Gabriella Carballo reacts to being called ‘dark horse’; grateful for Gazini Ganados’ support

Gabriella Carballo of Cebu City will soon represent the Philippines on the international stage as Miss Eco International Philippines 2026.

In an interview with GMA News Online, the doctor of medicine said that she has seen pageant fans’ comments calling her the “dark horse” of Miss Universe Philippines 2025.

“I guess the pageant fans have a term for dark horse, but as someone who was joining, I didn’t really feel that I was a dark horse, more so just a new person, which is why I think having no pressure because I feel like it’s different for the veterans where they have pressure to come back,” she said.

For Gabbi, the national pageant served as her introduction to the Philippine pageant scene.

“So, it was all about me just showing the best version of myself, my skills in pasarela, my skills in Q&A, making sure that I showcase that ‘cause I never wanted to leave with any regrets. I wanted to put everything out on the table and I appreciate that people have started to see that,” she said.

Among those who have shown support for Gabbi was her fellow Cebuana, Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados.

“Gazini has seen me ever since my very first pageant,” Gabbi said. “And she’s watched me grow from a 19-year-old who’s kind of shy and reserved to now, being 26, and I’ve grown fully into myself. So I'm really grateful for Gazini because she’s always been an advocate for me joining for so many years na.”

Aiming for PH’s back-to-back win in Miss Eco International

Gabbi will aim for a back-to-back Miss Eco International win for the Philippines after Alexie Brooks won the 2025 title in April.

“I actually don’t feel pressured. For me, I think pressure comes when you don’t understand your responsibility. And for me, I understand my responsibility very well. I know that I have people to inspire. I know that I do have a wonderful queen to follow up,” she said.

Gabbi and Alexie have the same pasarela trainer, Antonio Gonzales.

“I’ve gotten to hear about her so much from my trainer, and I feel like I have the best person to follow in her footsteps. And I can’t wait to message her. But for now, I’m resting. I'm enjoying the time to eat whatever I want and just to finally relax after three months of really hustling for Miss Universe Philippines,” she said.

Gabbi was among the candidates who competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2025. She was crowned Miss Eco International Philippines during the coronation night on May 2.

Watch: Gabriella Carballo reacts to being called the “dark horse” of Miss Universe Philippines 2025. pic.twitter.com/VL0O7LbIsC

— Carby Basina (@CarbyGMANews) May 8, 2025

—CDC, GMA Integrated News