Rabiya Mateo, 29, is adding another chapter to her journey as she takes on a new—though expected—endeavor.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 titleholder made a brief confirmation that she has been accepted to University of Santo Tomas’s School of Medicine and Surgery program.
In the caption for her most recent post, she wrote: “Few more gala before medschool [red heart emoji] @juancarloscuenca thank you for this trip.”
Carla Abellana commented, “Wow! Med school?!?”
To which, Rabiya replied, “yes Carla. I just got accepted in UST [red heart emoji]”
Before entering the world of pageantry and entertainment, Rabiya graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Iloilo Doctors’ College in 2018.
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It has been Rabiya's dream to become a doctor.
In an interview with DJ Chacha in a YouTube vlog in February 2026, the former beauty queen related: “It’s a calling and I’m so happy to share this to everybody that I’m gonna go back to med school.
“And I [have] wanted to become a doctor ever since.”
Established in 1871, the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the Philippines.
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RABIYA MATEO’S HONG KONG TRIP WITH JAKE CUENCA
The confirmation of Rabiya’s new chapter came alongside her post about a Hong Kong trip with rumored boyfriend Jake Cuenca, 38.
Jake, who commented, “The best day ever! Congratulations im so proud of the incredible woman that you are. [emojis],” appeared to have organized the overseas trip for Rabiya.
The pair spent time at Hong Kong Disneyland, where they posed in front of the park’s iconic castle in coordinated denim outfits.
In one photo, Jake wrapped an arm around Rabiya while the two smiled brightly for the camera against the fairytale backdrop.
Rabiya also uploaded solo photos taken at the entrance of Hong Kong Disneyland.
One sweet photo showed Jake planting a kiss on Rabiya’s cheek as she smiled brightly for the camera near one of the park’s fountains.
Another snapshot later showed the pair holding laser guns during an interactive ride inside the theme park.
To cap off the carousel, Rabiya posted a nighttime photo of herself posing near the waterfront area of the park, with the illuminated castle glowing in the background.
Read: Rabiya Mateo, Jake Cuenca steal the limelight at MUPH 2026
Less than a month has passed since Jake, 38, and Rabiya, 29, first sparked dating rumors.
The two were initially spotted together at a restaurant in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, on March 23, 2026.
On March 26, they were again seen attending the birthday celebration of Kapuso child star Sienna Stevens.
Later that day, the pair were also photographed together at the airport, where Jake Cuenca appeared to fetch Rabiya Mateo from a trip.
On April 4, the two were likewise spotted holding hands while walking around Rockwell Mall in Makati City.
Despite the growing number of public sightings, neither Jake nor Rabiya has directly confirmed the exact status of their relationship.
Jake’s last known showbiz relationship was with Chie Filomeno, while Rabiya was previously in a relationship with Jeric Gonzales.
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