Rabiya's POV
It feels so surreal! I am already part of the top 21! I am now closer to the crown, ika-limang korona na nga ba para sa Pilipinas? If God will destined me to be the next Miss Universe, lalo ko pang maitutuloy ang advocacy ko and mahahanap ko na rin siguro si papa. Sayang lang he didn't witness that I am competing for Miss Universe, buhay pa kaya siya? 'Til now wala pa rin talaga akong balita but still they keep on searching for him.
I need to prepare for the swimsuit competition. I choose the yellow one 'cause it suits me, that's what the team said before.
I am just looking at the mirror.
Staring at myself....
I am not that gorgeous and sexier like the latinas, yung katawan nila na pang-supermodel na may malaking chance to win the crown, while mine, i-it was okay, pakiramdam ko wala akong laban.
I looked at the mirror and saw my face.
I am really that happy?
Nervous?!
Am I really deserving to be the next Miss Universe?
But why I can't read what my eyes wants to say towards me? Am I in the middle of doubt and happiness?
Rabiya stop it!
You are in the competition! Hindi ka pwedeng panghinaan ng loob, Philippines is rooting for you.
Pero paano kung hindi tinadhana ang gabing ito???? Diba???? Hindi ko naman talaga masasabi, no one can predict who will win tonight.
Only God can predict who will be the next Miss Universe is..
Hoping na ako yun at wala ng iba pa.
I will accept wholeheartedly kung hindi man ako. I know this is my fate, after naman nito may mga projects pa rin naman na nag-iintay sa akin sa Pilipinas and I will continue to study physical therapy and to inspire the youth through my advocacy.
"Don't doubt yourself!"
My make-up artist uttered and smiled.
He's really supportive ever since.
Mark is my fave make-up artist he's the one who makes me more beautiful than ever when it comes to shoots and preliminaries, he became my friend.
Paano ako hindi magdo-doubt?
I am not that really looking good, not perfect, flawed, imperfect whatever you may describe me alam ko naman na.
"You think I will enter the top 10?"
Bakit ngayon ka pa nagkakaganito Rabiya?!
You are now doubting yourself!
Ang hirap pigilan!
I-I was pressured, too much pressure is what I do feel right now!
"I do believe honey! When I first saw you, I have the guts and feels that you are going to be crowned tonight. Don't let the doubt eat you Rabiya, you are the next Miss Universe."
My heart is now flattered, my worries cast away.
Parang gusto kong umiyak sa sinabi niya. I-I was in the middle of doubting kanina, simula pa lang ng opening.
"Thank you Mark!" I slightly smiled.
"Don't be sad okay? Win or lose I am still rooting and will support you! Just give your best shot girl!" He winked at me and fixed my hair.
In the middle of the doubt may ipapadala at ipapadala talaga sayo si Lord na mga taong ipapaalala kung para kanino ka ba talaga lumalaban, palagi na lang akong nagugulat sa mga surprises niya.
I felt but relaxed, maybe I should stop overthinking and start having fun!
I will set aside the pressure and the way people rooted for me, kailangan ko mag-focus sa sarili ko and to enjoy the minute of this night, once in a lifetime lang ito kaya I need to make it memorable.
Rabiya, win or lose! You are still the Miss Universe, okay?!
Yes Rabiya! You can do it!
Enjoy the night and make it memorable and remarkable!
I walk and now preparing for the swimsuit round. I always thought about the trainings that Mama Ian Mendejar and I made. He's my pasarela trainer, he's so happy na nandito na ako ngayon to compete, sayang he's not here, hindi pwede kasi marami pa siyang tine-train. I'm his first Miss Universe Philippines raw kaya sobra talaga ang suporta niya.
'Always remember to smile Rabiya!'
'Ako lang ang mataray dito!'
'Stand straight, chest out, stomach in, there you got it!'
'The turn should be on point Rabiya, smile at the judges and turn around, good, good, and there is your Halabira Walk!'
'Give them your brightest smile be calm, team kalma tayo diba?!'
'Naniniwala ako sayo anak, ikaw na magiging next Miss Universe namin.'
