Volleyball star Michele Gumabao explores showbiz 10 years after joining Pinoy Big Brother
Michele Gumabao, the decorated volleyball star and former beauty queen, is ready to step off the court and onto the stage. Embracing a lifelong affinity for entertainment, Gumabao recently signed with talent manager Joel Roslin, known for representing comedic powerhouses Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola.
“My manager, my dad, my siblings, they’re all in showbiz,” Gumabao shared during an intimate media gathering. “I want to experience this for myself and see what’s in store for me.”
A household name in Philippine volleyball, Gumabao assured her fans that this new venture doesn’t mean goodbye to the sport she loves. With eight Premier Volleyball League championships and a collegiate career that earned her the title of Finals MVP, she’s not ready to hang up her jersey just yet.
This isn’t Gumabao’s first foray into the spotlight. She was a housemate on “Pinoy Big Brother: All In” and represented the Philippines in the Miss Globe 2018 pageant. But with a decade-long professional volleyball career behind her, she’s ready to explore new horizons.
Gumabao’s focus now lies in acting, a field she hasn’t yet had the chance to explore. Although she has experience hosting for TV and events, she’s eager to learn and grow in front of the camera.
A Family Affair
With a father and brother already established in the entertainment industry, Gumabao has a strong support system as she embarks on this new journey. She hopes to follow in their footsteps and find her own niche in showbiz.
Her brother Marco, a successful actor, has been a source of encouragement. “I’ve seen show business give Marco opportunities since he was in high school… I hope I can try new things also and become a part of showbiz soon, acting if I find out I have the talent,” she said.
From Humble Beginnings
Gumabao’s path to stardom has been anything but linear. A Dean’s Lister graduate from De La Salle University with a degree in Marketing Management, she initially balanced volleyball with a career as a game analyst for ABS-CBN Sports+Action.
After a successful stint in pageantry, she considered venturing into showbiz but ultimately decided to prioritize her budding volleyball career. Now, with her athletic achievements firmly established, she’s ready to fully embrace her passion for entertainment.
Balancing Act
Gumabao’s decision to pursue acting while still active in volleyball is a testament to her determination and drive. She remains committed to both her athletic and artistic pursuits, eager to see where this new path will lead.
As she prepares to take on this new challenge, one thing is clear: Michele Gumabao is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court.