Rabiya Mateo on her Miss Universe 2020 National Costume | © Rappler
Rabiya Mateo, the Philippines' Miss Universe candidate, bowed out of the competition after she failed to make it to the Top 10 in the Miss Universe 2020 competition.
Mexico's Andrea Meza brought home the crown during the Miss Universe 2020 pageant held in Hollywood, Florida, USA.
Mateo made it only to the Top 21, where semifinalists strutted in their swimsuits.
A native of Iloilo, Mateo was among 74 candidates who competed for 69th Miss Universe crown. She was gunning for the Philippines' fifth Miss Universe title.
Despite her early exit, former Miss Universe queens who brought pride to the Philippines sent their support and admiration to the country's bet.
The 26-year-old Meza was named this year's winner, with Brazil's Julia Gama as first runner-up. Rounding out the Top 5 are Peru, India, and the Dominican Republic.
