Rabiya Mateo set for special role in period drama ‘Pulang Araw’
MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo embarked on a showbiz career after she joined the international Miss Universe pageant that same year.
The successful candidate from Iloilo cannot be thankful enough that she discovered acting after doing modeling and hosting. Her acting stint on GMA 7’s afternoon soap, “Makiling,” recently concluded.
She received positive feedback with her acting debut. “I’m so happy because acting, even if I’ve been doing it only lately, I get to love the job,” Rabiya asserted. “I didn’t start as a good actress right away, but I’m willing to learn and I’m willing to practice.”
“I hope to be given a role which I can give justice to in the future. It’s not really a pressure but it makes me feel good that others appreciate what I did on television. This is a passion that I do,” she added.
Rabiya will do a special participation in the period teleserye, “Pulang Araw” that will be her next acting assignment.
She is thankful to GMA executive, Annette Gozon, who saw her when she went to the US in Miami, Florida to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
At that time, Rabiya was already asked by Annette if she wanted to join showbiz. “I’m thankful to Miss Annette because she didn’t forget me even after Miss Universe,” Rabiya said.
“There are so many other talents who are new and are also joining showbiz. For them to notice me after the beauty pageant and trusted me with TV projects, I am very grateful.”
She tried heavy drama in an episode of “Wish Ko Lang.” “I want to be good in every aspect of acting,” Rabiya said. “Then, I will do a special participation in ‘Pulang Araw.’”
“As a Filipina, it makes me feel proud to act in the 1930’s era for ‘Pulang Araw,’” Rabiya said. “It’s work. Not everyone is given the chance to act. I have no right to complain or to question what is happening. I will always have gratitude to see goodness even in my imperfect moments in my career.”
The beauty queen-turned-actress acknowledged her managers — Jeffrey de Leon, vice president of The Empire Artist Management, Renze Banawa, GMA senior sales manager and Jan Navarro, GMA talent manager — for helping her make her dreams come true.
“They are
