Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 17) — Rabiya Mateo, the Philippines’ Miss Universe 2020 candidate, bowed out of the competition after she failed to enter the Top 10 on Monday.
Mexico’s Andrea Meza brought home the crown during a pageantry held in Hollywood, Florida, USA.
Mateo made it 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.
LIVE UPDATES: Miss Universe 2020 coronation
Yes, Philippines! @EmaSavahl #MISSUNIVERSE
LIVE on @FYI from @hardrockholly in #HollywoodFL pic.twitter.com/Xi0SK0dvcq
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) May 17, 2021
RELATED: Miss Universe queens from PH send love to Rabiya Mateo
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.
