Rabiya Mateo admits that even though she's already a crowned beauty queen, she still has a lot of insecurities--one of these is her acne problem.
“I struggled with acne even before I joined Miss Universe Philippines,” the 27-year-old celebrity confessed during the contract signing of her new endorsement deal with Royal Aesthetics on May 11.
She continued, “Yun po ngayon ang wino-workout namin. I have good makeup lang but I have acne scars. Good thing you don't see it, pero deep down there, ang dami kong imperfection sa aking balat.”
As the newest beauty ambassador, Rabiya often visits the aesthetics clinic for its “vampire facial treatment.”
She explained the procedure, “Parang nag-e-extract sila ng blood from me, tapos yung plasma, yun ang gagamitin for serum together with microneedling. Parang binubutasan yung aking face para ipasok yung plasma and that would lead to collagen synthesis. So, that would help me to have a brighter complexion and even texture sa skin ko.”
Aside from her acne, Rabiya said she also experienced receiving negative comments for not having fair complexion.
“I used to be that girl. Kasi palagi, I'm not the standard of beauty here in the country,” she said.
“Dati po, galing ako sa maliit na bayan sa Iloilo, people would say na, 'Alam mo, maganda ka sana if maputi ka.' So, bilang bata, tumatak yun sa isip ko. What I would, mag-iipon ako ng pera, 'tapos pupunta ako sa grocery at maghahanap ako ng whitening soap, so it really affected me.”
Another insecurity the Kapus beauty queen mentioned was maintaining her fit body.
She related, “Honestly, there's so much pressure to maintain my face and body as a celebrity. Hindi natin maiiwasan because of years of, you know, we age, ganun talaga ang normal wear and tear of the body.
“Ako, personally, nandun talaga yung struggles. Kasi alam naman natin, to be in the public's eye, hindi biro minsan. Sometimes when I gain weight, 'Ah, lumaki siya, baka buntis siya,' may kuwento na agad sila.
“So, yung expectation palagi ng tao is yung Rabiyang nakita nila sa Miss Universe is yung Rabiyang makikita nila up until now.”
To deal with all her insecurities, Rabiya admitted she asked for professional help from doctors of beauty clinics such as Royal Aesthetics.
She reasoned, “It's a lie if sasabihin ko na ang pagiging maganda ay effortless, na gumising ako to be like this. It takes a lot of effort. It takes a village to look like this, especially since I'm very open with my acne problem.
“From time to time, hindi natin maiiwasan because of stress, because of puyat sa pagiging artista… sa mga bagay na po yun, kailangan natin ng partner clinic kung saan tutulungan tayo to address this skin problems. It's a problem but there's a solution.”
In connection with this, Rabiya encourages people who want to look good and have enough budget to consult skin doctors.
She explained, “I also come from humble beginnings. When you have nothing in life, uunahin mo talaga yung necessity like food and shelter, to survive day to day. However, we also encourage people, na if you have a budget, to do so, to invest in the right things to bring out the best in you.
“Alam ko po, we live in a developing country, maraming tumataas ang kilay because they think this is just for pure vanity. But there's a lot of individuals, hindi lang babae but also men, who want to look at their best.”
She also left a message for those who look negatively at people who undergo beauty treatments and enhancements.
“Beauty is for everybody. Huwag tayong maglagay ng restriction since we're living in a free country. I know a lot would say na, 'Naku, mas maganda pa rin yung natural, maganda pa rin yung ganito.'
“Let people decide for themselves at walang masama kung ang treatments na ito would make somebody confident. Parang it's actually a blessing from science to help people build their character and confidence,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, here are some of Rabiya's stunning looks:
True fashion should be simple and classy but rock, and Rabiya shows how to slay it on this photo.
Doesn't she look like a supermodel?
Let Rabiya show you how to rock those shades.
Rabiya flaunts her morena glow on this photo.
How to look gorgeous in feathered dress? Learn from Rabiya.
Real beauty doesn't have to be complicated. Keeping it simple is still the best.
When taking a selfie, take advantage of the sunlight and let it gleam all over you just like Rabiya.
Doesn't Rabiya look like she's straight out of a fashion shoot?
Every girl needs to have at least one perfect dress in the closet.
If you want to try a different look with minimal changes, try some bangs like Rabiya and you'll see a difference.
Rabiya showed her stunning look when she signed a contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
Rabiya's short hair perfectly frames her face.
The Kapuso star and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 is proud of her bikini body.
Even with simple outfits, Rabiya always shows how to pose like a beauty queen.
Even in hosting, Rabiya is fierce and confident.
The beauty queen turned Kapuso actress really looks like an action star in this photo.
Rabiya Mateo is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful celebrities in local showbiz.
Rabiya Mateo can also be a stunner even in casual outfits.
Rabiya gives a girl boss vibe in this look.
Rabiya is a showstopper in her Princess Jasmine look for The Sparkle Spell Halloween Party.
The 'TiktoClock' host welcomed her birth month in a red dress.