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