Rabiya Mateo

In the following article we will explore the impact that Rabiya Mateo has had on different aspects of today's society. From its origin to its relevance today, Rabiya Mateo has been a topic of interest for researchers, experts and the general public. Throughout this article, we will analyze the different perspectives related to Rabiya Mateo, as well as the implications it has had in areas such as technology, culture, politics and economics. Additionally, we will examine how Rabiya Mateo has influenced and changed the way we interact, communicate and navigate in today's world. Without a doubt, Rabiya Mateo has left a significant mark on our society and will continue to be a relevant topic for the future.

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Occeña and the surname or paternal family name is Mateo.
Rabiya Mateo
Mateo in 2021
Born
Rabiya Occeña Mateo[1]

(1996-11-14) November 14, 1996 (age 28)[2]
Balasan, Iloilo, Philippines
Other namesIbyang
EducationIloilo Doctors' College (Physical Therapy)
Height1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Beauty pageant titleholder
TitleMiss Universe Philippines 2020
Years active2020–present
Hair colorBlack
Eye colorBrown
Major
competition(s)

Rabiya Occeña Mateo (Hiligaynon: [ɾaˈbija ʔɔˈseɲa mɐˈteɔ]; born November 14, 1996) is a Filipino model, host, actress, comedian, entrepreneur and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020.[3][4] She represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant and finished as a top 21 semifinalist.[5][6]

Early life and education

Rabiya Occeña Mateo was born out of a domestic partnership between her Indian-American father and her Filipina mother who later on separated.[7][8] According to Mateo, she grew up in poverty.[9][10] She attended the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Program at the Iloilo Doctors' College and graduated cum laude.[11][12] As of 2020, Mateo works at a review center in Manila as a lecturer and review coordinator.[9][13][14]

Career

Pageantry

Miss Universe Philippines 2020

She represented Iloilo City at the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant after she won Miss Iloilo Universe 2020 at West Visayas State University Cultural Center.[4][15]

During the question and answer round of the Top 16 semifinalists, she was asked: "Throughout this journey you have discovered you are a phenomenal woman who is conditioned for greater. How can you create a positive and lasting impact to the world around you?" She responded:

"First of all, I need to stick to my core, which is being passionate about educating people. I am a lecturer and I've been pursuing this because this education had helped me to have that comfortable life that I and my family deserves and I wanna push people, I want them to achieve greater things in life through me and I know that Miss Universe anything is possible because I am a phenomenal woman with a heartfelt beauty."[16]

During the first question and answer portion of the Top 5 finalists, she was asked: "If you can create a new paper currency with the image of any Filipino on it, dead or alive, who would it be and why?" She responded:

"If I were given the chance, I want to use the face of Miriam Defensor-Santiago. For those who don’t know, she was an Ilongga. But what I admired about her is that she used her knowledge, her voice to serve the country. I want to be somebody like her - somebody who puts her heart, her passion into action. After all, she is the best President that we never had."[17][18]

During the second question and answer portion of the Top 5 finalists, she was asked: "This pandemic has made clear our priorities, essential or non-essential. Where do pageants stand in this time of crisis?" She responded:

"As a candidate, I know I am not just a face of Iloilo City but I am here carrying hope and as a symbol of light in the darkest of times. As of the moment, I want to help my community. I want to use my strength to make an impact. And that is the essence of beauty pageant. It gives us the power to make a difference."[17][18]

At the end of the event, Mateo was crowned by the outgoing Miss Universe Philippines, Gazini Ganados, as Miss Universe Philippines 2020, along with the Best in Swimsuit award.[3][19]

On September 30, 2021, Mateo crowned Beatrice Gomez as her successor at the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant, which was held at the Henann Resort Convention Center, Alona Beach, in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines.[20][21]

Miss Universe 2020

Mateo represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant in Miami, Florida, United States.[22]

