Pia advises Rabiya to take her time after Miss Universe stint

“Take your time” was the advice of Pia Wurtzbach to Rabiya Mateo after the Ilongga beauty queen secured a Top 21 finish at the recently-concluded 69th edition of the Miss Universe pageant.

The Philippines’ third Miss Universe (2015), Pia, shared this when she was asked by a member of the media during the virtual event that unveiled her as DR. COCO’s global brand ambassador.

“I already messaged her by the way right after the competition,” recalled Pia. “I messaged her a few times. She replied. She’s fine. She is doing well. I told her honestly take your time because ang sakit naman talaga. I know how much she has worked for it. I said, ‘Take your time.’ Everything you’re feeling right now is totally normal. We’re here for you. You’re not gonna go through this alone. We’re gonna be here to support you. And I’m sure you’ll have a career waiting for you here in the Philippines.”

Like her predecessor Gazini Ganados, Rabiya was also gunning for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown. In a TV interview, Rabiya expressed her intention to try her luck at acting when she completes her reign as 2020 Miss Universe Philippines. She will also participate in the trainings of her successor. Rabiya deserves a pat on the back as she succeeded to continue the semi-finals streak of the Philippines for 11 consecutive years.

Photo courtesy of Miss Universe Organization

“Rabiya is very down-to-earth,” said Pia. “She’s very relatable. She’s funny and hindi ako nag-do-doubt na she’s already a big star. I know that mas lalo pa siyang sisikat. More people are gonna get to know her, more people are gonna love her. More opportunities are coming her way. Di ba yung gown nga niya is yellow, yung parang sun. Feeling ko as bright as the sun yung future niya.”

Given Rabiya’s dedication to being the country’s representative at the annual beauty-and-brains competition, she can easily sashay her way into any endeavor she wants to pursue.

As for Pia’s advice for 2020 Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico, she said: “My advice is always the same for all the new winners, back up your files. I know maraming advice na ‘Enjoy,’ ‘Live in the moment,’ ganyan. Marami nang tao ang magsasabi nun sa’yo. The real advice is back up your files. ‘Coz I actually lost a lot of pictures halfway through my reign. I didn’t back up my files. I never get those pictures and memories back. Real advice, girl. Invest in a nice camera, back up your files. The memories will stay forever.”

Pia added that she was excited to meet the new Miss U and congratulated her on social media privately. Andrea is the third Mexican beauty who won the title after Lupita Jones and Ximena Navarrete in 1991 and 2020, respectively.

Meanwhile, from the time she became Miss Universe, Pia has received many offers to endorse brands. Before giving her nod of approval, Pia said that she makes sure that she knows the product by trying or using it. “(It is) something I can honestly talk about and something that I will use in real life,” she added. “I make sure that I use it before I talk about it.”

Pia’s newest addition to her list is DR. COCO, whose team described it as “a locally-made hand soap that looks to elevate the handwashing experience for Filipinos everywhere.” The 100-percent nature-derived hand soap has anti-bacterial and antiviral efficacy, the team added, and cleansing abilities using natural ingredients. The hand soap, which is available on Shopee and Lazada and in retail stores, is considered a must-have, especially at these trying times.

“Everybody is being really careful with COVID-19 nowadays,” said Pia. “Let’s all admit that. We’re constantly washing our hands. Aside from (that), we are also following protocols like wearing face masks and face shields and practicing social distancing.”

What the actress-turned-beauty queen likes about the soap is “it has all the goodness of coconuts,” she said. “I love the smell and it is never drying on the hands. It is made in the Philippines.” Like every world-class Filipina who represents the country on the global pageant arena, DR. COCO also deserves global attention.