangako ko po na gagawin ko po lahat ng posibleng gawin para maiuwi ulit natin ang korona sa bayan.
"Mahal ko kayo at please po, ipaagdasal niyo ako at suportahan sa laban na ito."
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Rabiya is the first candidate sent by the Miss Universe Philippines Organization to the pageant after it officially acquired the franchise for the local pageant, formerly owned by the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.
So far, the Philippines has produced four Miss Universe winners: Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, and Catriona Gray in 2018.