At the national costume competition, Mateo wore an ensemble made by the late avant-garde designer Rocky Gathercole. It featured blue and red wings and 3 gold stars that was inspired by the Philippine flag.[23][24] The whole ensemble weighed more than 21 kilos.[25] It was supposed to be complete with an extravagant headpiece by veteran jeweler Manny Halasan that symbolized the Philippine flag’s sun, but she was not able to wear it because it was too big on her head and kept falling off.[26][27] Moreover, the long train of her outfit proved too heavy for her to carry paired with her huge feathered wings,[28] leading her team to make the last-minute decision to set the train aside since the chances of her falling if she went off balance in her seven-inch heels would be dangerous.[29] It caused Mateo to spend her preparation time cutting the train and running for pins and scissors, and it did not leave her enough time to retouch her hair and her makeup,[30] resulting in a performance many commentators reviewed as underwhelming.[31] Just after the show, she filmed an Instagram live video to apologize to the people who were disappointed, during which she broke down crying.[32][33]

At the preliminary competition, Mateo showed her 'hala-bira' walk.[34] She donned a yellow two-piece bikini with an ankle-length coverup made of sheer fabric at the preliminary swimsuit competition.[35] She wore an evening gown designed by Philippine-born, Dubai-based Furne One of Amato Couture at the preliminary evening gown competition. It is a yellow long gown paired with what appeared to be sun-inspired earrings which represents the sun, which symbolizes happiness, strength & vitality. The masterpiece featured a cape with citrine Swarovski crystals.[35][36]

At the coronation night, Mateo walked in a yellow two-piece swimsuit by Eva Sevahl at the Top 21 swimsuit competition.[37][38]

Mateo concluded her Miss Universe journey by finishing as a Top 21 semifinalist.[5][6] Andrea Meza of Mexico won the said pageant.[39][40]

Post Miss Universe; Acting and hosting duties

On September 30, 2021, Mateo crowned Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City as her successor at the end of the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 pageant. A few minutes before, Mateo unintentionally garnered the attention of the media because she tripped on the hem of her long thigh-slit gown and fell during her final walk.[41] Many newspapers and commentators pointed out the fact that Mateo fell during her very last walk as Miss Universe Philippines 2020, while just three days afterwards Tracy Maureen Perez also fell when she was doing her very first walk as Miss World Philippines 2021.[42][43]

Mateo made her acting debut in Ngisngis, an installment of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho's annual horror special Gabi ng Lagim.[44] She later signed a contract with GMA Network on November 18, 2021, becoming one of the artists managed by GMA Artist Center (now Sparkle).[45][46] Mateo portrayed supporting roles in several GMA dramas such as the second season of Agimat ng Agila (2022),[47] Royal Blood (2023), and Makiling (2024).

Her hosting career kickstarted in 2022, at the opening ceremony of NCAA Season 97.[48] Mateo served as one of the pioneer hosts of daily variety game show TiktoClock along with Pokwang and Kim Atienza,[49] until her departure in 2024 due to expiration of her contract with the show.[50] Mateo became a mainstay long-running gag show Bubble Gang, almost a year after her guest appearances.[51]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes Network Ref.
2020; 2021; 2022 Unang Hirit Herself Guest (2020 and 2021); Guest host (2022) GMA Network [52]
2020 Eat Bulaga! Guest / Bawal Judgmental judge [53]
It's Showtime Guest / Hide and Sing TAGOhula Kapamilya Channel / A2Z [54]
Magandang Buhay Guest [55]
Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho GMA Network [56]
ASAP Natin 'To Kapamilya Channel / A2Z [57]
Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan? [58]
2021; 2022; 2023; 2024 All-Out Sundays GMA Network [59][60]
2021 Brigada GTV [61]
2021; 2023 The Boobay and Tekla Show GMA Network [62]
2021 Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: Gabi ng Lagim IX - Ngisngis Acting debut [63]
Wish Ko Lang!: Magkaibigan Rita Episode role [64]
2022 Agimat ng Agila: Season 2 Agent Natasha "Asha" Raj Supporting role [65]
NCAA Season 97: Stronger Together, Buo ang Puso - Opening Ceremony Herself Hosting debut GTV [48]
2022; 2023; 2024 24 Oras Chika Minute substitute host for Iya Villania-Arellano GMA Network [66]
2022; 2023; 2024 Family Feud Contestant / Team Empire Philippines (2022); Team TiktoClock (2023); Team Sparkle 10; Team Bubble Gang (2024) [67]
2022 Dapat Alam Mo! Guest GTV [68]
First Lady Ashanti P. / applicant Guest role GMA Network [69]
Sarap, 'Di Ba? Herself Guest [70]
2022–24 TiktoClock Main host [49]
2022 NCAA Season 98: Achieve Greatness Every Day - Opening Ceremony Host GTV [71]
Magpakailanman: Basta Ilongga, Guwapa Episode role / Life story GMA Network [72]
2023 Happy ToGetHer Karen Guest role
Regal Studio Presents: Perfect Fit Jenna Episode role
Royal Blood Tasha Supporting role
2023; 2024 Fast Talk with Boy Abunda Herself Guest
2023; 2024–present Bubble Gang Guest (2023); Mainstay / Various roles (since 2024)
2023–24 Kapuso Countdown to 2024: The GMA New Year Special Performer [73]
2024 Makiling Maria Makiling Supporting role
Magpakailanman: Abused and Raped Mariel Episode role [74]
Wish Ko Lang!: Kamkam Elena [75]
Pulang Araw Rosalia Guest role [76]
Tadhana: Eskapo Arya Episode role
Magpakailanman: Asawa Noon, Kabit Ngayon Racquel

Web

Year Title Role Platform Ref.
2022 One Good Day Sandra Amazon Prime Video [77]

