Posted on April 10, 2026
Hey everyone, if you’ve been following Rabiya Mateo’s journey from beauty queen to actress and all-around inspiring woman, you probably can’t help but wonder about her love life. She’s one of those rare stars who balances grace, ambition, and realness so effortlessly. Today, we’re diving deep into the topic everyone’s searching for: Rabiya Mateo ex boyfriend. From her long-term relationship that ended right before her Miss Universe Philippines win to more recent chapters, here’s everything laid out simply and honestly. Whether you’re a fan curious about her story or just love a good celebrity relationship recap, stick around—this one’s packed with details.
Table of Contents
Who Is Rabiya Mateo? A Quick Look at the Woman Behind the Crown
Rabiya Occeña Mateo, born on November 14, 1996, in Balasan, Iloilo, rose to fame as Miss Universe Philippines 2020. She’s not just a pageant titleholder—she’s a cum laude graduate in Physical Therapy, a model, actress, host, and entrepreneur. Growing up in a modest family with an Indian-American father and Filipina mother who separated early, Rabiya has always spoken openly about her humble beginnings and her drive to give her family a better life.
Her win in 2020 catapulted her into the spotlight, but what many people remember most is how she handled personal challenges during that time. She’s since ventured into acting with projects like Makiling and Lolong, and she’s known for her down-to-earth personality that fans adore. At 29 years old in 2026, Rabiya continues to evolve, balancing showbiz with her long-term dream of pursuing further studies in medicine. Her story isn’t just about glitz and glamour—it’s about resilience, growth, and choosing herself when it matters most.
Rabiya Mateo’s Longest Relationship: The 7-Year Love Story with Neil Salvacion
One name that always comes up when people search Rabiya Mateo ex-boyfriend is Neil Salvacion. The two were together for seven solid years, starting around 2014. Neil was her partner through thick and thin, including the tough years before her pageant success. Their relationship was low-key at first, but it became public knowledge after the breakup in June 2021.
Rabiya has shared that Neil even proposed to her at one point, but she wasn’t ready—her focus was on her career and dreams. The split happened right around the time she was preparing for Miss Universe Philippines. Neil later auditioned for Pinoy Big Brother and opened up about the heartbreak, hinting that she chose her “crown” over their relationship. This led to some back-and-forth drama, including comments from his sister. Rabiya addressed it gracefully in interviews, emphasizing that she never meant to hurt anyone and that timing simply didn’t align.
- They dated for 7 years (approximately 2014–2021)
- Breakup confirmed in June 2021
- Neil proposed, but Rabiya felt she wasn’t ready at that stage in life
- Post-breakup, both moved forward, with Rabiya focusing on her pageant journey and Neil exploring new opportunities
It was a classic case of young love meeting big ambitions. Many fans appreciated how both handled the public scrutiny with maturity, even if emotions ran high at times.
After the Crown: Jeric Gonzales and the Mutual Decision to Part Ways
Following her pageant win and the end of her relationship with Neil, Rabiya found love again with actor Jeric Gonzales. They started dating around late 2021 and were together for several years. Their relationship felt sweet and supportive—Jeric was often seen cheering her on, and they seemed to vibe well in the spotlight.
However, by September 2025, Rabiya confirmed she was single again. Jeric later addressed the breakup on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda in March 2026, describing it as a mutual decision. He mentioned they remain on good terms and even stay friends, which is refreshing in the world of showbiz romances. No messy scandals, just two people realizing their paths were heading in different directions.
This chapter showed Rabiya’s growth. After years in a long relationship and then navigating fame, she seemed more focused on self-discovery and career moves. Fans loved seeing her prioritize peace and personal goals.
What’s Next for Rabiya? Sparks with Jake Cuenca and Current Relationship Buzz
Fast forward to 2026, and the rumor mill has been spinning again—this time positively. In early April 2026, actor Jake Cuenca confirmed that he and Rabiya Mateo are exclusively dating. He shared the news on Ogie Diaz’s vlog, saying, “It’s safe to say that she makes me happy and we’re exclusively dating at the moment.”
The pair had been spotted together multiple times, including sweet moments in Taguig and at events. Jake, who had recently come out of a relationship with Chie Filomeno, described Rabiya as someone who brings him joy. At 38, Jake brings a different energy—mature, supportive, and clearly smitten. Rabiya, fresh from her breakup with Jeric, appears to be in a lighter, happier phase.
Of course, relationships in the public eye evolve quickly, so we’ll see where this goes. For now, it looks like a fresh start filled with mutual respect and fun public sightings.
Here’s a quick table summarizing key details about Rabiya Mateo’s known relationships:
| Relationship | Partner | Duration | Key Highlights | Current Status (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term Ex | Neil Salvacion | ~7 years (2014-2021) | Proposal happened; ended before pageant win | Broken up; remained civil |
| Previous Partner | Jeric Gonzales | ~2021-2025 | Supportive during her acting career; mutual breakup | Broken up; still friends |
| Current Dating | Jake Cuenca | Started 2026 | Confirmed exclusive dating in April 2026; public sightings | Exclusively dating |
Conclusion: Rabiya Mateo’s Journey of Love, Growth, and Self-Prioritization
Rabiya Mateo’s romantic history reflects a woman who has always valued timing, ambition, and emotional honesty. From her seven-year relationship with Neil Salvacion that taught her about readiness and sacrifice, to the supportive but ultimately mutual parting with Jeric Gonzales, and now this exciting new chapter with Jake Cuenca—each experience seems to have shaped her into someone even stronger and more self-aware.
In a world that loves to speculate about celebrity breakups and new flings, Rabiya stands out because she handles it all with poise. She’s never shied away from talking about her past, yet she keeps moving forward toward her dreams, whether that’s acting, entrepreneurship, or going back to medicine. Love for her isn’t the end goal—it’s part of a bigger, fuller life she’s building for herself and her family.
If you’re rooting for Rabiya, you’re not alone. Her story reminds us that it’s okay to choose yourself, to grow apart gracefully, and to open your heart again when the timing feels right. Who knows what the rest of 2026 will bring? One thing’s for sure: this beauty queen continues to shine, on stage and off.
What do you think about her relationship journey? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from fellow fans. And if you enjoyed this, share it with friends who follow Philippine showbiz!