The Ilongga beauty queen showcases her hometown’s local fabric the “hablon” and reminds pageant fans to be kind.
Related: Miss Universe Style Radar PH: Rabiya Mateo’s Figure Flattering Style
“It costs nothing to be kind,” a simple but powerful statement spoken by Rabiya Mateo as she addresses the current issue with Miss Universe Canada Nova Stevens regarding the online hate comments she’s been receiving from Filipinos. “I actually personally sent messages to Nova saying sorry,” she says in her interview with Rappler. “Because these hate speeches that we see online, this is not a reflection of who we are as Filipinos.”
With the intensity of the prestigious and long-awaited competition getting closer, Mateo uses her platform to remind Filipinos and all pageant lovers alike that beauty pageants are meant to celebrate all women, regardless of the competition or not. “I learned in this industry that people tend to be cruel. We should not normalize that aspect. When you see something is not right, you correct it. You have the power to do so. That’s why I think this is also the best way for me to shine kindness and the spirit of being humble.”
Miss Universe Canada Nova Stevens also agrees following her post with Filipinos fan who are showing her love and positivity against the hate. “Some of my closest friends who also happen to be some of the nicest people I know are Filipino. In every group of people; whether black, white, green, yellow, red, purple, there are always a few bad apples. I know for a fact there is more good than evil in this world,” she writes. “Let’s get back to spreading love, celebration, and making pageants fun for all! Root for the girls, they deserve to be celebrated and spoiled with lots of love.”
LOOK 010: Love Local
Style Trend To Crop: Hand-woven Fabrics and Modern Mules
The province of Iloilo, where our Miss Universe Philippines was born and raised has one the largest Hablon communities in the country. “Hablon,” which is derived from the Hiligaynon word habol, means to weave and refers both the process of making the fabric and the end product. It is traditionally made of locally-made fibers such as piña, abaca, and cotton to create a hand-woven textile. Showcasing the community’s culture and heritage, here we see Mateo incorporate the woven fabric in her Miss Universe wardrobe through a gown that uses a blue hablon for its neckline. Designed by Lenie Cañonaso, the marriage of sequins and local fabric represents a perfect balance of traditional and modern fashion.
The best way to elevate an ensemble has always been quite literal: Add a heel–which Mateo’s style team truly aced on this look. While the additional inches along with the gown’s high slit created the illusion of Mateo’s endless legs, the choice of royal blue mules to match the hablon was a detail that anchored this outfit and gave its attention-grabbing finish.
Check in daily with our “Miss Universe PH Style Radar” series for the latest on Rabiya Mateo’s looks.
