Rabiya Mateo, MJ Lastimosa reveal their favorite candidates in Miss Universe Philippines 2024

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 21, 2024 11:22 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Rabiya has this message to the candidates. "Kung ibibigay sa iyo ni God, ibibigay niya talaga sa iyo. You're gonna have that winning goal."

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The 53 candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2024

"Bardagulan" or a "bloodbath." This is how some pageant watchers describe the intense competition among veteran queens who are also frontrunners in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, which will have its grand coronation night at the MOA Arena on May 22.

Rabiya Mateo, who represented the country in Miss Universe 2020, said: "I know! bloodbath talaga. And it makes me excited as a pageant fan because they're really trying to deliver a great show for us."

Meanwhile, actress and host MJ Lastimosa - who represented the country in Miss Universe 2014 - said there is nothing wrong with proclaiming a seasoned queen as the winner of Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

"Ang sabi ko sa kanila, mag-bardagulan sila hangga't gusto nila. It's good for our country, meaning hasang-hasa ang mananalo kasi paghihirapan niya talaga ang korona," MJ said.

Rabiya Mateo

There's a record of seven experienced queens competing in MUPH 2024 and some of them have placed globally. They are Kris Tiffany Janson, Miss Intercontinental 2014 2nd runner-up; Christi Lynn McGarry of Taguig, 1st runner-up in Miss Intercontinental 2015; Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, Miss International 2018 1st runner-up; Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga, Miss Tourism International 2019; Alexandra Mae Rosales, Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2022; Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2021; and Stacey Gabriel of Cainta, Bb. Pilipinas 2022 2nd runner-up.

MJ, also known in showbiz as Mareng MJ, opined that the seasoned queens have "unfinished business" or "what ifs" in life, and that's why they are returning.

She related this to her own experience, having tried three times before gaining the right to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe 2014 where she placed in the top 10. "Pag pangarap mo kasi pangarap mo eh.Di mo naman kasi masasabi ang timing, what if ito na yung perfect time for the girl who's returning? For me talaga may the best Miss Universe Philippines candidate win! And  ang Pilipino naman, kung sino ang ipapadala sa international stage, we will support her," MJ remarked.

MJ Lastimosa

Rabiya has this message to the candidates. "Kung ibibigay sa iyo ni God, ibibigay niya talaga sa iyo. You're gonna have that winning goal."

The Ilongga beauty queen revealed that she is rooting for fellow Ilongga Alexie Brooks but clarified that she also supports the rest of the girls.

"I'm rooting for Alexi, of course. But also, I have a lot of friends na kasali. And I know also their personal struggles, you know. And I'm also rooting for them. Overall, masasabi ko bilang isang kandidata dati, mahirap po yung pageantry. So instead of comparing or rooting for just one girl, pray for everybody. Kasi hindi madali ang journey nila," Rabiya pointed out.

Meanwhile, MJ admitted that she supports Kris Tiffany Janson because they are batchmates in Bb. Pilipinas 2014, and they have been friends for 10 years.

Rabiya Mateo is back after three months in the US

by Jane Kingsu-Cheng, Manila Bulletin

Our very own Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo is home, and the intimate homecoming was held today, July 14, at Hilton Manila.

“Finally, after three months of being in the US, I can finally say that I am home,” she starts off her speech. “To everybody who gave their time just to see me and welcome me home, maraming salamat po (thank you very much).”

“Being a representative during this time in the pandemic, it’s never easy. But I realized iba talaga pag ang Pilipino ang nagsuporta, kaya nagpapasalamat ako (It’s really different if Filipinos support you, that’s why I am grateful).” She also gave special thanks to former Miss Universe Philippines Shamcey Supsup, “Mama J” or Jonas Gaffud of Miss Philippines Inc., and to everyone who is part of the organization. “Maraming salamat sa suporta at sa paniniawala nyo sa amin (Thank you very much for the support and for believing in me). It wouldn’t be possible if not for the love and support that you have given me.”

Shamcey Supsup also went on stage to talk about the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines competition, but she thanked all their supporters first, “This homecoming press conference is a small gathering of those who have been supportive of the Miss Philippines organization from the very start. We certainly couldn’t have done this without your support. Your dedication to pageantry has uplifted the lives of many young women all over the country.”

She then moves on to talk about the upcoming Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) competiton, “I am very happy to announce that this year’s theme for the MUPH 2021 pageant would be ‘Inspire you.’ A Miss Universe Philippines is a phenomenal woman because she has the ability to inspire others.” And this year’s three pillars are roots, transformation, and charity.

“Inspired by your roots, the MUPh’s associated partners’ program ensures that as many cities and provinces throughout the country are well represented. Join us as we take a deep dive into the interesting and moving parts of our cultures revealed to the eyes of our contestants. Inspiring transformations with the world renowned experience of the key members of the Miss Universe organizations in bringing out the best in a Filipina. The goal is to find their unique best self that should also move other people to seek their best selves. And lastly, inspiring charity. It doesn’t matter whether its big or small. Doing something good that can be sustainable should also inspire others to do the same.”

Good luck to this year’s contestants!