Yan parati ang sinasabi niya saken noong nasa Pilipinas pa ako, nakakatawa man pero he's the one who taught me and helped me to improve my pasarela. He made me feel so confident about myself, without him I will not be like this.
The training may be hard, sobrang hirap talaga pero parati niyang pinapaalala kung para saan at bakit ako nandito.
Hoooooh! Rabiya you can kill this round! Just show them the best that you've got.
Your smile and fighting spirit!
THE FILIPINA SPIRIT!
"The top 21 please form and go to your lines. Get ready for your countries to be called!" The staff shouted.
This is the swimsuit competition round!
My heart is now throbbing and my hands are trembling, but who knows?
I will make this swimsuit competition more enjoyable and happy!
Tatanggalin ko ang takot at kaba!
I am here for a purpose!
And I will be forever grateful that I am Rabiya, the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 and no one can take that away from me!
"Good luck Philippines! Rooting for you!" Argentina said.
"Rooting for you also!" I giggled, we are both in the line. I was placed on the last spot to show my walk in the stage.
Grabe?!
Ako talaga ang nahuli?!
Actually I was the last one to be called, parang sasabog ang puso ko dahil sa huli pa ako tinawag! Mabuti na lang kumalma ako ng konti, gosh! The feels are making me insane!
.........................
The whole crowd can't stop cheering for the Philippines, she was the last one to be called, she showed everyone what her Halabira Walk is! It is on fire!!
PASABOG AT ITS FINEST!
She's like a goddess walking in front of the crowd!
GOOSEBUMPS!
SHOCKED!
EFFORTLESSLY GORGEOUS!
Rabiya you did an amazing job! The board is totally insane when they saw you!
You will be the next Miss Universe!
........................
"Here we are going down to top 10! Are you ready folks?!!"
Totoo na ito diba?!
I just finished my Halabira Walk in this stage!
The feeling is way too overwhelming!
Pakiramdam ko I already won the crown because of the fans cheering and yelling for me.
Gosh!
My heart and mind is totally in different pace, no one can really explain what and how I am feeling right now.
OVERWHELMING!
That's what I am feeling right now, the gratitude itself!
I KILLED THIS ROUND!
Let's do it Rabiya Occeña Mateo! You got this top 10!
"The first candidate who will enter the top 10 is.........."
"Thailand!!!"
Go-gosh!!
My heart now is beating so fast!
Babe!! You're already at the top 10!!!!
GO! GO! GO! Sexy loveeeeeee!!!!!
I am so happy Amanda!!!
I am really happy while watching her walking towards Steve and get to her place!
Gosh! I can't stop giggling here while staring at her!
The crowd went loud!!
I will not deny and will never deny na nahulog talaga ako sa kanya ng wala sa oras.
She's kind, well hindi pala noong una! Joking! But she is, jolly, and has the aura of being a fighter!
Nakalimutan ko na siya kausapin kanina! Hindi pa nga pala ako nakakabawi gosh!
Gets naman niya siguro, oo babe, alam ko di ka galit!
Grabe proud na proud ako sa kanya!!!
My heart pleaseeeeeee!!!!!
"The next spot who have the chance to bring home the Miss Universe crown is.........................
"Peru!!"
"Here I go, Seminole are y'all ready?! The third candidate will be..............."
"India!!!!!"
Gosh do I still have the chance?!
I need to prove myself once more for the speech and q and a.
Smile Rabiya!
You have the feeling!!!
You got the power!
"And next on the line is........."
"Mexico!"
She's one of the favorites, so happy for Andrea!!!
My heart is now beating faster and faster!
Sasabog na yung puso ko!!!
"You have the chance to enter the top top five spot..........."
"Puerto Rico!!!"
I am still in shocked!
Gosh malapit na sa top 10 at hindi pa rin ako natatawag!
Rabiya, be happy! Don't overthink too much!!
You are here to represent Philippines and they are already proud of you!!
"And also you........."
"Dominican Republic!"
"This is so intense folks! The 7th semi-finalist who can enter the top 10 is..................
"South Africa!!!!"
Oh gosh!!
Why I am now doubting?!
It's already 7th and still Philippines is not called!
I just saw Ate MJ in the crowd.
