On July 14, 2021, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo was welcomed home by the Miss Universe Philippines Organization after an unforgettable 80 day journey in the US. She competed last May 16 at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant where she landed in the Top 20. Immediately after the competition, Mateo embarked on a travel experience visiting Filipino communities in 13 cities across the US.
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization went to great lengths in ensuring Mateo’s safety throughout her travels and strictly adhering to all of the quarantine requirements. The phenomenal queen comes home with a renewed spirit, a fulfilled heart and an even greater appreciation for Filipino pride. Since her coronation, she has continued to become an inspiration to so many Filipinos here and abroad. Her phenomenal efforts and effect on people have become the starting point of this year’s theme.
Miss Universe Philippines National Director, Shamcey Supsup Lee, announced the theme for the 2021 edition at the event. She said,
“I am very happy to announce that this year’s theme for the MUPh 2021 Pageant, our theme will be …. “INSPIRE YOU”. A Miss Universe Philippines is a phenomenal woman because she has the ability to inspire others. This year, the three pillars are Roots, Transformations and Charity.
Inspired by your Roots. The MUPh Associated Partners Program ensures that as many cities and provinces throughout our country are well represented. Join us as we take a deep dive into the interesting and moving parts of our culture revealed through the eyes of our contestants.
Inspiring Transformations. With the world-renowned experience of the key members of the Miss Universe Philippines board in bringing out the best in a Filipina, the goal is for them to find their unique best self that should also move other people to seek their best selves.
Lastly, inspiring charity. It doesn’t matter whether it is big or small. Doing something good that can be sustainable should also inspire other people to do the same.”
The Miss Universe Philippines 2021 screening format was also announced at the event. It is a fresh dynamic approach responsive to today’s needs. The MUPh decided on this format to allow greater participation from all over this Philippines. By doing virtual screenings at the beginning, the delegates do not have to be in Manila and incur lots of unnecessary travel expenses.
From the hundreds of applicanats, the Top 100 Delegates will be revealed on July 19, 2021. They become official MUPh delegates who will undergo a series of virtual challenges in the following weeks.
Through online voting through the MUPh App and the judges, field will be narrowed to to a Top 75 and then a Top 50. These Top 50 delegates will then go to Manila for a live Interview Challenge with the Miss Universe Philippines board of judges. Ultimately, a Top 30 will be chosen and announced on August 31,2021.
Also present at the live press conference held at the Hilton Manila, Resorts World Manila were MUPh Creative Director Jonas Gaffud and MUPh Design Council Head Albert Andrada. The event was hosted by MUPh Director of Communications Voltaire Tayag. Sponsors at the event were Frontrow, Cetaphil, Creamsilk, Dr. Coco and Gary Dacanay Weddings and Events.
The Miss Universe Philippines Live Coronation night will be on September 25, 2021.
Last year’s phenomenal woman of Oriental Mindoro in Miss Universe Philippines will now be the Earth Warrior of San Pablo, Laguna for MPE2021. Dr. Adee Hitomi Akiyama is more confident that she can do this competition given the combination of medical and environmental advocacies she is pushing for. 
Louise Theunis was initially an Official Candidate of Miss World Philippines last 2018 before she joined Miss Bikini Philippines 2019 – a title she won just before the global pandemic took its toll on everyone. She is now ready to represent Carrascal, Surigao del Sur in MPE2021 and is certain that taking the risk of vying for another crown is worth it. Keep in mind that she was also National Director of Miss FIT Philippines.
Angelie Aubrey Asuncion was Binibini 40 during the Bb. Pilipinas 2018 batch. She is also a very good acoustic singer who did well during the Talent Competition that time. After keeping it low-key for the past two years, she is back with a more refreshing look and styling – something that will make her stand out in MPE2021.
On the other hand, Gail Ventic was Binibini 1 during Bb. Pilipinas 2016. Like Angelie above, she was fielded in the competition by Kagandahang Flores. Right after her first national pageant experience, she returned to her job as Flight Attendant of Air Asia. She is bringing back maturity this year. And MPE2021 is the right pageant to be part of her return.
This is the look of Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo for the 69th Miss Universe shoot wearing blue Sherri Hill.
Watch my exclusive interview with Fashion Designer and Jewelry Maker Manny Halasan where he carefully talks about his contribution to Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo’s (Rocky Gathercole) National Costume for the 69th Miss Universe.
Before we get flooded with more photos of the 69th Miss Universe candidates in Hollywood, Florida, here is one of the newly-uploaded photoshoots of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo taken before she left the country last month.
If you already have the Miss Universe Philippines App installed on your mobile phone or tablet, then you can’t afford to miss Episode 3 of #FollowingRabiya: Florida where her stay (up until the final few hours) in Fort Lauderdale was documented all the way to her arrival at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, FL.
From Fort Lauderdale to Hollywood in Florida, our Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo started her journey for the 69th Miss Universe crown. She was accompanied by #TeamPhilippines led by Jonas A. Gaffud right before checking in at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
