With her looks, wit, and charm, former Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo could still win another beauty contest. But Rabiya has decided to move on from the world of beauty pageants and pursue a career in show business.

"Ang sarap sa puso when they say may chance pa ako sa pageantry to redeem yourself and represent the country. But now I have reached the point na wala na ang passion for pageantry," said Rabiya after she was introduced as the face of Mags Fashion held at Pandan Asian Cafe in Morato, Quezon City on Sunday. 

(It's heartwarming when they say I still have a chance in pageantry to redeem myself and represent the country. But now I have reached the point where the passion for pageantry is gone.)

Now a Kapuso star, Rabiya has not just transitioned; she has leaped into her showbiz career with unwavering dedication and a fire of passion.

"Iba na po ang chapter ang open sa buhay ko ngayon. It's show business and acting. Ang pageantry ay hindi po madali. Para po ito sa matatapang na babae. I took the risk. I won at some point. And I also lost at some point. But it led me to become an actress. I'm already 28 so wala na po talagang chance," she said.

(A different chapter is open in my life now. It's show business and acting. Pageantry is not easy. It's for brave women. I took the risk. I won at some point. And I also lost at some point. But it led me to become an actress. I'm already 28 so there's really no chance.)

While Rabiya has ventured into show business, her dedication to the Miss Universe Philippines remains unwavering. She proudly represented the Philippines in the 2020 Miss Universe Competition, earning a spot in the Top 21. Her commitment extends beyond her participation, as she continues to share her insights and advice for aspiring Miss Universe Philippines contestants.

"Madugo ang edition ngayon. Mabuti na lang hindi ako sumali. Ang daming magaganda at ang daming magagaling. Kahit mga fresh face, may laban sila. My advice would be to have a group like a glam team who are solid to you.

(Today's edition is bloody. It's a good thing I didn't join. There are many beautiful and talented people. Even fresh faces, they have a fight. My advice would be to have a group like a glam team who are solid to you.)

"It's going to be one of the most vulnerable moments in your life. Ite-test ka talaga ng Panginoon dito. Kakabahan ka kasi it will be the greatest fight of your life. Have that solid group who will support you kung puwede financially and morally," said Rabiya.

(It's going to be one of the most vulnerable moments in your life. The Lord will really test you here. You will be nervous because it will be the greatest fight of your life. Have that solid group who will support you, if possible, financially and morally.)

The beauty queen from Iloilo emphasized that styling and confidence are interconnected when participating in a pageant.

"Styling is important. But the reality in life is trial and error. Minsan hindi mo maiiwasan na may mga bad photos ka. However, it would help if you communicate openly with your team. It is important how the girls visualize themselves, especially during pageant night. The girl should feel beautiful in her looks, so confidence is important," Rabiya said.

Mags Cue, President and CEO of Mags Fashion, introduced Rabiya as the celebrity endorser for the popular clothing line.

"Before pa nakita ko na si Rabiya in Miss Iloilo. Mags used to be the official wear of Miss Iloilo 2020. Would you believe, siya ang aking Miss Mags. Meant to be. She's very humble. I like her character. She's not only beautiful at magaling siya magdala ng damit. She has the right attitude," said Mags.

Rabiya reacted: "Totoo po yun. Isa na po si Ms Mags ang tumulong at nakakita ng potential ko. It was one my humble beginnings. I was Mis Mags before Miss Universe Philippines. Anything is possible. Back then, I always believed na kahit na mahirap lang kami at simple lang yung environment ko. I always believed I was born to do greater things. I am saying that in all humility. Hindi ko naman ito maaabot kung hindi dahil sa mga taong naniwala sa akin at kung hindi dahil sa opportunities na dumating.

(That's true. Ms Mags was one of those who helped me and saw my potential. It was one of my humble beginnings. I was Miss Mags before Miss Universe Philippines. Anything is possible. Back then, I always believed that even if it was difficult for me, my environment was simple, I always believed I was born to do greater things. I am saying that in all humility. I wouldn't have reached this if it wasn't for the people who believed in me and if it wasn't for the opportunities that came.)

"I am grateful to everyone who helped me, like Mags Cue, who saw my potential back then. Kahit na simple lang ang pamumuhay ninyo, don't be scared to dream the impossible. If you put your heart and soul into anything, anything is possible," the former beauty queen said.

Rabiya and Mags also shared advice to young women on Women's Month.

"Young women should educate themselves. Knowledge is always power. Para kung ano man ang path na gusto mo sa buhay mo, you are knowledgeable enough to start somewhere else. Kasi once you have the knowledge, susunod na dyan ang confidence. 

"And confidence will bring you great moments in life. It always boils down to educating yourself. It's so simple, but it can greatly impact our lives," Rabiya said.

Mags added: "You have to have a good heart. Dapat may be humble. Kasi kung humble ka, you will always achieve your dreams and success in life. You need to empower people para gumanda ang buhay nila. Sana rin huwag tayong crab mentality. Hindi na uso yun. We need to empower one another."