Gabbi Garcia says joining Miss Universe PH not the smartest thing to do right now for her

Gabbi Garcia has been open about entering the world of beauty pageants through Miss Universe Philippines, but she thinks that now is not the right time to do so.

In Friday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the Sparkle star said that her current career commitments present significant hurdles to going after this goal.

“I'm turning 27 this year so it would have been the perfect time to join, right? Pero nga kasi, I've been saying I've been open about this, there are a lot of factors to consider if I could join or not,” Gabbi said.

Foremost among these factors are her existing contracts and brand endorsements.

“You know, relationships with brands na baka hindi ma-i-push kung sumali ako because I would have to drop everything or pause everything. [In] short, I would be jobless for maybe a year or two if I continue to join. So I don't think it's the smartest thing to do right now,” she said.

The actress and host is aware that many people are urging her to compete, believing that the time is now.

“Kung ako lang talaga and wala akong iba i-sa-sacrifice, I would have joined. Maybe I could have tried and tried already until I reached the crown, right? But as of now, you know, there are different priorities that I have to weigh as well now that I'm in the industry for 11 years. So until now it's still an unanswered thing in my head,” she said.

While her immediate focus is on her current career path and commitments, Gabbi made it clear that she is not entirely closing the door on the possibility of competing in the future.

“May mga bagay na kahit na gustong-gusto natin para sa sarili natin, sinasabi na ni Lord at sinasabi ng destiny na hindi siya muna para sa ‘yo. So, I'm not closing my doors, definitely. I'm still open. But as of now, I have different things to prioritize,” she said.

In 2020, Gabbi revealed that joining a beauty pageant was her childhood dream.

Four years later, there were rumors that she was joining Miss Universe Philippines 2024, but while she was flattered, she said that it was not true.

Gabbi renewed her contract with GMA Network on Friday.

She currently stars in GMA Network's first Viu Original series “Slay” and hosts “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.”

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News