SET to conquer new horizons is Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, who signed a contract with GMA last November 18. After shining in the international pageant scene, the 25-year-old model and beauty queen looks forward to honing another set of skills.
“I’m very happy. I can’t believe I’m officially signed with GMA, and I can now say that I’m a Kapuso,” said Rabiya. “After Miss Universe Philippines, I’ve been asking myself, ‘What’s next? What am I going to do? Babalik na ba ako sa pagiging Physical Therapist?’ I’m happy the people in GMA did see my potential as an actress, as a host, and I’m excited sa mga parating na projects.”
The beauty queen expressed her gratitude to the network for seeing her potential, and she considers it as the perfect door for her.
“My heart is full of endless gratitude to everybody who saw my potential. I came from a simple life, I had humble beginnings, I have my struggles. But I realize I had to go through those hardships because God will open that perfect door for you. Today, I can say that door is my GMA family.”
Rabiya was welcomed by GMA executives via Zoom, video messages and their presence at the Marquee Tent of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.
GMA chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, executive vice president and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Network Films Inc. president and programming consultant to the chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, senior vice president for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, first vice president and head of Regional TV and Synergy Oliver B. Amoroso, and GMAAC assistant vice president and head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun S. Ferrer welcomed Rabiya as part of the Kapuso family. Rabiya’s comanagers from Empire, Jonas Gaffud and Mau de Leon, were also present during the event.
Atty. Gozon is confident that Rabiya will be a wonderful addition to the network’s roster of talents. “Last year, she made us proud when she represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe competition. Now, we are proud that she’s joining us here in GMA,” he said.
Yalong also wishes Rabiya the best of luck in this new chapter of her career: “Congratulations, Rabiya. We wish you all the best as you begin your Kapuso journey.” Gozon-Valdes is elated to have GMA viewers watch her grow as an actress: “We are delighted to have Rabiya join our stable of stars. I am sure the fans and Filipino viewers worldwide are thrilled to watch her onscreen.” Meanwhile, Rasonable expressed her enthusiasm in welcoming Rabiya: “We are looking forward to the projects that we will do with Rabiya which will showcase her talents in acting and hosting.”
An Iloilo native, Rabiya graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy. Earlier this year, she represented the Philippines in the prestigious 69th Miss Universe pageant and secured a spot in the Top 21 finalists.
After her guestings in The Boobay and Tekla Show and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, she is gearing up for her debut series Agimat ng Agila Book 2, and guesting in Wish Ko Lang! soon.