Rabiya Mateo says Venus Raj inspired her to be a beauty queen: ‘Kung nakaya niya, ako susunod din’

Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo has revealed that Venus Raj was the one who inspired her to become a beauty queen.

During an episode of “Queentuhan” with Pia Wurtzbach, Bianca Guidotti, and Carla Lizardo, Wednesday, Rabiya shared that growing up, her mom would ask her beauty pageant questions.

However, it was when Venus won as Miss Universe Philippines 2010 that she realized she wanted to be on the same track.

“Siguro ’yung point na na-realize ko na gusto ko maging beauty queen was when Venus Raj won because I heard the same story. Ako rin po isang probinsyana, isang Bisaya and I had my humble beginnings,” said Rabiya, who grew up in Iloilo.

READ: Rabiya Mateo on growing up poor: ‘I have a voice to inspire people, bakit ko ikakahiya?’

“Sabi ko ang galing ni Miss Venus. Kung siya nakaya niya maging Miss Universe Philippines, ako susunod din,” Rabiya said. “I was in high school if I’m not mistaken.”

Venus went on to become the Miss Universe 4th runner up in 2010.

Rabiya was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020 in October. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News