References

  1. ^ "OFFICIAL RESULTS: August 2018 Physical, Occupational Therapist PT-OT board exam list of passers". PRC Board News. August 15, 2018. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  2. ^ "August 2018 Physical and Occupational Therapist Licensure Examinations Results" (PDF). Professional Regulation Commission. August 15, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Requintina, Robert; Yap, Tara (October 25, 2020). "Iloilo beauty crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  4. ^ a b "Iloilo beauty Rabiya Mateo wins Miss Universe PH 2020". ABS-CBN News. October 25, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  5. ^ a b "Rabiya Mateo bows out of 69th Miss Universe, fails to make it to the Top 10". GMA News Online. May 17, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Rabiya Mateo natapos ang laban sa Miss Universe sa Top 21". ABS-CBN News (in Tagalog). Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  7. ^ "Indian man's daughter wins Miss Universe Philippines crown". Matters India. October 25, 2020. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  8. ^ Ramos, Neil (November 10, 2020). "Rabiya Mateo still clueless over father's whereabouts". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  9. ^ a b Rodriguez, Maura (October 25, 2020). "10 Things You Need To Know About Rabiya Mateo". Preview. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  10. ^ Malig, Kaela (November 16, 2020). "Rabiya Mateo on growing up poor: 'I have a voice to inspire people, bakit ko ikakahiya?'". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  11. ^ San Juan, Ratziel (November 11, 2020). "After Miss Universe Philippines reign, Rabiya Mateo wants to gun for this title". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  12. ^ Requintina, Robert (April 9, 2021). "Rabiya Mateo leaves for 69th Miss Universe pageant tonight". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  13. ^ Malig, Kaela (November 25, 2020). "Rabiya Mateo says years of teaching helped her during Miss Universe PHL Q&A". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  14. ^ Cupin, Bea (October 25, 2020). "Meet Rabiya Mateo, Miss Universe Philippines 2020". Rappler. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  15. ^ "Iloilo beauty Rabiya Mateo wins Miss Universe PH 2020". ABS-CBN News. October 25, 2020. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  16. ^ "TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Top 16 Q&A". Rappler. October 25, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  17. ^ a b "Here's how the Miss Universe PH Top 5 answered during Q&A". ABS-CBN News. October 25, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  18. ^ a b "TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Top 5 Q&A". Rappler. October 25, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  19. ^ "Bohol bet wins Most Beautiful Face, 3 other awards at Miss Universe Philippines 2020 preliminary". GMA News Online. October 23, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  20. ^ Dumaual, Miguel (September 30, 2021). "Beatrice Gomez crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2021". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  21. ^ Malig, Kaela (September 30, 2021). "Beatrice Gomez is Miss Universe Philippines 2021!". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
  22. ^ "Rabiya Mateo ends Miss Universe journey". ABS-CBN News. May 17, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  23. ^ "Rabiya Mateo on Miss Universe 2020 national costume competition: 'I did my best'". Rappler. May 14, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  24. ^ "Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo flourishes in her flag-inspired costume, apologizes to fans". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  25. ^ "LOOK: Rabiya Mateo's national costume is inspired by the Philippine flag". Manila Bulletin. May 14, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  26. ^ "Shamcey Supsup explains why Rabiya Mateo didn't wear headpiece for Miss Universe national costume". Philstar. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  27. ^ "Why Rabiya Mateo didn't wear a headpiece during national costume competition". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  28. ^ "Rabiya Mateo Photo Goes Viral, Stylist Clarifies Issues Of The Outfit". PhilNews. May 15, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  29. ^ "Rabiya Mateo's Stylist Addresses the Controversies Behind Her Miss Universe National Costume". Preview. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  30. ^ "Rabiya Mateo cries after receiving criticisms on social media". Philstar. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  31. ^ "Jonas Gaffud airs MUP's side on controversy over Rabiya's national costume". PhilSTAR Life. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  32. ^ "Rabiya Mateo Breaks Down Crying on IG Live After Miss Universe National Costume Competition". Preview. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  33. ^ "Rabiya Mateo breaks down, apologizes for disappointing her Pinoy fans for her performance in MU 2020 national costume competition". LionHearTV. May 15, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  34. ^ "Rabiya Mateo shines in Miss Universe prelims". Manila Standard. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  35. ^ a b "LOOK: Rabiya Mateo glows in yellow in Miss Universe preliminary contest". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on May 15, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  36. ^ "'Sun has come out': Rabiya Mateo turns heads in Furne Amato gown at Miss Universe prelims". ABS-CBN News. May 15, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  37. ^ "Rabiya Mateo sizzles up Miss Universe stage with final swimsuit walk". GMA News Online. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  38. ^ "LOOK: Rabiya Mateo stuns in yellow at Miss Universe 2020 swimsuit segment". Rappler. May 15, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  39. ^ "Mexico's Andrea Meza Crowned Miss Universe 2021". NDTV. Agence France-Presse. May 17, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  40. ^ Hamedy, Saba (May 17, 2021). "Mexico's Andrea Meza crowned Miss Universe". CNN. