Rabiya Mateo really wanted to become a doctor
Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo had to set aside her dream to become a doctor when she entered the world of pageants.
Rabiya was a first-timer in pageant when she won the MUPH title six years ago. From being hailed as the Miss Iloilo at that time, she eventually represented her province to the national pageant.
Despite being a first-timer, she was able to surpass other candidates and won the crown. With this, she had the chance to represent the country in the Miss Universe competition, in which she finished as a Top 21 semifinalist.
After her stint in pageants, she ventured into showbiz and had some acting and hosting projects under the management of Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
Just recently, it was revealed that Rabiya Mateo returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. Netizens even talked about her 741 National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score whic was higher than the 719 score of viral fictional character Linda Walker.
In her guest appearance on the “Kwentong Callroom” podcast, the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 titleholder shared how she decided to take up Physical Therapy in preparation for medical school, based on the article in Newsko.
Her dream of becoming a doctor was inspired by her father, a doctor in the United States.
“Yung mom ko yung nag-suggest ng Physical Therapy kasi may mga subjects tayo like anatomy, physio, especially then yung patient care,” Rabiya shared.
However, Rabiya admitted that the direction of her life changed after entering pageantry and showbiz, because she also became the family’s breadwinner. With this, she was unable to immediately pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
“Hindi ko kaagad kaya mag-medicine because I can’t afford my self to school kasi breadwinner ako,” Rabiya Mateo said, adding that her dream remained alive.
The beauty queen-turned-actress also stressed that purpose comes first than fame and money. “Money and fame, they’re not everything in life,” she stressed