# Gabbi Garcia
**Gabbi Garcia** is the professional name of Gabriella Louise Ortega Lopez (born 1998), a Filipino actress, singer, host, and vlogger who has been an exclusive artist of [GMA Network](https://www.edgepedia.org/gma-network) since her 2014 debut. She is best known for her breakout role as Sang'gre Alena in the 2016 remake of the fantasy series *Encantadia*, for the film *LSS (Last Song Syndrome)* (2019), and for *Unbreak My Heart* (2023), the first drama collaboration between GMA Network, ABS-CBN, and Viu Philippines.[1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/) • [2](https://www.archytele.com/person/gabbi-garcia)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 1998 as Gabriella Louise Ortega Lopez, in Makati City, Philippines; grew up in an ancestral family home in Pasay City[2](https://www.archytele.com/person/gabbi-garcia) • [3](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/kapusoprofiles/gabbi-garcia-making-it/13/) |
| Debut | Joined GMA Network in 2014 after auditioning at GMA Artist Center; first role as Nicole Perez in the primetime series *My Destiny*[1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/) • [2](https://www.archytele.com/person/gabbi-garcia) |
| Breakout role | Sang'gre Alena in *Encantadia* (2016), a role originally played by Karylle; she reprised Alena in *Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre* (2025)[4](https://tv-philippines.fandom.com/wiki/Gabbi_Garcia) • [5](https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/987726/gabbi-garcia-marks-end-of-sang-gre-with-photos-of-her-sisters-forever/story/) |
| Notable films | *Laut* (2016), *Meant to Beh* (2017), *LSS (Last Song Syndrome)* (2019), *Prisoner of War* (2025) with Hollywood actor Scott Adkins[6](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/gabbi_garcia) • [1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/) |
| Endorsement firsts | First Filipina ambassador for Pantene Asia at age 18, with the campaign reaching audiences in 11 countries; first Filipina global ambassador for the fashion brand Aldo, in 2023[1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/) |
| Hosting | Host of *Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition* (2025–2026), the first Kapuso artist to host that edition; journey host of *The Voice Kids* on GMA; hosted the Miss Universe Philippines coronation night and the Metro Manila Film Festival's Gabi ng Parangal[1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/) • [7](https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2026/09/22/2557904/the-voice-kids-surprise-shows-journey-host-gabbi-garcia) • [8](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/photos/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-fans/21393/) |
| Recognition | Won Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical at the 7th Urduja Heritage Film Awards (2020) for *LSS*; won Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actress at the 6th Golden TV Screen Awards (2015)[4](https://tv-philippines.fandom.com/wiki/Gabbi_Garcia) |
## Early life
Garcia spent her childhood in the family's ancestral home in Pasay City, with her older sister Alex and her parents Vince and Tes Lopez; her mother worked as a flight attendant for [Philippine Airlines](https://www.edgepedia.org/philippine-airlines).[3](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/kapusoprofiles/gabbi-garcia-making-it/13/) She attended St. Paul College Parañaque before transferring to St. Paul College Pasig, where she served as batch representative in her first two years of high school and was a member of the school choir, dance troupe, and cheering squad.[3](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/kapusoprofiles/gabbi-garcia-making-it/13/)
Her entry into show business came through a regular audition rather than a reality competition. She auditioned at the GMA Artist Center office in [Quezon City](https://www.edgepedia.org/quezon-city), singing and acting before a panel, and received a callback while she was at a mall with her mother; her family discussed the offer before she signed.[3](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/kapusoprofiles/gabbi-garcia-making-it/13/) She has said the path was not straightforward: she auditioned for the reality shows *StarStruck* and *Pinoy Big Brother* without advancing, reaching only the third callback in one case, and took modeling gigs and bit acting roles before her GMA break.[9](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/108957/gabbi-garcia-looks-back-on-humble-beginnings-in-showbiz/story) • [10](https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbkaani) In a 2026 interview on *Fast Talk with Boy Abunda* she addressed a misconception that she had entered GMA through connections, saying she lined up for auditions and callbacks like any other applicant.[11](https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/1005367/gabbi-garcia-addresses-misconception-that-she-got-into-gma-through-connections/story/)
## Acting career
**Television.** Garcia's first role was as Nicole Perez in the GMA primetime series *My Destiny*, followed by Pia Sta. Maria in *Let the Love Begin* (2015).[2](https://www.archytele.com/person/gabbi-garcia) She was then paired with Ruru Madrid in a loveteam, and the two headlined projects including the teledrama *Let the Love Begin*, the political sitcom *Naku, Boss Ko!*, and the 2016 remake of *Encantadia*, in which Garcia played Sang'gre Alena, a role originally played by Karylle; the part raised her and her co-stars' public profile.[4](https://tv-philippines.fandom.com/wiki/Gabbi_Garcia) Subsequent series have included *Sherlock Jr.*, *Pamilya Roces*, and *Beautiful Justice* (2019), *Love You Stranger* (2022) with her real-life partner Khalil Ramos, and *Unbreak My Heart* (2023), in which she played Alexandra Jacinto-Zhang across 99 episodes.[2](https://www.archytele.com/person/gabbi-garcia) • [12](https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6473286/) *Unbreak My Heart* was described by GMA as a groundbreaking first collaboration between GMA Network, ABS-CBN, and Viu Philippines.[1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/)
In 2025 she returned to the *Encantadia* world, reprising Alena in *Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre* alongside [Kylie Padilla](https://www.edgepedia.org/kylie-padilla), Glaiza de Castro, and [Sanya Lopez](https://www.edgepedia.org/sanya-lopez), with [Bianca Umali](https://www.edgepedia.org/bianca-umali), Faith Da Silva, and Angel Guardian as the new generation of gem keepers; the series ended its run on GMA Prime in May 2026.[5](https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/987726/gabbi-garcia-marks-end-of-sang-gre-with-photos-of-her-sisters-forever/story/) Her 2025 film work includes *Prisoner of War*, in which she played Theresa opposite Hollywood actor Scott Adkins, as well as *Slay* and *How to Cheat Death*.[1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/) • [2](https://www.archytele.com/person/gabbi-garcia)
