Rabiya Mateo’s ex-boyfriend Neil Salvacion brings up break-up in ‘PBB’ audition

Neil Salvacion, the ex-boyfriend of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, has auditioned to be a new housemates of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB). 

In his audition video, which was uploaded on the Kumu app on Tuesday, September 7, Neil introduced himself as a 27-year-old nurse from Iloilo City. He said he had to battle both COVID-19 and a heartbreak during this pandemic. 

“Ako po ay isang COVID nurse na dapat ay mag-aabroad pero mas piniling manilbihan dito sa bansa bilang isang frontliner. Sa araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos, ang buhay ko po ay hospital-bahay. Minsan ay masisilayan mo ang huling hininga ng mga pasyente,” he said. 

(I’m a COVID nurse who was supposed to fly abroad but chose to stay in the Philippines to serve as a frontliner. Every single day, my routine includes just the hospital and my house. Sometimes, you get to witness your patients take their last breath.) 

Neil said that he’ll be able to share his experience as a frontline worker and medical professional if he’s given the opportunity to be a housemate. 

He added, “Dumating ang panahon na bawal kang lumapit sa mga mahal mo sa buhay dahil hindi mo alam kung positive or negative ka, kailangan mo mag-isolate. Nakakalungkot man mag-isolate ng ilang buwan, mas nakakalungkot pala maiwan ka ng taong minamahal mo dahil sa pangarap nitong korona.” 

(There are times where you have to distance yourself from your loved ones because you don’t know if you’re positive or you’re negative [for the virus] and you have to isolate yourself. But while it’s sad to be isolated for months, I’ve learned that it’s sadder to be left by the one you love because of their dream to have a crown.) 

“Coronavirus at korona sa patimpalak ay ilan lamang sa mga hamon sa aking buhay (Coronavirus and a crown are just some of the challenges in my life),” he said, a barely-veiled allusion to ex-girlfriend Rabiya’s Miss Universe pageant journey. 

Neil ended his audition piece by saying that he’s ready for more challenges. “It’s about time for me to share my story. Bagong bahay, bagong buhay, bagong mga hamon sa buhay (New house, new life, new challenges in life),” he said. 

Rabiya said a week after she finished in the top 21 of the Miss Universe 2021 competition, that she’s in a “complicated situation” with Neil. 

Neil confirmed their breakup in June, saying that they’re “both okay, moving forward” and “happy with our own lives.” Neil and Rabiya were together for seven years. 

Auditions for ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10  began on September 1 for aspiring adult housemates, while auditions for the teen edition will open on December 1. A premiere date for PBB’s latest season has yet to be announced.  – Rappler.com