She's smiling and cheering for me, she's giggling, ugh! Mabuti na lang medyo natatanggal ang kaba ng puso ko!
Sobra na akong kinakabahan!
All of these girls deserves to be on Top 10 at syempre ako din!
Whatever may the result is!
I will accept it!
That's what the Miss Universe goal is!
"The 8th spot for top 10 is........"
"Colombia!!!!"
GOSH ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT!!!!
MY HEART IS NOW BEATING SO FAST!!!!!!!
"This is your chance to be the next Miss Universe!!!! Please come forward.............................."
"PHILIPPINES!!!!!!"
WHAT??!!!!
OH GOD!!!!!
I AM STILL ON TOP 10!!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!!
MY HEART IS NOW FULL!
The crowd became wild and loud!
"PHILIPPINES!!!!! GO PHILIPPINES!!!"
I just keep on hearing they say Philippines!
This is it!!!
My heart is pounding and I want to burst into tears because of the joy!
GOOSEBUMPS!!!
I slowly walk towards beside of Miss Colombia.
It felt so surreal! This is really happening right?!!!
The camera followed me and I smiled at it, I-I don't know how to stay calm! I-It's really overwhelming!
My heart and mind is into tears, gosh I have the chance to be at the top five and to bring home the crown!
"And the last spot who's going to complete the top 10 is.............."
"Australia!!!"
We are now already complete!
Nakatingin ako ngayon sa mga tao, they were all happy and excited, the lights give us too much exposure.
"The long gown competition is up next! Stay tuned here at the 69th Miss Universe!"
Maybe I can calm now!!!
It's a ten minute commercial break!
Gosh!! Gusto ko ng sumigaw sa sobrang tuwa! Kilig! Kaba!! Ito na yun Pilipinas!!! Malapit na ako sa ika-limang korona!!!!
"Go langga!!"
"Go Ibyang!!!!"
"Go mahal!!!!"
Ate MJ, Billie and the Team PH are clapping and shouting. Gosh this is really intense!!
I gave them my warmest smile! Hindi ko na mapigilan ngumiti! It is because of them kaya ako nandito!
Rabiya you need to change for the long gown and to show the judges the bang and goddess fusion!!
Excited na ako to wear Furne Amato's long Sarimanok Gown!
Agad akong bumalik sa backstage para magbihis.
"You did it girl!" Mark said and gave me a quick cuddle.
I need to change my outfit so quick!
"God?!! where is my gown?!!"
I was startled when Amanda shouted in fear.
A-anong nangyayari?!
"Change now Rabiya!"
Nagdadalawang isip na ako!
Pero kailangan ng tulong ni Amanda!
Gosh!
Ka-kailangan ko magpalit, I have only ten minutes to retouch and to change into long gown!
Pero!!!!
Ano ba?!
Tutulungan o hindi?!
GOSH OO!!!
I almost run towards her.
"I will help you babe!" I said and stay calm for her.
She just stared at me and smiled slightly. Kinakabahan siya.
Wa-wag ngayon!
We immediately searched for her gown around here at the backstage.
"Where did your team put it babe?" I am really tensed right now. So does she.
We are still walking and searching.
"I-It's just here! I saw it earlier!"
She's freaking out right now.
I AM FREAKING OUT RIGHT NOW ALSO!
I don't want to leave Amanda alone, I promised her that already.
Ye-yes I am in love right now with her.
I just saw a blue gown in the side....
Maybe i-it was Amanda's gown.
"Here it is!"
I immediately exclaimed.
Naku I need to change for the long gown and to retouch na!
"Seven minutes ladies!!!!"
God! I have only seven minutes left.
"Oh here it is! Tha-thanks babe!"
She smiled at me.
I gave her a warm smile.
"Don't be so tensed babe hahahaha. I need to change now!"
Kung hindi dahil sayo babe! Gosh! Sobrang mahal na kita! I don't want to see her so intensed at nagkakagulo.
Pero what the?! I still find her cute despite of everything!
Ngayon minamahal ko na yung flaws niya, the way she freaked out is everything HAHAHAHAHA
SORRY BABE NATATAWA AKO....
