Rabiya Mateo goes from beauty queen to action star in 'Agimat ng Agila: Season 2'

After relinquishing her Miss Universe Philippines 2020 title, Rabiya Mateo prepared herself to embark on a different journey.

Prior to scoring a role in upcoming fantasy-action drama Agimat ng Agila: Season 2, Rabiya was considering working abroad. The beauty queen has worked as a licensed physical therapist and she wanted a successful career, even if it's a departure from the world of pageantry.

Things took a turn when she officially signed a contract with GMA Network in November 2021.

This kickstarted her acting career, and currently, she is taking on her very first drama role as Interpol Agent Asha Raj for Agimat ng Agila Season 2.

During the show's online press conference, Rabiya couldn't help but look back on the big changes she made to adjust to her life now as an actress.

Rabiya said, "I'm very happy, I enrolled myself in boxing [classes]. Aside from that, kahit private session with our action director Sir Erwin Tagle, we do that para ma-condition talaga 'yung mind ko, 'yung body ko na.

"Sobrang layo niya sa pagiging isang beauty queen, but I'm loving the challenge and the transition. I'm forever grateful sa opportunity."

The actress has shown snippets of her combat training for the show, in preparation for her fight scenes.

The Kapuso actress also made headlines recently after she defended and voiced out her intention to help a grandfather who was jailed in Pangasinan over alleged stolen mangoes.

Rabiya will be starring on Agimat ng Agila Season 2 along other stars including Sanya Lopez, Elizabeth Oropesa, Gardo Versoza, Betong Sumaya, Kim de Leon, and Bong Revilla.

The show is set to premiere on January 29, 7:15 p.m.

Check out the cast of Agimat ng Agila: Season 2: