Rabiya Mateo reveals she almost left to become a physical therapist in the US after Miss Universe loss

Rabiya Mateo is now an actress, but did you know she considered other career choices after failing to win the Miss Universe crown for the Philippines last May?

In a GMA Digital exclusive interview, the beauty queen revealed that one of her “options” was to become a physical therapist in America.

“But [people] did advise me to think about it, ‘cause… iba din kasi ‘yung, you know, tahimik ‘yung life. And, at the same time, I can practice my studies, my course, by being a physical therapist,” Rabiya said.

Rabiya, however, took a chance and pursued a showbiz career.

Some of the people close to her were not fully on board at first, but Rabiya was set to start her new journey with the mindset she had when she joined Miss Universe.

“I told my mom na I think I wanna give it one more try this time. Wala na din namang mawawala sa akin,” she said.

“And everytime siguro na nahihirapan ako, everytime nare-remind ako sa lowest point ng life ko, iniisip ko lang palagi na ang laking sacrifice ko just to be here and I cannot just give up," she added.

Prior to joining Binibining Pilipinas and being crowned Miss Universe Philippines in October 2020, Rabiya had been working as a licensed physical therapist and planned to continue her studies.

After appearing in several TV projects, Rabiya officially signed with GMA Network in November.

She is set to star in Book 2 of GMA’s action drama “Agimat ng Agila” coming soon. —JCB, GMA News