Her aura is really calming kaya siguro napahulog ako nito eh!
"Good luck babe!" She said.
"Good luck see you on the top 5!" I glanced and smirked at her.
Mabuti na lang tinulungan na siya ni Dean to fix her up.
I immediately went back to Mark.
"Babe?! Hmmm smells something fishy my dear!" Mark jokingly uttered.
Di ko na mapigilan ngumiti, gosh di ko na mapigilan tawaging 'babe' si Amanda everytime I see her.
"Mark! Hahahahaha I guess you're right with that instinct!" I jokingly respond to his instinct. Malakas na talaga pakiramdam niya noon pa lang.
He helped me to zipped my gown and immediately retouch my hair and make-up.
He fixed my hair in a bun pero may konting kulot na nakalaglag ngayon sa tabi ng aking mukha. Ito yung napag-usapan namin na style kanina. I think this hair and make-up suits me in this gown.
I was totally astounded when this Sarimanok Orange Gown has a deeper meaning, it is a mythical bird of the Marano people that originated from Mindanao it symbolizes good fortune.
It is embroidered with Swarovski crystals, glass, beads and paillettes.
Furne Amato said I symbolizes phoenix that can soar and fly high!
LABAN PILIPINAS!
"Ladies go to your lines now! You have only one minute left! Go! Go! Go!"
The staff clapped hardly.
THE NERVOUSNESS GOSHHHH!!!!
Bumibilis na naman ang takbo ng puso ko!
Mabilis kaming pumunta sa mga pwesto namin. Sakto huli pa naman ako so di masyadong nagmamadali.
Mabuti na lang nandito si Mark, he helped me to change outfit and to retouch.
I AM READY NOW!
"Ladies and gentlemen! I present to you the long gown competition! Starting off with Thailand!!"
The sound of the music echoed through the room.
The long gown competition feels!!
Amanda is madly looking gorgeous at that blue gown! She-she's really beautiful! The detail of her dress!!!!! ANG GONDOOOO!!!!
PARANG WALANG NANGYARING PROBLEMA AH? Ang galing niya mag-handle when it comes to pressure, sana all.
Mabuti na lang natapos na agad siya, una pa namang tinawag!
I am really the happiest person cheering for her now!
Grabe!!!!
Bakit ba ako napro-proud sa kanya?! Sobrang proud grabe!!!
GO BABY-BABE!!!!!
Kung ako ang nasa crowd seat ngayon, baka wala na akong tigil kakasigaw sa kanya dito!
Amanda Obdam you really deserve the love, hindi mo man alam pero I am really lucky to have you at this moment.
How can I show her my all? Baka after this magbago na tingin niya saken? She's kinda ma-iwas kanina. Siguro dahil nagmamadali nga kami pareho?
Rabiya! Ano ba ang naiisip mo?! Syempre focus yun sa pageant!
Sunod-sunod ng tinawag ang mga candidates.
MY HEART IS NOW TOTALLY FLATTERED.
Hindi lahat nabibigyan ng chance to enter top 10! And I was one of the luckiest girl na mapasama dito!
Konti na lang q and a portion na!
"Go now Philippines!"
I sighed heavily and wear my smile when the lights suddenly appeared at me.
It was like I was the only person here, the universe and I.
I AM JUST STARTLED!!!
The feeling is something spectacular!
I gave my warmest smile to judges and to the audience.
I don't understand what the crowd are saying i-it was just loud!
When I finished walking I went back to my place with the top 10.
"That was spontaneous ladies! Give them applause!" Steve said.
The crowd applaud, some of them are shouting.
"We're now down to top 5!"
HERE IT IS!
Lord, makapasok man ako o hindi. Top 10 is still an achievement!
Malayo na ang narating ko throughout the entire journey, at ang mabigyan magsalita para sa Top 5 ay isang malaking bagay.
I am doing this for my fellow Filipinos.
The crowd went wild again when Steve looked at his envelope.
"Here we go!" He sighed heavily.
"You have the chance to conquer the Universe.............."
"Peru!!!!!!"
MY HEART!
THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING, RIGHT?!
Peru smiled and stepped forward.
"For the second spot, you, have also the chance to bring home the crown........................"
"South Africa!!!"
OH LORD! THERE IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT HAPPENING RIGHT NOW!
"Get ready and you are part of the top five..................."
"Puerto Rico!!!"
PLEASE ENTER THAILAND AND I!
TWO SPOTS LEFT!
MY HEART IS NOW BEATING SO FAST!!!!
IT IS POUNDING!!!
MY KNEES AND HANDS ARE KINDA SHAKING!!!
I AM SMILING BUT I AM ALREADY SHAKING!!!
"Fasten your seatbelt because you are going to enter this round......................"
"Mexico!!!!!!!"
GO-GOSH!!!
A-ANO?!!
HINDI SI AMANDA?!
SO MAAARING IISA LANG ANG TAWAGIN SA AMIN?
Paano kung hindi kami matawag?! May six girls pang natitira including me??
Gosh!
My mind is thinking too much! The pressure is already in!
Looking at my fellow FILIPINOS they were all praying and their eyes were closed.
Go-God! Kung sino man sa amin ni Amanda o kung wala man sa aming dalawa, ba-basta naguguluhan na po ako!!
I just saw Amanda staring at me.....
That smile!
Naalala ko kung paano niya ako ningitian noong simula pa lang....
That eyes, nagpapahiwatig na naman na hindi ko naiintindihan!
Amanda? I am now totally confused right now sa mga tingin mo!
It feels like she's proud of me while looking at me. Pakiramdam ko kami lang dalawa ang tao dito, a-ang gulo!!
A-ano ba talaga?!
"This is the chance to be a queen on your own! Please step forward.................................."
The sound just give us a drumming effect.
Nakakakaba!
Parang hindi na ako mapakali!
I cannot hear what the crowd are saying dahil sa sobrang lakas.
I just stared at Amanda, she's still looking at me.
The eyes of being proud!
At last I get it!!!
She opened her mouth, but! I-I don't understand what she's saying!!!
"PHILIPPINES!!!!!!"
I WAS FROZED!
A-ANO?!!!! AKO?!!!!
TO-TOP FIVE?!!!!!
MY HEART JUMPED!!
MY KNEES ARE TOTALLY TREMBLING.
RABIYA RELAX!!!
I-I DON'T KNOW HOW TO MOVE FORWARD NOW!
GOD!!!!
I AM SO HAPPY!!!!
HI-HINDI KO INASAHAN NA MAKAKAPASOK AKO DITO!!!!
SO-SOBRANG SAYA KO TALAGA!!!!!!
Hindi ko maintindihan kung anong nararamdaman ko ngayon!
Naramdaman ko na lang na gumagalaw ako patungo sa tabi nila South Africa.
I heard the different noise from the crowd.
Gosh!
I AM ALREADY A TOP FIVE AND AFTER THIS IS THE Q AND A!!!!
Gusto ko ng umiyak! Pero Rabiya!! Pigilan mo!
Pigilan mong umiyak!
Makakapasok na ako sa mga runners up o hindi naman kaya......
A-ako na ang magiging Miss Universe 2020!
God!!! I have the different feeling!!!
Bu-but I thought Amanda is going to enter the top five too?
She told me na napanaginipan niya kami standing in front of the crowd?
I-I want her to be with me!
Pero?! Hindi ganon ang nangyari!
"Here are the top five finalists! One of you, one of you! Is going to be the next Miss Universe!!!!"
I was shocked, i-ito pala ang pakiramdam na makasama ka sa top five.
The goosebumps, excitement, enthusiasm and nervousness!
Ga-grabe!
The feeling of the camera is pointing at you right now, pa-parang dati lang pinapanood ko lang yung mga dati naming kandidata but now I was the one here at the stage, representing the Philippines!
"Miss Universe Grand Coronation Night will be back!"
I-I was startled and so shocked!
Wala na akong maintindihan dahil sa sigawan.
MISS UNIVERSE
Malapit ka na Rabiya! Konting-konti na lang!
Nagulat na lang ako ng may sumalubong na mga yakap sa akin.
They were all the candidates na hindi nakapasok sa Top 21, may mga ilan din na niyakap kaming lima.
