Former beauty queen and volleyball player Michelle Gumabao is returning to show business and hopes to pursue action series or movies.
During a press conference at Victorino's in Timog, Quezon City, on July 11, Michelle revealed she's open to action projects, considering her interests in adventure and extreme sports.
"Isa yun sa hino-hope ko rin na magkaroon ng isang role sa isang project. Kung kaya ko rin matutunan yung ibang stunts, it's also something na gusto ko rin masubukan if given an opportunity," Michelle said.
When she returned to showbiz, Michelle said she would continue volleyball. She explained why she decided to focus on sports before showbiz.
"At that time ang dami ko pang pangarap sa volleyball. When I started volleyball, halos college na talaga. Coming from the De La Salle na nag champion kami papuntang professional league, na kakaumpisa pa lang, I wanted to see kung hanggang saan ang contribution ko sa sport.
"Hindi rin naman ako agad makakapasok sa showbiz if not for sports. So that time, I wanted to give back to sports muna na nagbigay sa aking ng maraming opportunity.
"Excited kami how everything will unfold kasi nga bago ang volleyball professional league. Volleyball is now gaining popularity and attention locally and internationally," said Michelle, brother of hunk actor Marco Gumabao.
Michelle, 31, believes her height of 5'10 is not an issue regarding having a leading man.
"Actually I considered acting after Pinoy Big Brother kaso wala silang mahanap na partner ko kasi ang tangkad ko. Joke lang!
"Pero kahit na hindi naman mas matangkad sa akin okay lang naman kung yun lang naman ang storyline. Wala naman akong taong ina-eye. Sana lang yung taong magiging ka-partner of taong I am familiar with para comfortable ako if ever I would star in my first acting project," she said.
Michelle hopes to work with Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Marian Rivera, and Toni Gonzaga-Soriano.
No regrets
Michelle said she had no regrets about joining pageants. In 2018, Michelle was crowned Bb. Pilipinas Globe. And in 2020, she joined Miss Universe Philippines.
She expressed disappointment at not being able to attend the 60th Binibining Pilipinas at the Araneta Coliseum on July 7. But she watched the finals online.
"Ang pagsali ko sa pageant is a big learning experience rin sa akin. Hindi ko talaga siya dream when I was a kid. Peor nakita ko kasi yung impact ng isang beauty queen. Nakita ko yung platform nila so sabi ko I wanted to try. It gave me a lot of opportunities.
"Ang dami kong nakilala. I gained many sisters and friends in the process. I will never regret any experience, whether successful or not. There will always be an advantage for me. Marami naman siyang naidulot sa akin," she said.
Michelle stated she was finished with pageants, even though the age restrictions had been lifted. "Hindi na talaga ako sasali uli. "
One of the best lessons learned in pageantry Michelle said: "You have to be genuine. Makikita talaga ng tao kung nagpapanggap ka or nagsisinungaling ka. Pinanghahawakan ko talaga na to be true to yourself. Even until now, I try to hold onto na kahit na sumikat ka, hindi mo talaga makakalimutan kung sino ka at saan ka nanggaling."
The daughter of actor Dennis Roldan revealed she's currently in a relationship but prefers to keep it private.
Michelle will be managed by Joel Roslin, the same manager as comedians Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola.