The ‘it girl,’ according to Gabbi Garcia
Gabbi Garcia is fairly ambivalent about being called an “it girl”—she doesn’t readily embrace it, but doesn’t entirely shrug it off either.
“Sila naman nagpangalan sa ‘kin nyan, so maybe they see it,” she told Lifestyle after her recent network contract signing with GMA 7.
An “it girl,” of course, is typically associated with style, trendsetting, and magnetic social presence—with being cool, and effortlessly so. But in recent years, the label’s scope has expanded beyond its traditional notions to become intertwined with empowerment and authenticity.
This is a definition that resonates with Garcia more deeply.
“An ‘it girl’ is someone aspirational. I have a platform and I know that little girls watch me. That’s why I have to take care of that and be responsible with how I use it. I have to be mindful about what I put out there,” said the actress, who’s known to advocate for mental health and body positivity.
And despite the tag, Garcia doesn’t really feel like she has to change or be a certain way just to live up to the title. “I’m not pressured. I’m just gonna stay true to who I am,” she said.
But she must admit, though—the dressing up part can really be a lot of fun. “As a fashion girlie!” she said, flouncing the hem of her Vania Romoff dress with her hands.
“I’m not afraid to explore. And because maarte nga ako, I always want to look good. But more importantly, wearing nice outfits gives me confidence. It’s a form of self-expression. I enjoy trying different styles and doing my own makeup,” she said.
The chocolate brown piece she wore was custom-made, with an off-the-shoulder design. While relatively understated, its structured bodice and sheer skirt created just enough contrast and visual interest. “I wanted something dainty and fresh,” she said.
She had the dress made specifically in that color to complement stylist Dave Sandoval’s vision for the event—summery and garden-inspired, replete with flowers and even fresh fruits. She was meticulous and hands-on.
Intentional
“I love neutrals and I think the brown suits the theme really well. I’ve been working with Tito Dave for the past five years. He even styles my Christmas trees at home,” she said. “I was on top of everything. I wanted everything to be on point.”
But what good is looking good if you don’t feel good?
Garcia doesn’t really consider herself a fitness buff. In fact, she used to be quite “careless” with her body. It wasn’t until two years ago that she became more intentional about taking care of her health.
“When I reached my mid-20s, I noticed that my body wasn’t the way it used to be. It dawned on me that I have to stay fit if I want to keep going in this business. It’s also a form of self-love,” the 26-year-old actress said.
Her workout regimen focuses on controlled, functional lifting. And the goal, she stressed, wasn’t being lean, but being strong. “I’m not in it for the aesthetics. I believe working out is more sustainable if your goal is to be fit—not because you want to achieve a certain look,” she said.
Getting enough sleep? Easier said than done, especially in showbiz, where days are long and nights even more so. “I try to. I don’t function well when I don’t get enough rest. I love my work, but I also love myself!” she said.
What she can do, however, is be more intentional about the free time she has and how she spends it. “Even if I’m busy, I still manage to go to the gym, rest, and eat right. It’s a choice and kaya naman siya,” she said.
Indeed, Garcia can’t afford not to be at her physical best, what with the different projects GMA 7 already has in store for her after renewing her ties with the network.
“I’ve been in the industry for 11 years, but there are still a lot of things I haven’t done yet. I’m open to doing a GL (girls’ love) series. Hosting is another one I want to do more of, and there are opportunities waiting. And of course, I want to do a project related to fashion,” said Garcia, who currently stars in the murder mystery series “Slay” and cohosts the reality show “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.”
But no rush. She is in it for the long haul. “Achieving fame is one thing … the real challenge is sustaining it. I want to stay in this business. Longevity is the goal,” she said.
