Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019 Gabbi Garcia had to adjust from TV to film acting

CEBU, Philippines — A whole new world has opened up for Gabbi Garcia as the Kapuso actress takes on her first lead role in a feature film where she portrays a character that’s close to her heart.

Headlining the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino entry, “LSS,” with real-life boyfriend Khalil Ramos, Gabbi plays Sara, an aspiring musician and songwriter who is willing to do everything for her family and to reach her dream.

The film, directed by Jade Castro and produced by Globe Studios in association with Dokimos Media Studios Inc. and Ben &Ben, is about two strangers being connected by the music of popular indie-folk band Ben&Ben.

“I enjoyed building the character. My experience, since I’m new in the film industry, naninibago pa ako when it comes to cinema. It’s very, very far from TV so I did a lot of adjusting,” the 20-year-old said during a Cebu press conference.

“LSS” made way for Gabbi to experience her first provincial bus ride as the premise of the whole story begins when both lead characters meet on a commute in an “almost but not quite romantic encounter.”

“Tuwang tuwa ako. Ang saya ma-expose sa mga ganyang bagay. As an actor you need those little sparks of joy when you’re on set,” she said.

Despite having common interests and motivations with Sara, Gabbi as an actress has a very different life. She said that the process was all about collaboratting with the creatives on set to really pin not only Sara’s emotions but also her mannerisms.

“Her main goal is to be included in the music industry. Me entering the showbiz industry, I can relate to a lot of rejections, a lot of no’s, a lot of long queues, a lot of self-doubt.”

“More on paano namin ibi-build si Sara, paano ipapakilala, and paano gawing totoo. We have to ask questions…Yung little details, kung paano ba mag-commute, paano ba mag-bitbit ng bag, small details,” added Gabbi.

She often caught herself doing “TV acting” and so had to rely on the cast and crew to tell her when she’s doing over the top movements or gestures, which aren’t always necessary for the big screen.

“It’s very, very far from TV,” Gabbi attested. “It’s important to collaborate with the director, dapat iisa kayo ng vision. Ngayon ko na-experience na planado lahat. On TV we air Mondays to Fridays so anything can happen. Ito talaga, it’s a journey, it’s a process, it’s a collaboration with everyone. It’s a crazy ride. Sobrang saya.”

All in all, Gabbi described her first foray into leading a film as a “breath of fresh air” and she definitely sees herself doing more in the future, having enjoyed working with different people.

“A lot of knowledge is coming in. I’m absorbing and learning every time I went to work for this movie. I can actually say that I’m willing to do more films and be actually more exposed when it comes to films.”

Gabbi said that audiences should see “LSS” – one of ten entries at PPP 2019 which will run from September 13 to 19 – because of the hope and positivity it gives out.

“The heart of the story is really hoping and dreaming, following your dream. We live in a world filled with negativity nowadays. A lot of us are doubting ourselves, affected by small things like social media. This story gives a little hope, a little chance to dream and to love more.”