Rabiya Mateo and Jake Cuenca Debut as Couple at Miss Universe Philippines 2026

Key facts

• Rabiya Mateo and Jake Cuenca presented at the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night.
• The event took place on Saturday, May 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
• Mateo wore a see-through red gown; Cuenca wore a white tuxedo with a red flower brooch.
• Cuenca confirmed in April that he and Mateo are "exclusively dating."
• Mateo was a top 21 semifinalist in Miss Universe 2020.
• Celeste Cortesi, Miss Universe Philippines 2022, also appeared onstage, showcasing her pregnancy.
• Cortesi is expecting her first child, a boy, with partner Jonathan Sterling.

A Public Debut on a Grand Stage

Rabiya Mateo and Jake Cuenca captured attention as they shared the stage as presenters at the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night. The event, held on Saturday, May 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena, marked a significant public appearance for the couple, whose relationship has recently been a focal point of public interest. Their joint appearance came shortly after Cuenca confirmed their status as an "exclusively dating" couple. The pair presented Misamis Occidental as a provincial partner for Miss Universe Philippines 2026, a segment that included events like the swimsuit competition. Mateo, a former Miss Universe Philippines herself, made a striking impression in a see-through red gown. Cuenca complemented her ensemble with a crisp white tuxedo, accented by a red flower brooch, subtly mirroring the beauty queen's attire.

Confirming an Exclusive Relationship

The coronation night served as the apparent first official joint appearance for Mateo and Cuenca. This moment follows Cuenca's confirmation in April that he and Mateo were "exclusively dating." Dating rumors between the two celebrities began to circulate in March after they were observed together in public. Their appearances included a public outing in Taguig and attendance at Sienna Stevens' birthday party. Cuenca has also been vocal about his admiration for Mateo on social media, frequently leaving comments on her posts. He previously described the beauty queen as "breathtaking" in a photograph taken in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Cuenca's past relationship was with actress Chie Filomeno.

Mateo's Pageant Pedigree

Rabiya Mateo brings considerable pageant experience to her public profile. She represented the Philippines on the international stage at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant. During that competition, Mateo advanced to the top 21 semifinalists, showcasing her talent and poise on a global platform. Her participation in the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night, alongside her confirmed relationship with Cuenca, continues to place her in the spotlight of national attention.

A Fellow Queen's Pregnancy Reveal

The evening also featured another notable figure from the Miss Universe Philippines lineage: Celeste Cortesi, the 2022 titleholder. Cortesi made her first major public appearance since announcing her pregnancy. She proudly displayed her baby bump while wearing a sleek halter gown, drawing attention and well wishes from the audience. Cortesi is expecting her first child with her partner, Jonathan Sterling. In April, Cortesi revealed that the couple is expecting a baby boy, adding a personal milestone to the pageant's celebratory atmosphere.

The Stakes of Public Scrutiny

The joint appearance of Mateo and Cuenca at such a high-profile event underscores the intense public interest surrounding their relationship. In an era where celebrity relationships are often dissected online, their decision to present together signifies a deliberate step towards public acknowledgment. This public affirmation comes after months of speculation, fueled by paparazzi photos and social media interactions. By appearing as presenters, they not only confirmed their status but also leveraged the platform to share their personal news. The event highlights the intersection of celebrity, public perception, and the evolving nature of relationship disclosures in the digital age.

The bottom line

• Rabiya Mateo and Jake Cuenca confirmed their relationship status by presenting together at the Miss Universe Philippines 2026 coronation night.
• The couple's appearance on May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena was their first official joint public outing.
• Jake Cuenca had previously confirmed in April that he and Rabiya Mateo were "exclusively dating."
• Mateo, a former Miss Universe Philippines contestant, wore a notable red gown, while Cuenca sported a matching white tuxedo.
• Celeste Cortesi, Miss Universe Philippines 2022, also revealed her pregnancy onstage during the event.
• The public debut signifies a deliberate step by the couple to acknowledge their relationship amidst ongoing media attention.