LOOK: Rabiya Mateo stuns in Philippine flag-inspired national costume at the Miss Universe preliminaries

Rabiya Mateo stunned many in her national costume at this year’s Miss Universe preliminary competition, which was inspired by the Philippine flag. 

Looking like a Victoria's Secret Angel, she showcased a dazzling ensemble in red and blue, amped up with three shining stars. “The blue represents royalty, red stands for the courage and strength of an independent woman, and yellow—the color of the sun and stars—symbolizes hope and freedom to choose whoever you want to be,” said the host. 

Albert Andrada—the design council head who worked his brilliance in Pia Wurtzbach’s gown at the Miss Universe 2015 coronation night—asked Rocky Gathercole to do the costume. Unfortunately, the latter passed away in March when it was 75% done. The design team completed the national costume and let Rabiya wear it to the prelims as a tribute to Gathercole.

If Rabiya bags the award for Best National Costume at the pageant, she will be the third Filipina to do so, next to Charlene Gonzalez and Gazini Ganados. 

The 69^th Miss Universe pageant will be held on Monday, May 17 at 8:00 AM PHT in Hollywood, Florida.