Rabiya Mateo has finally reconnected with her long-lost father in the United States, a reunion that brought her long-awaited closure, even if the outcome wasn’t quite what she had hoped for.
In a report by 24 Oras‘ Nelson Canlas, the beauty queen and Sparkle talent shared that she had been planning the trip for some time, requesting time off from work specifically to meet her father — who left their family when she was just five years old.
“Matagal ko na talaga itong plano… Gusto ko lang talaga makilala siya ulit. Nangyari naman, pero hindi sa paraang ine-expect ko,” Rabiya said. Despite the mixed emotions, she expressed peace in knowing her father is safe and well.
During their meeting, Rabiya also learned she has two siblings from her father’s side — a revelation she embraced with open arms. She added that her heart remains open for her family in the US:
“At least I found out I have a real dad, two siblings… and I’m just happy he’s okay.”
In previous interviews, Rabiya revealed that her father — an American with Indian roots — had promised to bring her and her mother to the US after completing his medical exams. But he never returned, and they lost contact for decades.
Even so, Rabiya has always maintained a forgiving heart, saying in 2022:
“I don’t carry bitterness. I just want to know that he’s okay. If he needs me, I’ll be there for him.”
Though their reconnection wasn’t as close as she hoped, Rabiya made the most of her time in the US — going state-hopping, trying extreme sports, and embracing adventure. She recently sustained a minor face injury and chipped tooth from a wakeboarding accident, but says she’s now recovering well.