In crescent-moon-shaped diamond earrings with rare yellow diamonds, known as the LVNA Signatures “Agila” Teardrop Diamond Dangling, Rabiya Mateo expresses the flow of the ebb and tide. A symbol of change, the crescent moon is a highly intelligent figure, just like Rabiya.
Photo from @rabiyamateo
Born on November 14, 1996 in Balasan, Iloilo, Rabiya values the significance of education. Having graduated a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, she is an uplifting presence whose organizational work has brought smiles to every Filipino. Rabiya is a symbol of fortitude. “Strong” is a great word that describes every woman, but Rabiya’s fortitude is phenomenal, just like her mother and grandmother, whose hard work as single mothers has raised a most beautiful woman, dedicated, determined, and intelligent, with a winning smile—just as bright as a crescent moon, and just as brilliant as the color yellow. This is how she was envisioned at the GMA Gala Night 2023.
Photo from @rabiyamateo
Clearly, Rabiya does things beyond everyone’s expectations. Finishing at the Top 21 of the Miss Universe pageant 2020, she had won the Miss Universe Philippines title with a most intelligent and educated response during the Q&A segment. A voice for women, as well as a voice for the youth—and quite spectacularly—a voice for all Filipino people—Rabiya notes Miriam Defensor-Santiago as her idol: a paragon of intelligence: “But I am here, carrying hope and [I am] a symbol of light in the darkest of times.”
Photo from @rabiyamateo
In addition, she has described herself as a “phenomenal woman with a heart of beauty.” It is apparent that she values inner strength, having no regrets, humility, and support toward other women. Furthermore, she is a fighter. She claims, “God has been so good to me and my family. At sa lahat ng blessings na pumasok talaga, God is so good.” And truly, at the Gala Night, Rabiya was able to catch up with many of the people who matter to her. The GMA Gala Night dinner was an opportunity for celebrities to get in touch with fellow stars.
Photo from @rabiyamateo
The breadwinner of her family, she has recently purchased a home for them. She initially joined the Miss Iloilo competition and won, furthering her journey by winning the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, and proving to the Filipino people that she is a true contender, not only as a woman of breathtaking beauty, but as a woman of intelligence.
Photo from @rabiyamateo
It would have been truly phenomenal to her that the Gala was able to raise one million pesos toward the GMA Kapuso Foundation, or GMAKP. Paying tribute to stars and co-stars, as well as others involved in show business—the Gala Night was the perfect opportunity for celebrities like Rabiya Mateo to shine. Gathering over a thousand guests, the “Elegant Formal” theme was nailed by Rabiya as well as everyone else who attended. Festooned with gold sequins and exposing tanned skin on all sides, she is a vision of architecture. Anyone can see her undeniable beauty as she donned her sequined gown—a stunning and revealing number—at the GMA Gala Night. Dressed in minimal accessory, Rabiya and LVNA shine.
Photo from @rabiyamateo
She believes, ultimately, that phenomenal women (such as herself) can help in trying times, with the gift of education. “[What] we need nowadays is not just a beauty queen with a pretty face, but we need phenomenal women who are not afraid to speak and to stand for the things that they believe in….Even in my simplest [or most glamorous] form, I know in my heart I am nothing less than phenomenal.” In the end, Rabiya Mateo is a force to be reckoned with. A glorious beauty with a heart of stone and a brilliant mind—just as brilliant as her jewels as well as her evening gown—and just as bright as her love for Jeric—Rabiya is actually “the best president that we never had.”