Rabiya Mateo, nagpakatotoo tungkol sa usaping money at fame

• Rabiya Mateo has opened up about her childhood dream of becoming a doctor
• The beauty queen explained why she chose Physical Therapy as her pre-med course
• She confessed that her role as a breadwinner initially hindered her from pursuing medicine
• However, the actress emphasized that "money and fame are not everything in life"

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo recently shared a side of herself that many fans haven't seen before. In a candid interview on the Kwentong Callroom podcast, the Iloilo native spoke about her lifelong ambition to become a doctor—a dream inspired by her father, who is a doctor in the United States.

Rabiya recalled how she carefully chose Physical Therapy as her course to prepare for medical school.

"Yung mom ko yung nag-suggest ng Physical Therapy kasi may mga subjects tayo like anatomy, physio, especially then yung patient care," she explained, noting how those skills are essential for a future in medicine.

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However, life had other plans for the well-known beauty queen. After her success in pageantry and her transition into acting afterward, Rabiya found herself as the primary breadwinner for her family.

"Hindi ko kaagad kaya mag-medicine because I can’t afford my self to school kasi breadwinner ako," she admitted in the podcast.

Despite her flourishing career in the limelight, Rabiya confessed that the 'spark' for medicine never truly left her heart. She shared that watching medical dramas like House M.D. and Grey's Anatomy often brings back memories of her original calling in life.

"Money and fame, they’re not everything in life," Rabiya mused. She expressed a deep-seated desire to serve a higher purpose, stating, "I want God to use me as His medium, my knowledge, my experience to help His people."

For Rabiya, the goal has always been about healing others, one that many have praised online.

Rabiya Mateo first gained national recognition after winning Miss Universe Philippines 2020, proudly representing Iloilo City before competing on the global Miss Universe stage. Following her pageant career, she moved into acting, television, and endorsements, steadily building a name for herself in showbiz. Along the way, she has spoken openly about self-love, perseverance, and mental health, becoming an advocate for emotional wellness. Her honesty about her personal struggles has earned her respect from many supporters.

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As previously reported by KAMI, Rabiya Mateo and Jake Cuenca appeared together as presenters at Miss Universe Philippines 2026. The pair’s joint appearance marked a public confirmation of their relationship. Jake previously revealed in March that they were exclusively dating. Their romance followed past relationships with Chie Filomeno and Jeric Gonzales.

Meanwhile, Rabiya Mateo, a former beauty queen, honestly rated herself a "7" in terms of being okay. During her guesting at DJ Chacha's podcast, she considers herself a "work in progress." According to Rabiya, she still needs her medication and consultation with her doctor from time to time. In her own terms, Rabiya wants to be the "best version" of herself when the right person arrives.

Source: KAMI.com.gh