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  41. ^ "Miss Universe Philippines: Rabiya quickly regains poise after tripping during final walk". ABS-CBN News. September 30, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  42. ^ Franco, Bernie (October 4, 2021). "Rabiya Mateo to Miss World PH 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez: "SINAMAHAN MO AKO SA PAGKADULAS"". pep.ph. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  43. ^ Villanueva, Brooke (October 3, 2021). "After Rabiya's viral stumble, Miss World PH 2021 Tracy Perez gracefully trips on stage twice". msn.com. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  44. ^ Donato, Jerry. "Rabiya starts showbiz career with 'determination and an open mind'". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  45. ^ "'Fulfilling another dream': Rabiya Mateo signs with GMA". l!fe • The Philippine Star. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  46. ^ Bonoan, Reggee (July 11, 2021). "Rabiya Mateo gagawa ng teleserye sa GMA; umaasang matutuloy din ang Hollywood movie". INQUIRER.net (in Tagalog). Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  47. ^ Taculao, Patricia Bianca S. (February 17, 2022). "'Agimat ng Agila' returns for more action-packed, stunning surprises". Manila Standard. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  48. ^ a b "Rabiya Mateo debuts as GMA-7 host via NCAA opening ceremonies". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  49. ^ a b Iglesias, Iza (July 20, 2022). "TV's new out-of-the-box trio". The Manila Times. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  50. ^ "Rabiya Mateo, umalis na sa TiktoClock matapos mapaso ang kontrata". PEP.ph. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  51. ^ Gabinete, Jojo (November 14, 2024). "Rabiya Mateo, answered prayer ang pagiging Bubble Gang mainstay". PEP.ph. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  52. ^ "Rabiya Mateo, busy sa kabi-kabilang hosting gigs | Videos". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  53. ^ Bigtas, Jannielyn (November 2, 2020). "Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo guests on Eat Bulaga's 'Bawal Judgmental'". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  54. ^ Kalaw, Bea (May 15, 2021). "Know more about Miss Universe PH Rabiya Mateo in her appearances on Kapamilya shows". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  55. ^ "Rabiya Mateo looks back at odd jobs to earn cash: 'Hindi ko s'ya ikinakahiya'". INQUIRER.net. November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  56. ^ Alegre, Dianara. "Rabiya Mateo, emosyonal nang mapag-usapan ang kanyang ama sa 'KMJS'". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  57. ^ "'ASAP Natin 'To' spreads the positivity with world-class performances this Sunday". ABS-CBN Entertainment. November 21, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  58. ^ Adriano, Pamela (November 29, 2020). "Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan: Beauty queens, people behind their success find fulfillment with goodwill, generosity". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  59. ^ ALL OUT SINULOG PERFORMANCE with Miss Universe Philippines 2020, Rabiya Mateo | ALL OUT SUNDAYS, January 21, 2021, retrieved November 5, 2022
  60. ^ Tunac, Hermes Joy (October 16, 2022). "Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Rabiya Mateo, Thia Thomalla pay tribute to Masskara Festival in 'All-Out Sundays'". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  61. ^ "Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo, mas kilalanin sa Brigada!". GMA News Online. May 14, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  62. ^ Bernardino, Stephanie (September 17, 2021). "Rabiya Mateo now a Kapuso". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  63. ^ Ruiz, Marah (November 1, 2021). "Rabiya Mateo makes acting debut in 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho's' 'Gabi ng Lagim IX'". GMA News. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  64. ^ "Rabiya Mateo shares hilarious behind-the-scenes photos from 'Wish Ko Lang' shoot". GMA News Online. November 25, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  65. ^ Viernes, Franchesca (January 25, 2022). "Rabiya Mateo to play Agent Asha Raj on 'Agimat ng Agila' Season 2". GMA News Online. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  66. ^ Plaza, Marane A. "Rabiya Mateo is 'Chika Minute' correspondent on '24 Oras'". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  67. ^ "Family Feud Philippines: RABIYA MATEO, HYPER BEAUTY QUEEN ERA!". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  68. ^ "Rabiya Mateo, sumalang sa lie detector test! | Dapat Alam Mo! | Videos". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  69. ^ "Carla Abellana, Glaiza De Castro, Rabiya Mateo set to appear in 'First Lady' finale week". GMA News Online. June 27, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  70. ^ "Sarap, 'Di Ba?: July 23, 2022 (Full episode)". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  71. ^ "IN PICTURES: Kapuso stars grace NCAA Season 98 opening ceremony". Manila Bulletin. September 13, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  72. ^ Magpakailanman: Basta Ilongga, Guwapa: The Rabiya Mateo Story (October 01, 2022) | LIVESTREAM, October 2022, retrieved November 5, 2022
  73. ^ Almazan, Faye. "Catch these stars and artists at the Kapuso Countdown to 2024". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  74. ^ "Magpakailanman: Abused and Raped". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  75. ^ "Magkapatid, naghahati sa isang lalaki at nakatira sa iisang bubong?! (Full Episode) | Wish Ko Lang | Videos". GMA News Online. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  76. ^ "Pulang Araw", Wikipedia, May 24, 2024, retrieved May 25, 2024
  77. ^ Santiago, Ervin (October 25, 2022). "Ian Veneracion bumilib sa galing nina Rabiya Mateo at Andrea Torres: Masaya silang katrabaho!". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Miss Universe Philippines
2020 		Succeeded by