Simple, adventurous Gabbi
She may not look like it, Gabbi Garcia said, but she’s actually a “very adventurous” person who wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to go skydiving or bungee jumping. The Kapuso actress, just 16 years young, is a licensed scuba diver since she was 10. She goes trail biking and plays Airsoft with her father. She even tried snow sledding when she was just a wee 8-year-old.
“I’m the type of person who doesn’t want to be stuck in one place—I want to be out there. I’m game and up for anything,” Gabbi told Living Stars in a visit to her condominium unit in Makati City. “I think it’s just something innate.”
However, Gabbi lamented that she isn’t as active as before, now that she has ventured into the entertainment industry. “I have to take extra care of myself, so as to not get scars… I can’t stay out in the sun for very long,” she said.
Before show biz beckoned, her dream was to become a pilot. Her mother is a flight attendant for a major local airline, and so she has always been fascinated by the idea of flying.
“I got to travel a lot because of my mom. She has a lot of pilot friends who would tell me stories about their job. I was inspired by that,” Gabbi related.
Admittedly, going down that career path is unlikely at the moment, given her busy schedule. Still, Gabbi, who has just graduated from high school this year, intends to fulfill that dream someday. “I plan to take a four-year course in the future because that’s a prerequisite for entering aviation school,” she said.
But acting isn’t so bad at all. It can be just as thrilling, Gabbi learned, but in a different way.
“I’ve only been in the biz for two years, but it’s already been quite a ride for me. I get to work with these great people and play different characters,” said the GMA 7 celeb, who can also sing and play the guitar.
“I’ve fallen in love with the craft,” added Gabbi, who looks up to fellow Kapuso stars Jennylyn Mercado and Marian Rivera.
Last year, Gabbi was cast for a cameo role in the TV series “My Destiny.” But she exceeded expectations and ended up being in the show until it ended. “I kept waiting for my character to be killed off,” she quipped, giggling, “but it didn’t happen.”
She topbills the prime time drama “Let the Love Begin,” which ends today, with onscreen partner Ruru Madrid and Ai-Ai de las Alas. “I’m so blessed to have been given this project. This is huge,” she said, adding that she’s starting to get recognized on the streets.
“Before, people knew me only as Ruru’s love team partner. But now fans know my name,” related Gabbi, who was also part of the cast of the Sunday afternoon sitcom “InstaDad.” “There are also fans who have started following our tandem ‘GabRu.’ It feels great.”
Asked about her acting skills, Gabbi kept it refreshingly candid. “The first time I saw myself on TV, I thought it wasn’t bad… but it wasn’t nice either,” the teener said, chuckling. “I’m critical of myself, so I want to keep working hard, take workshops and continue improving.”
Apart from the challenges show biz presents, another thing she enjoys about her job, Gabbi said, is dressing up. “I love fashion. We usually go shopping when I’m out with my friends,” she said. “As for my style, I see myself as a minimalist. I want things simple, yet classy.”
Sunglasses
I love sunglasses; I think I have about 20 pairs. I’m not that picky or particular when it comes to the brand, for as long as it looks good on me. These are from Sunnies and Forever 21.
Makeup
My Urban Decay Naked Basics palette is just basic, but it’s special to me because it was given by Ayen Munji-Laurel, my first onscreen mother. She gave it to me while we were in Singapore. I’ve been using it ever since as my all-around makeup.
A makeup artist usually does my face during events and tapings. Otherwise, I just do it on my own. I only apply cheek and lip tint, and use curlash when I go out with family or friends.
Shoes
I’m a shoe person. I love wearing Chuck Taylors, which suited my role in “InstaDad.” My favorite is this pair of dirty white Chucks. I like them rugged. Some people say that they look like PE shoes, but when you put them on with the right outfit, they look nice. I also love more stylish shoes.
Clothes
I love wearing halters and tops with straps because I think my shoulders are like hangers. I like putting things on them. I love wearing summer clothes and I’m usually partial to pastel colors or anything with girly, dainty designs. I also love skirts, especially those with floral patterns.
I usually go out wearing a plain top, a pair of shorts or skirt. I just make sure to complete the look with a great pair of shoes. But sometimes, I’m in the mood for some plaid or leather.
Perfume
For special occasions like awards nights, I use Carolina Herrera 212, which has a clean, floral scent. But for my everyday use, I have Victoria’s Secret Sheer Love Blush, which is just sweet. I don’t like strong scents.
Gadgets
My parents gave me an iPhone 6 Plus earlier this year, but I still can’t let go of my old Blackberry phone and iTouch because of all the memories I have with them. I use my gadgets mostly for browsing and social media. I also have an iPod for my music.
Wallet
I use this Michael Kors wallet my mom bought for me. I stopped using wallets for a while after I finished school because I didn’t have much of an allowance! This is where I keep my school IDs, for remembrance.
Bag
I use this simple, black Kenneth Cole bag which I got during a trip to Guam a few years back. I love it because it’s small and is easy to pair with clothes.
I got this printed Paul Smith bag when I was 13 or 14. There was a time when this brand was popular, so I asked my mom to buy one for me during one of her trips to Europe. It looks hip and young. I use it for my toiletries.
Watch
I’m not really a watch person, but I’m trying to teach myself to love it. Right now, I use this one from Casio.
