Multifaceted Gen-Z icon, Gabbi Garcia, from the get-go, knew where to point the aim to be more than just a success story
Authenticity is a roll-off-the-tongue word we’ve been accustomed to seeing and hearing, especially in the world of social media. Just a quick scroll through any social media platform and you’ll find a stream of advice about always trusting your gut and being your true self. It’s an easy concept in theory—we all have a unique personality and a set of values—but the hard truth is that it’s not always so simple in practice.
However, for singer and actress, Gabbi Garcia, it’s no longer just a mere concept or buzzword. It’s the way she has lived her life and it has proved to be a worthy asset to her meteoric rise and endeared her to millions of fans all over the country. “Basically, I’m a transparent person. What you see usually is basically who I am,” shares the Kapuso star in her signature dimpled smile.
The goal rush
As evidenced by her now-viral videos as a teen and before her deep dive into the world of show business, the younger Gabriella Louise Ortega Lopez was always game to show her wits, talent, and bravado as a performer. In her early teen years, Gabbi would often hop on stage and show off her singing prowess with no hesitation in every fiber of her body. It’s just pure gusto to share her voice with the world.
The now-23-year-old can’t help but laugh at her experiences prior to fame. Oftentimes, she would ask her glam team in jest, in the middle of a makeup and wardrobe change, why she had said or had done certain things in the past. But it was understandable why—Gabbi will always shoot her shot for everything she wants to achieve in life.
“I’m a very goal-oriented person ever since I was a kid. [In being very] goal-oriented, I tend to be too hard on myself. So right now, I try to balance everything. I try to maintain my work-life balance.” She continues, “Before, I [felt] like life was a race. Like, I have to be like this at this age. My bank account should be like this when I turn [a certain age]. But right now, I’m all about enjoying life and just cherishing every moment.”
Now, as a young woman who proudly wears many hats—a bonafide actress, notable singer, coveted endorser, and an ingenious content creator—she has become an icon and role model to her generation with her supporters always highlighting how they love her brand of positivity and genuineness.
For you to be a good role model, not only to yourself but to everybody, you have to make good decisions.
Gabbi Garcia on the important quality a good role model must have
More than the fiery independent spirit of a Sagittarius archer, the Gen-Z icon’s secret to being the unadulterated star that she has always been came from a piece of advice from her equally zealous mother, Tes Lopez: “My mom would always tell me, ‘You direct your own life. It’s up to you where life takes you.’” She continues, “I feel like it’s all about being a good decision-maker. To have good decisions is to really think ahead and have the right people to surround you.”
Right on target
For the Love You Stranger actress, showing a slice of her life through her projects, fashion, photography, and her musings online has become a natural facet of her with adoring fans ready to hit the like button at any given chance. Her social media dominance now adds vlogging and podcasting along with her beau of five years, Khalil Ramos, to her growing repertoire.
Indeed, Gabbi knows how to switch it up in terms of expressing herself. With a total of 26 million followers tuned in to every Instagram and Facebook post, YouTube vlog, Front-Seat Foodies and Figuring It Out with Gabbi and Khalil podcast episodes, she has found a good home base in the online world where the possibilities for her have now become endless.
“I express myself in a lot of ways. I love experimenting with my look [and also] through acting, of course. [As for] content creation, like for my vlogs, I like to be my most authentic self. In that way, I can express myself freely without hesitation. [I’m nitpicky with how I look.] I’m a fashionista. But at the same time, I’m also with a heart. I’m [nitpicky] with a heart,” she says as she breaks into laughter.
One thing she likes to emphasize in her foray into her multiple channels online is being an advocate for creating content grounded on truth and responsibility, one that she wants to impart to her ever-growing subscribers who also want to take on vlogging or podcasting.
“Actually, it’s a commitment, and it’s hard. I’m not gonna lie. Content creation is a whole new world of commitment. [Khalil and I], we make sure we do our research, number one. It’s important. We’re very much responsible about it.” The actress also notes the many consequences of being untruthful and how the Internet is forever. She asserts, “No excuses. You have to be responsible.”
Always ready to call the shots
Today, the youth are navigating their identities in a world that is more connected and diverse than ever. In a consistently plugged environment, their perspectives are shaped by people with distinct backgrounds, experiences, and identities personally and virtually. The quest for an identity and a zeal for life has become quite the adventure.
Even with an assured self-esteem that has motivated her to pursue her dreams, the ever-versatile artist has also tussled with the good and the bad just like any human being, especially as a young adult who is continuously growing in the spotlight.
“At first it wasn’t easy, I’m gonna be honest. I also have my days where I feel [so down on myself]. But it’s life. Again, it’s your decision-making. For example, whenever I wake up and I feel down, it’s up to me [to decide if] I’m I gonna let this ruin my day? Am I gonna let this ruin my workflow? No, of course not.
I feel like it’s all about trusting yourself really. If you have confidence in yourself, it will reflect.
Gabbi Garcia on what keeps her motivated
With a laudable mindset and attitude, it’s no wonder global tech company, Xiaomi, took notice of this and saw her fit as their brand ambassador for their flagship smartphone, Xiaomi 12 Lite, and their Lite Me Up campaign which aims to encourage the Filipino youth to express themselves confidently through their style and creativity in taking photos and to have the encourage to pursue their passions in life.
Having first-hand experience of the many societal pressures in this current climate, Gabbi isn’t hesitant to offer a piece of advice that has gotten her through navigating the precariousness of life. She relates, “Don’t pretend to be someone else. It’s so common nowadays to hear that phrase. But, you know, it’s true. [People don’t know that] they are at their most beautiful when they’re themselves. It’s what got me here.”
At only 23 years old, it may seem like a peculiarity in this world to have clinched onto knowing exactly who you are. As a youth icon, Gabbi Garcia isn’t one to falter on her motivations in life, her truth, and her own person even with so much noise telling her she’s anything but. “I can say that I know who I am as of now. But every day, it’s different. Every day, I learn something new. Every day, I try to strive to be a better person. Honestly, I still don’t know what tomorrow may bring. But as of now, I am happy and I am content.”
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Photography CHARISMA LICO
Creative direction EL PEREIRA and CHRISTINA ZABAT
Art, Fashion, and Beauty Direction EL PEREIRA
Makeup JASON DELOS REYES
Hair MARK ROSALES
Styling LEANNE LEDESMA and STEVEN CORALDE assisted by CHELSY ESTRADA
Nails HER TRIBE NAILS
Videography JR RAMIREZ
Video Editor REGINA ACERON and AUDREY SISON
Shoot Coordination KZ FRANCISCO and MJ ALMERO
Sittings Editor KRISTOFF SISON
Production Design ADSET
