When Gabbi Garcia enewed her exclusive contract with GMA, she didn’t just sign papers – she brought the room back to where it all started: rejection, doubt, and the quiet determination to keep showing up.
“It was like passing through the eye of the needle,” she said, recalling how many times she was turned away in auditions and VTRs during her early years. And yet, despite the many doors that closed on her, GMA took a chance – even when she didn’t have much to show for it.
That leap of faith was eleven years ago.
Gabbi was just fifteen when she entered showbiz in 2014, landing a role in “My Destiny” alongside Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez. From there, the network steadily gave her opportunities, including her first lead role in “Let the Love Begin,” where she starred opposite then-boyfriend Ruru Madrid.
In an industry where fame can feel fleeting and talent often requires the right timing and backing to shine, Gabbi’s story is a reminder that recognition doesn’t always come easily – but it comes to those who hold out.
Among Gabbi’s notable shows in GMA are: Unbreak My Heart, Mga Lihim ni Urduja, Sherlock Jr., InstaDad, Beautiful Justice, Love You Stranger, Pamilya Roces, Victor Magtanggol, and the currently airing Slay and PBB Collab. She also appeared in Sunday All Stars, Sunday Pinasaya, and is part of the current roster of hosts for All-Out Sundays. She served as one of the hosts of the “Miss Universe Philippines 2025” as well.
The dusky actress is grateful to her home studio for all the opportunities that it has given her all these times and for renewing her contract.
“I’m very thankful to GMA for allowing me to stay a loyal Kapuso. This network has become my home and second family. They’ve supported me through every step — from acting and singing to hosting, endorsing, and vlogging.
GMA helped me grow, believed in me, and gave me the dream of a lifetime. I literally grew up here. Thank you for loving me for who I am. I’ll always be a proud, homegrown Kapuso!”
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Renowned and award-winning film director and screenwriter Jose Javier Reyes is one of the jury members for the “Unleash Pawscars Short Film Festival” along with fellow directors Joseph Abello and Arvin Belarmino.
“The theme of the film festival is ‘Unleash the Love’ where finalists must be present at the Pawscars Night on Dec. 14,” he reveals. “Actually, the main filmmaker must be 18 years old or older. The entry film must celebrate or revolve around animals or pets – whether they act or just inspire the story.
Any genre is welcome, from drama and comedy to animation and documentary. The maximum film length must be 20 minutes. The deadline for submission of entries is Aug. 31. Interested participants may email their entries to pawscars@unleash.ph. The finalists will be announced on Sept. 15.
The criteria for judging are as follows: creativity and originality—40 percent; storytelling—20 percent; audience votes (via Unleash app)—15 percent; and relevance to theme—15 percent. The best film will receive P150,000, while the runner-up will get P 50,000.
For those who are not yet familiar with Unleash, Reyes, who also happens to be the current chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and a proud dog owner, explains:
“Actually, ‘Unleash’ is more than just a pet app. It’s a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating the lives of our furry friends. Founded by pet lovers, this all-in-one platform combines fun features like e-commerce, social networking, entertainment, and essential information on various pet activities that pet owners need to know.
“It’s a passionate group dedicated to creating something that will transform the way pet owners and their furry friends experience the world together.”
