Rabiya Mateo, crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020, transforms into a living canvas for Glenn Bautista's art on her inaugural magazine cover, embodying empowerment and resilience beyond the crown

Words Mika Reyes
Photography Jovel Lorenzo
April 8, 2024

What happens after you win the crown? Preparation for the Miss Universe pageant takes a year of hard work and full dedication. The pageant season consists of a few months of press tours, spearheading advocacies, and rallying fans for the big day. The coronation happens in one night, and then your fate is sealed. We all know this story, but what is the epilogue? A queen’s life continues with much uncertainty.

Some pursue global stardom, like Priyanka Chopra. Others are cast as Wonder Woman, such as Gal Gadot. A few lead the brigade of new queens in the scene or run for politics, as Shamcey Supsup has done. However, there are multi-faceted queens who have tried it all. That is the silent battle Rabiya Mateo has faced since winning the Miss Universe Philippines pageant in 2020.

Rabiya Mateo, the 2020 Miss Universe Philippines and current Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent, acted as the medium for the art of Glenn Bautista on the cover of the magazine’s March-April 90th issue. Now, the beloved actress, advocate, and queen stars in her very first magazine cover with Art+ Magazine.

Bautista meets Mateo

“Glenn Bautista was not the typical artist boxed into one medium. His works ranged from oils to collages to materials such as wood and stones, and choosing which to highlight on the cover was quite a challenge. Yet, there’s something about his abstract works that was ahead of its time and which today’s generation would appreciate,” said Kim Albalate, Art+ Magazine’s Creative Director. “And since this issue is also about women empowerment, we wanted someone confident enough to be the extension of the canvas and bring Bautista’s art to life. Rabiya Mateo is the perfect ‘medium’ for the concept. She was open to the ideas we discussed.”

Bautista was indeed ahead of his time. The visual artist was deemed “too progressive, too experimental, too restless,” even as he came of age in the 1960s and ’70s—periods in modern history that were defined by rebelliousness and unconventionality. An upcoming book, Glenn Bautista: An Artist Drowning in Visions (published by Gallery Genesis), brings to life the remarkable story of “a unique and singular figure in Philippine art.”

The book’s author, Igan D’Bayan, gives an intriguing portrait of the artist’s life and work, highlighting Bautista’s influence on contemporary art in the Philippines.

Pushing beyond boundaries

Mateo graced her inaugural glossy magazine cover with Art+ Magazine, embodying a multifaceted persona as an actress, advocate, and queen. The collaboration was a convergence of artistic minds, with Mateo serving as the canvas for Glenn Bautista's abstract art. This synergy highlighted Mateo's openness to unconventional ideas, mirroring Bautista's boundary-pushing artistic legacy.

Born out of a domestic partnership between her Indian-American father and Filipina mother, she grew up in poverty but pursued education relentlessly. Graduating cum laude from the Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy Program at Iloilo Doctors' College, Mateo’s passion for education and empowerment shines through in her advocacy work.

During her journey to the Miss Universe crown, Mateo showed resilience and grace, using her platform to inspire others. Her answer during the question and answer round at the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant reflected her commitment to education and positive impact: “I need to stick to my core, which is being passionate about educating people. I am a lecturer, and I've been pursuing this because this education has helped me to have that comfortable life that I and my family deserve, and I want to push people, I want them to achieve greater things in life through me.”

A facet we are yet to discover

Beyond the pageant stage, Mateo has ventured into acting and hosting, making her mark in the entertainment industry. Her roles in Ngisngis and Agimat ng Agila showcase her versatility and dedication to her craft. As she continues to evolve as an artist and advocate, Rabiya Mateo proves that she is indeed more than just a queen—she is a force for change, empowerment, and inspiration.

The collaboration with Glenn Bautista for her magazine cover marks a cumulative moment in Mateo’s career. It symbolizes her ability to transform herself into the mind of an artist, bridging the worlds of beauty and artistry. She turned her struggles and hard work into living art, embodying the essence of empowerment and resilience. This cover not only captures her outer beauty but also her inner strength and passion for making a difference.

As Mateo continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations, her journey as a queen, actress, advocate, and artist is far from over. With each new endeavor, she solidifies her place as a true icon—a queen who is more than just a crown but a beacon of hope and possibility for all.

Photography Jovel Lorenzo, Creative Direction Santi Albalate, Stylist Mika Reyes, Assisted by Nikka Bañaga & Vianca Ozabel, Make-up Artist Ash Bantilan, Hairstylist Kendra Elmira Mendez, Video producers Ambrosia Renee Concepcion & Maricar Leyesa

Special thanks to Chester Jan Singian, Jashley Cruz, and Sparkle GMA Artist Center

Rabiya Mateo wears a satin lapeled suit from Suit Up PH, Jewelry from LVNA By Drake Dustin