Gabbi Garcia led with heartfelt gratitude as she renewed her contract with GMA Network, thanking the company for “taking a chance” on her at just 17 years old—at a time when she had nothing to her name and was facing one rejection after another.
“When I was younger, I often got rejected in auditions, in VTRs,” Gabbi recalled. “But GMA was one of the few who embraced me, who welcomed me, who accepted me, and who saw something in me. Tumaya sila sa ’kin without even knowing what I have to offer.”
Now marking her 11th year as a Kapuso, Gabbi said the moment brought everything full circle. “That was 11 years ago, and cut to this day, GMA is my home; GMA is my second family. I thank you for giving me this opportunity to remain a loyal Kapuso.”
At the contract renewal ceremony held on May 23, Gabbi also paid tribute to her parents, Vince and Tes Lopez. “Thank you for being there. Growing up, I had a lot of questions on how they raised me, on how strict they were, but only to find out in the end, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today,” she shared with emotion.
Gabbi was joined at the signing by top GMA executives including president and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, Sparkle’s First VP Joy Marcelo and SVP for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group and GMA Films president Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes.
Since entering showbiz in 2014, Gabbi has emerged as one of GMA’s most promising stars. Her breakout role as Sang’gre Alena in “Encantadia” launched her to fame, followed by her performance in “Unbreak My Heart,” a historic collaboration of GMA, ABS-CBN and Viu Philippines.
She also headlined major programs such as “Miss Universe Philippines,” the MMFF’s “Gabi ng Parangal” and most recently, “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition,” the first time a Kapuso hosted the iconic ABS-CBN reality show.
Gabbi is also a singer and content creator, with her self-produced 2018 single “All I Need” showing another side to her artistry. As an endorser, she holds numerous milestones: the first Filipina ambassador for Pantene Asia at 18, the first Filipina global ambassador for Aldo, and Taiwan’s first Filipina Tourism Ambassador.
Her influence continues to shine through magazine covers and brand endorsements, admired for her authenticity and relatability as much as her style.
GMA executives lauded Gabbi’s loyalty, evolution and work ethic. Duavit called her a “success story” and praised her trajectory. “Gabbi is an example of living the dream… and I know that there is more for you in the future,” he said.
Yalong pointed to her transformation from a teen hopeful to an international endorser, while Gozon-Valdes likened Gabbi to a box of chocolates — “you never know what you’re gonna get, but it’s always surprisingly good.”
Marcelo, who has witnessed Gabbi’s growth firsthand, said, “We grew up together. She never gave up. She’s full of talent and pure of heart.”
As GMA Network continues its journey with Gabbi Garcia, even bigger projects await the 25-year-old star.
