Rabiya Mateo’s Miss Universe national costume
The 69th Miss Universe pageant has just held its National Costume event, hosted on 13th May EDT in Hollywood, Florida by reigning Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi and writer and producer Nick Teplitz.
And Rabiya Mateo, our very own bet, was no less than stunning in her Philippine-flag inspired costume.
Mateo strutted like an Angel in her Philippine-flag inspired costume
Image credit: Miss Universe
Strutting confidently like a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Mateo wore her Philippine flag with pride – as a one-piece suit adorned with wings, made by Filipino designer Rocky Gathercole.
❤️💙❤️💙❤️💙
Head to https://t.co/isjijntrRM to vote for your favorite national costume! pic.twitter.com/klM4KBoe7Z
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) May 14, 2021
During a backstage interview, Mateo herself said that she felt like a “Victoria’s Secret Angel.” She definitely radiated like an Angel on stage after owning her walk like a true queen!
Image credit: Miss Universe
During the live show, Teplitz described Mateo’s costume as “inspired by the Philippine flag. The blue represents royalty, red stands for the courage and strength of an independent woman, and yellow, the color of the sun and stars symbolizes hope and freedom, to choose who you want to be.”
She was supposed to wear a headpiece too
Image adapted from: @manny.halasan, The Philippine Pageantry
Designer Manny Halasan had actually also created a golden headpiece decked with crystals that was supposed to be paired with Mateo’s costume. However, it didn’t make it to the show because it had been found “too big” for her head. Nevertheless, Halasan said on his Instagram post that he always believes in perfect timing.
“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,” he said.
Rabiya Mateo’s national costume
Mateo indeed showcased the Philippines in the most patriotic and enchanting way possible – by wearing the colors of the Philippine flag through a winged one-piece suit.
We can only expect the best from her at the upcoming Miss Universe preliminary show tomorrow!
Also check out:
- 9 things about Rabiya Mateo
- Rabiya Mateo stuns in pre-pageant photos
- 10 Miss Universe winners and where they are now
Cover image adapted from: Miss Universe