Former beauty queen-turned-actress Rabiya Mateo often discusses pageants, fashion, and showbiz.  But recently, a different Rabiya faced the entertainment press at the Manila Peninsula. She tackled statistics, trends, and business challenges, showing that she means business after recently signing with LVNA by Drake Dustin Fine Diamond Jewelry. Rabiya has been appointed as the CEO of the Cavite branch of the well-known jewelry brand.

"Mahilig talaga ako sa business. Nakita ko yung aspect na yan sa mom ko kasi she's a college graduate. Nakita ko rin kung paano siya nag fail sa mga business. So I learned from her experience," said Rabiya during an interview recently.

She added: "Alam nyo ba noong Grade 1 ako, nagbebenta ako ng stickers. Piso isa. Pero ang bili ko noon sa sticker na yun P12. Parang kumita ako ng P7. But during that time, for me it was a good start na. So hindi ko ma-imagine na alahas naman ang ima-market ko."

The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 titleholder said she got tips from Lloyd Lee, husband of beauty queen Shamcey Supsup, about wise investments. Aside from managing a jewelry branch, Rabiya said she's also into the real estate business.

"Sana lumago rin ang real estate business ko. I got two units, so ipapa-renta ko siya, and that will sustain my monthly amortization. I got that idea from the husband of Shamcey Supsup na siya ang nagsabi sa akin na yayaman ka talaga sa business. Basta you need to find the right people and the right connection. Let's see kung saan tayo dalhin ng plano natin sa buhay," she said.

Rabiya, 27, mentioned that despite being involved in other businesses, she still plans to stay connected with the entertainment industry.

"Andyan pa rin naman ang showbiz. May contract pa rin ako with GMA. But alam naman natin na bilang artista, may on and off seasons. So kapag off season, ano ang gagawin mo? 

"Sanay talaga akong nagtatrabaho at may ginagawa. It's also good to have other activities where I can express my creative side. So yun ang pinagkakaabalahan ko," she said.

Rabiya said buying units was her biggest splurge yet, aside from LVNA jewels.

"Aside from LVNA, I will have another business. I bought units, and I'm going to have them rented. Yun lang ang mase-share ko. Malaki siya, but it's a good investment in the long run."

Rabiya also received business tips from LVNA owners on running her jewels branch.

"Drake reminded me to deal with the grassroots in terms of marketing. Lahat ng pwede naming influence gawin namin yun. Hindi pwedeng mamili na ito ang target market namin. Iba pa rin ang power ng social media and word of mouth. So yung sa amin ni Drake is that sana maisip agad ng mga tao ang LVNA kapag ang pinag uusapan ang diamond," she said.

LVNA executives stated that Rabiya had begun investing with them a couple of years ago, making it easy for the company to do business with her regarding the jewelry.

 "So nakita na namin doon ang potential niya as a business woman," an official from the company said.

Support system

Rabiya also said that she's grateful to have a strong support system from her family.

"I'm very happy I have a mom who always reminds me to be practical. She always reminds me anak, yung perang inilaan mo sa bagay na 'yan, di ba dati sa tuition mo na yan. Sinasabi niya lagi na anytime pwede bawiin ni God. 

"So always be humble and build relationships sa nakaka-trabaho mo, nakaka-salamuha mo. I'm just happy that my mom is not a stage mom. She does not dictate to me. Nakikita pa rin niya na yung Rabiya na simple lang," she added.

Going strong

Rabiya stated that her relationship with actor Jeric Gonzales is strong, but they have yet to consider settling down soon.

"Andun pa kami sa point na kailangan pa namin ang mag-ipon at kailangan pa naming unahin ang pamilya namin. Siguro matagal pa," she revealed.

Rabiya joked about the wedding ring she wanted for her special day.

"Binubulungan ko lang siya. Sana malaki (ang bato)," she laughed. 

"Hindi naman kailangan na malaki ang bato. Jeric knows that. May mga differences kami sa buhay so kailangan mag-meet kami in the middle. I'm very practical. So kung ito ang afford niya pero kung galing talaga yun sa puso niya, I would appreciate it," Rabiya also said.