By MICHELLE CALIGAN
PHOTO BY ELISA AQUINO, GMANetwork.com
Many Kapuso stars, including
Stephanie Sol, have found fulfillment in scaling mountains and feeling the fresh breeze on their faces.
But
My Destiny star Gabrielle Garcia would rather breathe compressed air from a tank, don fins and a wet suit, and explore the mysterious world of the sea.
Gabbi, in fact, is a junior licensed scuba diver.
"I got my license when I was 12 years old. Pinasok ako sa diving course ng daddy ko, sa PADI. Nakapag-dive na ako sa 52 feet," the adventurous actress shared.
She explained the process of getting a license: "Ten days siya, pero sa pool ka lang. Tuturuan ka roon on what will you do, kasi sobrang safety conscious ng PADI when it comes to diving. Lahat pinag-aralan namin, pati 'yung sickness na makukuha mo kapag na ganito ka, lahat ng equipment namin minemorize ko. Tapos may exam kami."
Gabbi said she got into scuba diving out of curiosity and because her adventurous dad is also into it.
"I really wanted to try new stuff. Nakikita ko sa dad ko na nag-i-scuba diving siya at parang ang saya-saya,” she said.
She also considers herself a “beach person,” having a natural affinity with the sea.
“Kahit itapon mo ako sa gitna ng dagat, lalangoy ako," she added.
Sa ngayon daw sa Batangas pa lang nakapag-dive si Gabbi with her dad and his friends. But if given the chance, she would want to dive in Bora Bora, an island in the Pacific Ocean.
"'Yung dad ko kasi may group of friends na divers din so nakiki-ride ako sa kanila. Ako lang 'yung bata doon. [Gusto ko sa] Bora-Bora. Pero we have amazing dive sites here in the Philippines so I'm really contented here," she said.
Aside from scuba diving, Gabbi is also interested in two other extreme activities.
"Nag-e-airsoft si Daddy every Saturday, 'yun 'yung past time niya. Nakikisama din ako, nakiki-try na rin ako. Gusto ko [ring] mag-sky diving. Parang hindi sa akin bagay, pero gusto ko talaga mag-try before I die," she said, laughing.
