Though she isn't really into more physical sports, Rabiya Mateo revealed she was once a competitive athlete herself — as a chess player.
Mateo, the Ms. Universe Philippines 2020, was one of the four hosts raising the curtains for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) where she joined Martin Javier, Sophia Senoron, and Manolo Pedrosa on Saturday during the Opening Ceremonies.
But while the 25-year-old beauty queen admitted that she did not excel in other sports, she said chess has always been close to her heart.
"No, but I play chess," Mateo shared with GMA News Online during the opening festivities when asked if she's into sports.
"I've been representing my school back in high school. Inter-school competition kasi I'm from Hijas de Jesus. Inter-school competitions lang siya, the term is PRISAA (Private Schools Athletic Association) in Iloilo."
And as Mateo starts a new chapter in her life that involves sports, she said it's an honor to be part of history as the country's oldest collegiate fixture makes a return with contact sports such as basketball and volleyball.
"Actually I've been watching naman mga sports events and the energy is different because you can also feel 'yung support and 'yung spirit ng mga estudyante. And I'm happy to be part of that impact and at least now, things are getting better," she added.
Mateo also paid tribute to her co-hosts who helped her in her hosting endeavors in the NCAA.
"Sobrang honored talaga ako and thankful for the GMA Regional TV for trusting me with this project. Actually, this is my first time to actually be a host in a big event like this so I'm always grateful for all the opportunities that GMA has to offer to me," she shared.
"Good thing is I'm with my close friends like Martin and Manolo and they've been guiding me. It's different when you're working with the people that you know. I was being guided by the right kind of people."
Pedrosa, who was part of Season 96 Opening Ceremony last year but as a flag bearer, said it is a privilege to be one of the league's hosts.
"It's such a privilege because last year, I was part of the opening pero naging flag bearer ko. Now, it's such a blessing na host na ako kasi I just came from a hosting event, Masterclass of the GMA Regional TV," the GMA actor shared.
"I enjoy hosting and for me to be given this privilege to host this NCAA, I'm sure maraming fans na hinihintay ito."
The NCAA Season 97 live games air every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday at 12:00 NN on GTV with replays every Monday and Thursday at 3:00 PM on GTV.
—JMB, GMA News
