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Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo. (Photo from his Instagram account / @rabiyamateo)
ILOILO CITY, Iloilo, Philippines —Most of the time I wore a mask.
But Ilonggos, reeling from months of community quarantine measures, was still excited to welcome Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo over the weekend.
Ilonggos lined the streets to watch his caravan through the main streets of the city on Friday.
Many were office workers who came out to check out the beauty champion who won the coveted crown on October 25 in the city of Baguio.
Fans flocked to the venues he visited, prompting reminders and warnings to keep physical distance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many wore red in response to a call to “paint the city of Iloilo red” to welcome Mateo.
A native of the town of Balasan in Iloilo, Mateo paid a courtesy visit to the provincial capital of Iloilo where he met Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and Balasan Mayor Manuel Ganzon.
Provincial officials gave Mateo a copy of a provincial board resolution commending her for winning the title of beauty.
He also visited the Iloilo City Hall, where he met with Mayor Jerry Treñas and other officials.
Treñas described the beauty queen as “the modern epitome of Iloilo’s beauty and grandeur.”
Mateo thanked Ilonggos for their support and warm welcome and promised that she will “do everything possible to bring home the fifth Miss Universe crown.”
Mateo celebrated his 24th birthday.
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