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Rabiya Occena Mateo, First Miss Universe Philippines 2020 crowned in Baguio City

Rabiya Occena Mateo, 24, who represents Iloilo City was crowned as the first Miss Universe Philippines 2020 in Baguio City.

 |  2 min read

Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2019 Gazini Ganados crowns her successor, Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City, as Miss Universe Philippines 2020 MUP

Rabiya Occeña Mateo, representing Iloilo City, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 at the Cordillera Convention Hall of the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City on October 25, 2020.

The 24-year-old, whose name means "princess or queen", bested more than 40 other candidates.

The Ilongga beauty also won the "Best in Swimsuit" award, presented by Frontrow Luxxe Slim during the preliminary round at the Baguio Country Club on October 23, 2020.

Mateo is from Balasan, Iloilo and is 170 cm tall. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the Iloilo Doctors College.

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Occeña Mateo wearing a traditional Kalinga LILIGTOB-design "Abungot" (head cover)

KC Montero hosted the coronation ceremony of The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 without physical spectators at the venue due to COVID-19.

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Judges

  • Janine Tugonon, Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up
  • Ariella Arida, Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up
  • Harry Roque, presidential spokesperson
  • Eric Yap, ACT-CIS representative
  • Arlene Magalong, Baguio City first lady
  • Jackie C. Aquino, Philippine Fashion Coalition president
  • Samuel Salonga Verzosa Jr., Frontrow co-founder and CEO
  • Venus Navalta, IPG Mediabrands Philippines CEO
  • Arthur Peña, Procter & Gamble group director for media
  • Raymond delos Santos

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Special Awards

The 46 candidates competed in the national costume, swimsuit and evening gowns in the preliminary round.

Here is the list of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 special awards:

  • Best in National Costume:
    • Lou Dominique Piczon
  • Best in Swimsuit Photo:
    • Tracy Maureen Perez
  • Miss Photogenic:
    • Tracy Maureen Perez
  • Best in Evening Gown:
    • Maria Ysabella Roxas Ysmael
  • Best in Runway:
    • Lou Dominique Piczon,
    • Jo-Ann Flores (runner-up),
    • Ysabella Ysmael (runner-up)
  • Miss MG Philippines:
    • Michele Gumabao
  • Miss Creamsilk:
    • Pauline Amelinckx
  • Miss Downy Sweetheart:
    • Pauline Amelinckx
  • Miss Cetaphil Sun:
    • Pauline Amelinckx
  • Face of the Universe Award:
    • Pauline Amelinckx
  • Miss Lazada Fan Vote:
    • Skelly Ivy Florida

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