Laban, Rabiya Mateo! Queens and fans react to the Miss Universe finals

 

Photo credit: The Miss Universe PH/Facebook  

What a ride! Many woke up bleary-eyed this early, some even risking their absences, on a fine Monday morning in order to support Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo for the final battle. Although Mateo’s journey ended earlier than expected when she missed the Top 10, fellow queens and fans expressed their love and support for the 24-year-old Ilongga beauty. 

 

Photo credit: Catriona Elisa/Twitter, Pia Wurtzbach/Twitter 

Former Miss Universe title holders, Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray remained on the Rabiya Mateo hype train. Both have been very supportive throughout Mateo’s Miss Universe journey.

READ: Earrings ni Pia Wurtzbach ang agimat ni Rabiya Mateo para sa Miss Universe

Catriona’s tweet also reminded fans that the Philippines can pride itself in having an impressive 11-year-semis streak. ICYDK: A Filipina candidate has been sailing through to the Miss Universe semi-finals for more than a decade already. Iba talaga ang kamandag ng Pinay! 

Photo credit: Nurse Even/Facebook  

While we want to take a cue from our beauty queens about being gracious in defeat, well, medyo salty lang talaga kami! Vlogger and UK-based Filipino nurse who goes by Nurse Even, has summed up our exact feels about the situation. As he cheekily says in the caption, “Dear Patients, WAG NGAYON, OKAY?! Mainit ang ulo ko,” while holding a very large injection. Luh!

This of course, references the long-running joke about never bothering pageant stans at their place of business kapag talo ang beauty queen bet.

Pero kahit medyo BV ang Pinoy, keri lang kasi idadaan na lang sa tawa. With the whole world watching, the Miss Universe production could not escape being under the watchful eye of witty online users who wield the power of social media and can turn anything into a meme. 

Case in point, Miss Universe 2012 title holder and host Olivia Culpo’s overall onstage mood because so relatable to viewers.

Fans were concerned about her lack of energy with most calling for a power nap or a coffee break. 

Photo credit: Shokologist/Twitter

Photo credit: I hate carnations/Twitter

May pa-joke pa about how Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up Janine Tugonon should take over hosting duties. Pageant stans will know that this references the classic rule that goes, “If for any reason, the Miss Universe cannot fulfill her duties, the first runner-up shall take over.” 

Lakas talaga ng trip ng mga fans, sana maki-ride on na lang si Ate Olivia sa kanyang newfound Internet fame.

Some online users were also missing Miss Universe mainstay host Steve Harvey, referencing another classic meme.

Photo credit: ca_martnz/Twitter

Regardless of how each pageant stan copes, at the end of the day it’s all in good fun and provides an opportunity to bond even while we’re physically apart from each other.

Jokes aside, we just want to wish a big congratulations to all the candidates. You are all winners to us! And to Rabiya, you have made us very proud! 

Kumusta naman ang blood pressure ninyo? Kalma lang muna because lalaban uli tayo next year. Give chance to others, ’ika nga.