**Hosting.** Garcia has become a regular host of large events, including the 2024 [Miss Universe Philippines](https://www.edgepedia.org/miss-universe-philippines) coronation night and the [Metro Manila Film Festival](https://www.edgepedia.org/metro-manila-film-festival)'s Gabi ng Parangal.[8](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/photos/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-fans/21393/) In 2025 she became the first Kapuso to host *Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition*, and she continued as host of the edition running 2025–2026.[1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/) In 2026 she took on the role of journey host of *The Voice Kids* on GMA, meeting the young contestants backstage before they reach the coaches and describing the role as dealing with the children on a personal level.[7](https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2026/09/22/2557904/the-voice-kids-surprise-shows-journey-host-gabbi-garcia)
## Music
Garcia has released soundtrack and solo recordings. Her credited singles and EPs include the *Let the Love Begin* soundtrack single (2015), "All I Need" (2017), a self-produced single she released in 2018, "Sa Yakap Mo" from *Sherlock Jr.* (2018), the *Love on Air* EP from *Stories from the Heart* (2021), and the *Love You Stranger* EP (2022).[13](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gabbi-garcia/998542950) • [1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/) Earlier, in 2016, she recorded the duet "Love You The Way I Do" with Ruru Madrid for the album *One Heart* on GMA Records.[4](https://tv-philippines.fandom.com/wiki/Gabbi_Garcia)
## Endorsements and public profile
Garcia has been marketed by GMA as the "Kapuso Millennial It Girl" and a global endorser.[3](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/kapusoprofiles/gabbi-garcia-making-it/13/) Beyond Pantene Asia and Aldo, her endorsement roster has included Bench, Belo Beauty, and a role as the first Filipina Taiwan Tourism Ambassador, and she has appeared on the covers of magazines including Mega, Preview, Cosmopolitan, L'Officiel, Nylon, and Scout.[1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/) In 2026 she was introduced as the face of the fintech brand Salmon and spoke at the Xiaomi 17T Series launch, where she framed smartphone upgrades as a matter of need rather than trend-following.[14](https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/lifestyle/gabbi-garcia-banking-saving-a718-20260918) • [15](https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/lifestyle/192500/gabbi-garcia-smartphone-upgrade-a6904-20260608)
She marked her 11th year in showbiz by renewing her contract with GMA Network and Sparkle on May 23, 2025, at a ceremony attended by GMA Network president and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.[1](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/)
## References
1. [Gabbi Garcia celebrates 11 years in showbiz, continues journey with GMA, GMA Entertainment](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-11-years-in-showbiz-continues-journey-with-gma/122790/)
2. [Gabbi Garcia: Movies, TV Shows & Biography, archytele (TMDB data)](https://www.archytele.com/person/gabbi-garcia)
3. [Gabbi Garcia: Making It, GMA Entertainment](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/kapusoprofiles/gabbi-garcia-making-it/13/)
4. [Gabbi Garcia, TV Philippines Wiki (Fandom)](https://tv-philippines.fandom.com/wiki/Gabbi_Garcia)
5. [Gabbi Garcia marks end of 'Sang'gre' with photos of her 'sisters forever', GMA News Online](https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/987726/gabbi-garcia-marks-end-of-sang-gre-with-photos-of-her-sisters-forever/story/)
6. [Gabbi Garcia Movies List, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/gabbi_garcia)
7. ['The Voice' kids surprise show's journey host Gabbi Garcia, The Philippine Star](https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2026/09/22/2557904/the-voice-kids-surprise-shows-journey-host-gabbi-garcia)
8. [Gabbi Garcia celebrates 10th anniversary with fans, GMA Entertainment](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/photos/gabbi-garcia-celebrates-10th-anniversary-with-fans/21393/)
9. [Gabbi Garcia looks back on humble beginnings in showbiz, GMA Entertainment](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/108957/gabbi-garcia-looks-back-on-humble-beginnings-in-showbiz/story)
10. [Fast Talk With Boy Abunda: Gabbi Garcia on her journey to fame! (Episode 958), GMA Network on Dailymotion](https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbkaani)
11. [Gabbi Garcia addresses misconception that she got into GMA through connections, GMA News Online](https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/1005367/gabbi-garcia-addresses-misconception-that-she-got-into-gma-through-connections/story/)
12. [Gabbi Garcia, IMDb](https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6473286/)
13. [Gabbi Garcia, Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gabbi-garcia/998542950)
14. [Gabbi Garcia on growing savings with trusted financial partner, PEP.ph](https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/lifestyle/gabbi-garcia-banking-saving-a718-20260918)
15. [Upgrade or hold off? Gabbi Garcia talks smartphone decisions, PEP.ph](https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/lifestyle/192500/gabbi-garcia-smartphone-upgrade-a6904-20260608)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Screen people and creators › Screen actors of East and Southeast Asia › Filipino actors, 2000s onward › Surnames A to L*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 17, 2026; Sep 20, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Sep 19, 2026; Sep 20, 2026; Oct 12, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license