"CONGRATULATIONS!!!"
IYAN LAMANG ANG TANGING NARIRINIG KO.
Hi-hindi ko alam kung paano magsalita sa dami nila!
My eyes now are in tears!
Hindi ko inasahan na makakapasok pa ako sa top five despite of what happened, my sacrifices, hardships!
GRABE KA LORD!
I didn't expect this feeling!
I wasn't expecting nga!
Hindi ko na naiintindihan sinasabi nila kundi thank you lang ang nasasabi ko.
Rabiya may q and a at final walk ka pa!
YOU NEED TO FOCUS!
FOCUS NOW RABIYA! KNOW YOUR REAL PURPOSE!
And the Coronation!
You are almost there!
"Hi babe can we talk?" Nagulantang na lamang ako ng nasa harapan na sa akin si Amanda.
I-I was looking for her earlier!
The butterflies!!
The giddiness!!!
The KILIG!!!!!
"Ba-babe?!" I uttered, hi-hindi ko alam kung paano ako magrerespond, sobrang gulat na gulat lang talaga ako.
I just felt both of her hands caressing my face. Ugh! That gentle hands are making me feel so comfortable! Hinahagod niya ang batok ko, it kinda ti-tickles me!!
I looked into her eyes a-and it was like we are just the only two person in the ro-room!
Her face! Na-namiss ko na ng sobra!!
That lips and nose!
MY HEART IS NOW BEATING SO FAST!
A-AMANDA?!
PLE-PLEASE!
I-I WANT YOU HERE TO BE WITH ME!
BABE???
"I am so proud of you babe a-and I just want you to know that I'm--"
"I love you so much babe"
Where did I?!
Naimik ko na naman ng wala sa oras!
Go-gosh!! Nadadala na ako sa nangyayari ngayon!
Gusto ko na talagang tapusin ito at makasama siya!
Pero hindi pa pwede!
May Q and A. I will make sure na babawi ako and I will invite her on a date after this!
She chuckled shyly.
The way she stared at my face is really something else!
My heart! You are making me stop Amanda! A-ano ba ang gi-ginagawa mo saken ha?!
Pakiramdam ko gusto ko na lang ibuhos ang pag-ibig na nararamdaman ko para sa kanya ngayon!
"I love you too." She's still caressing my face.
I am calm now.
So much better!
Much better now!
"I am here for you 'til the end my rival. I will wait for you." She closely looked into my eyes.
Go-gosh!
Hi-hindi ako makahinga ng maayos!!!
Sa-sandali lang naman!!
Ho-hoy! Sa-sandali?!!!
My heart now is totally filled, pa-pakiramdam ko nanalo na ako sa mga tingin niya!
Tha-that smirk!
Yung puso ko sandali!!!!
Nahuhulog na naman!!!
BAKIT BA AKO KINIKILIG?!!!!!!
STOP NA RABIYA!!! NGUMINGITI KA NA NAMAN!!! NAKAKAHIYA!!!
"I need to talk to the top five!!!"
PANIRA!!!!!
BAKIT NGAYON PA?!!
GUSTO KO NA SIYANG HALIKAN!!
MAG-WAIT KA NA LANG AMANDA PLEASE?!!
BABALIKAN KITA!!
Amanda chuckled, wow?! At natawa pa siya? Hulog na hulog ako grabe! Tapos siya natatawa lang?!
Gosh! Nakakainis naman!!!
Hmp!!
"Go now babe, good luck. I will come to our date after this." My heart now is really happy!
At last a-attend din!
Hindi na paasa yan ha?!!
Ga-grabe nag-wink pa!
Feeling naman!
Pero bakit ang ganda niya pa din ha?! Ang unfair naman!
Nakakainis ha?! Bakit ako kinikilig!!
KILIG NA KILIG AKO SANDALI!!!!!
Sandali lang naman Amanda! Dahan-dahan! Sumasabay ka sa q and a aaaaaarrrrrrgggggghhhhhh!!!!
I WILL NEVER LET YOU GO AMANDA OBDAM! WAIT FOR ME TO FINISH THIS NIGHT!