Rabiya leaves early, scraps traditional send-off

CEBU, Philippines — Rabiya Mateo landed in Los Angeles, California yesterday just in time for some pre-pageant activities for Miss Universe 2020. The pageant’s finals is happening May 16 in Hollywood, Florida where around 80 candidates are expected to compete.

In her first trip out of the country, the 24-year-old Ilongga traveled with Miss Universe Philippines’ creative director Jonas Gaffud and other members of her team.

“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,” Rabiya told ABS-CBN News in a pre-departure interview.

While send-off press conferences for departing beauty queens have been the norm, Gaffud explained to normannorman.com that the sudden decision to leave early was because of restrictions in the Philippines.

“We wanted to leave on April 20, to isolate for 14 days (self-imposed because there are no quarantine rules in Florida I think) prior to checking in at the Miss Universe hotel venue. We planned so many things the past three weeks: more photo shoots, interviews, fittings, and a grand send-off presscon for Rabiya. These were all cancelled because of the Covid situation,” Gaffud said.

Gaffud added that by the end of March, their organization was carefully planning everything, but felt they had no choice and decided to get the earliest day possible to leave the country since flights are either being cancelled or fully booked.

“We are a very responsible organization and we care for the safety of everyone, especially the queen. With all that is happening, it makes me wonder why some people are blaming us for not doing what is the ‘tradition.’ Yet, we were able to stage a pageant last year which produced this beautiful lady from Iloilo.”