Michele on big bikes, volleyball and going sexy
VOLLEYBALL smasher Michele Gumabao loves adventure and extreme sports. That was why when she was offered to tour the whole of Luzon during the Iron Man 2022, she readily grabbed the opportunity.
“That went on for 24 hours, 1,200 kilometers,” Michele said proudly. “We toured Tuguegarao all the way back to Clark (in Pampanga).”
She trained with the HPG (Highway Patrol Group). She also went to Honda and Ducati school.
“I want to learn all the safety measures before I start riding so I can avoid accidents,” Michele said. “That’s also my advocacy to riding big bikes.”
Although she owns a personal bike, she often gets to ride different styles and models that are offered to her.
“Every month, I try to use my bike or every time I have a day off,” she said. “It’s hard to ride now because it always rains.
“We start practicing volleyball at 6 a.m. then we end up at 9 or 9:30. That’s about the same time everyone is out on the streets with their bike, so it’s not yet too hot.”
“My mom is always worried when I ride my bike. I told her, ‘Ma, kung panahon mo, panahon mo naman talaga.’ But I’m not irresponsible when I drive, even a car. ”
Michele also toured Europe in a big bike when she was sent by BMW Philippines to represent the country to ride in Europe.
“You need discipline when you want to ride,” Michele said. “Kailangan hindi ka puyat and you didn’t drink the night before. Accidents are very dangerous. You need to be disciplined.”
When it comes to her big screen venture, Michele is not ready to go daring on the big screen. “I’m okay with sexy, but not bold,” maintained the former beauty queen. She won Binibining Pilipinas Globe in 2018 and landed Top 15 in Miss Globe that same year.
“Hindi ko kaya talaga ang sobrang daring roles, that’s for sure,” she added. “Sexy roles, open naman ako but with limitations.”
Vivamax, the streaming platform of Viva, is “to the highest level” for Michele. “Open naman ako to go sexy, but nothing like Vivamax,” she maintained.
She watched films of both her brothers, Marco and Paolo. She got shocked when she saw Marco had his butt exposure on the big screen when her younger brother went sexy in Jason Paul Laxamana’s drama, ‘Just a Stranger,’ opposite Anne Curtis.
“He didn’t tell us about it, that was why we were shocked,” Michele said. “That’s one of my favorite movies of Marco. He didn’t mention about the butt exposure. He only told my mom. So when we were watching the premiere, I was with my friends, we were all shocked.
“I know Marco and I know how passionate he is with work and I know how talented he is with what he’s doing,” Michele said of her brother. “Walang malisya na lang, but we will always support him.
“Every time he has a movie release, he always invites us. But I failed to go whenever I was out of the country.”
So, will Michele do anything sexy like what Marco did? “As of now, that is not in my goals,” she said. “Especially in volleyball, there are many children who watch. I have to be conscious about my image and the message.
“We have so many young fans. I also teach volleyball to kids. I cannot stand it when they say, ‘Nakita namin ang butt ni coach.’ That cannot happen.”
Michele expresses her desire to play action roles like Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft or Tomb Raider. “Pwede ‘yun,” she said. “Pero pwede rin mag sexy because I came from joining beauty pageants. I did swimsuit competition, sexy gowns.
“The sexy package is there. It’s really important to consider the role and the story. But if I will be given the chance to learn the stunts, I will grab the opportunity.”
She wants her screen partner to be someone she’s familiar with, although she’s not particularly eyeing anyone in particular. “Para medyo comfortable ako if ever I will start in my first-ever opportunity in acting,” Michele said.
“Maybe I want to work with Papa Piolo (Pascual). I think any girl wants to be a part of the show he’s on. Maybe John Lloyd (Cruz), too, because I’ve been a big fan. He can play my brother.”
When it comes to female co-stars, Michele wants to work with Marian Rivera. “I’m a big fan, Sobrang ganda niya and ang galing galing niya umarte,” Michele remarked. “I want to work with (Ate) Toni Gonzaga.
“I want to try comedy and hosting, too. Ayokong sumabak tapos hilaw. I will only get disappointed with my work because I didn’t prepare. I want to learn first and be prepared.”
Michele is ready to join acting workshops and hone other talents in preparation for her showbiz venture. “If I have the opportunity to sing or dance, I also want to develop those talents,” she admitted.
“Coming into show business, I need to be mentally and physically prepared and emotionally ready because I know showbiz work will be demanding, too.”
At 5’10”, Michele is proud of her height, which she considers her best physical attribute. “It’s something that sets me apart,” she said. “Instead of being sometimes too tall, I’d rather be different and celebrate that.
“I want to be proud of my height. That gave me a lot of opportunities, especially in volleyball.”
