Gabbi not choosy with roles

MANILA, Philippines - After being tapped as Pantene ambassador in Asia with her TVC now airing in 10 countries including the Philippines, Gabbi Garcia will certainly never be picky with roles in future projects.

“I’ll definitely not do that, for me, work is still work,” Gabbi told The STAR after the pocket presscon to drumbeat her latest endorsement and her being the cover story in this month’s issue of Preview magazine. “This (endorsement) is just one of the many things that I want to achieve, that’s why it is not enough reason for me to become a swellhead or whatsoever. It’s just something to be proud of (because it’s) a fulfillment of my dream. It’s not really something na (parang naging) lamang ako (sa iba).”

Truth is, Gabbi didn’t expect to shoot for a TVC. She said it was not originally part of the deal that GMA Artist Center, the Kapuso management arm that takes care of her career, had agreed with Procter & Gamble (P&G). According to GMA Artist Center AVP for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun Ferrer, the P&G executives initially requested to meet the female cast members of Encantadia, specifically the Sang’gres. The girls obliged and had an interview and photo shoots. It turned out that the P&G people were impressed with how Gabbi handled herself.

“They asked Gabbi about her future plans and how she wanted to be as an actress,” Simoun said. “They were very impressed with Gabbi that they got her for Pantene then others (P&G execs) from other countries also saw her (through video conference) kaya lumaki ng lumaki yung campaign. From just being Pantene ambassador in the Philippines, Gabbi became Pantene ambassador in Asia.”

“As what Sir Simoun said, the deal was originally for digital only and the shooting was for that purpose alone then biglang may TVC na for the Philippines and the shooting would take place in another country. I thought somewhere in Bangkok or Vietnam lang pero ‘yun pala Australia.”

She continued, “And then they said the TVC will air not just for the Philippines but in 10 Asian countries until buong Asia na daw. Ako naman, oh my God! I can’t believe it at first kasi parang nanganak na ng nanganak.”

It only took one whole day to complete the TVC shoot in Australia but Gabbi had a great time. “I met the whole team — the production, the director — and I was surprised to find out that I was the only Filipina in the group. I learned that no one was based in Australia as the others came all the way from the US, Canada and Spain; everyone flew in just to do the commercial. It was a great production nakakalula at sobrang surreal.”

Gabbi revealed that she stayed in the Land Down Under for seven days “because it was my first time in Australia and everything was new to me so I’d rather spend some time to explore the place,” she said.

The Pantene TVC had its Philippine debut last April 2 and aired in other Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia. Part of Gabbi’s one-year contract with Pantene is attending the shampoo brand’s events in the country.

“I’m not sure if I will do another campaign yet but I have commitments here for Pantene Philippines,” said Gabbi who plays Sang’gre Alena in the GMA primetime telefantasya Encantadia.

Meanwhile, Gabbi denied rumors that she verbally abused her onscreen partner Ruru Madrid that caused them to part ways.

“Grabe naman ‘yung sinigaw-sigawan ko daw s’ya sa set. It’s not true,” she clarified. “You know, a lot of nasty issues have been hurled against us like we were not okay when I had my debut when in fact, we were so sweet then, kinikilig nga ako. The ‘verbally abused’ thing, actually I found it cute because I didn’t know that it happened between me and Ruru, na may buhay kami na girlfriend and boyfriend (laughs).”

They have been working together for three years now and not once did they argue on the set, she added.

Asked how would she feel if Ruru courts their Encantadia co-star Arra San Agustin and then, they become a couple, Gabbi smiled and answered, “Well, if that would make him happy then go, I’d be happy for him as well.”

Gabbi revealed that it’s her choice for their onscreen romance not to turn into reality. “Besides, he never officially courted me but he cared for me. Hindi ako manghihinayang kung mapunta siya sa iba because I know that he will never leave me, I mean I’m here and he’s there. Basta I’ll be happy for both of them.”