For Kapuso star Gabbi Garcia, being a woman in today’s world means one thing above all—uplifting others.
The actress shared this reflection during a brief interview with the press at SM Supermalls’ International Women’s Day Summit, held on March 6, 2026, at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.
The event marked SM’s celebration of Women’s Month, gathering leaders, creatives, advocates, and visionaries for conversations on empowerment and well-being.
"Meaning of a woman, for me, it's really uplifting each other," Gabbi said, emphasizing how the digital age has shaped the way people—especially women—are perceived and judged.
"Ngayon kasi, di ba, parang a lot of people are being judged by their likes, kung ano man yung gusto nilang gawin sa buhay.
"But as women, I think we have to lift each other up especially in this day and age na ang daming noise on social media."
GABBI GARCIA: SPEAKING UP FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Gabbi joined the summit as one of the day’s key speakers and panelists, participating in a conversation on “Mental Health in the Digital Age.”
She sat alongside MindNation co-founder Cat Triviño, host and podcaster Joyce Pring-Triviño, and other women leaders who each brought personal perspectives to the table.
For Gabbi, sharing her story felt meaningful—especially her first-hand experiences in protecting her mental health amid the pressures and scrutiny that come with fame and online visibility.
When asked what motivates her to join discussions like this, Gabbi was clear: she understands the responsibility that comes with her influence.
"Because, you know, your simple words can actually have an impact. Akala mo simple lang siya sa iyo, but to other people, it actually means a lot.
"Especially that I am blessed with this platform, it's important, especially when you know that you're in the right track.
"It's important... that you have to be heard because you need to also communicate it to your audience kung ano ang dapat gawin at hindi dapat gawin."
GABBI GARCIA ON WOMANHOOD
Gabbi also opened up about the shifts she has observed in recent years—changes that make her proud to be a woman in this generation.
"Siguro nowadays, I love it that women are now speaking up against bullies, against men who are objectifying women."
She continued, highlighting the growing courage and leadership women now show online: "Women are now more vocal, especially on social media, which is good because we need leaders like that...
"Because a lot of young girls are on social media and they have to know that if we need to speak up, we speak up."
However, Gabbi emphasized that there is still much to be improved—especially when it comes to how society and men perceive women who assert themselves.
Gabbi explained: "Whenever women speak up or stand up for themselves, people think na nag-iinarte or nagiging bossy, or, alam mo yun?
"Pero kapag iba, they're being a boss. Pag iba, they're just commanding. Pero kapag babae, iba yung meaning.
"I feel like that has to be changed. Pag babae, emotional lang, pero kapag lalaki, nagde-demand, di ba? Parang, it has to be changed."
In her final statement, Gabbi also appeared to be low-key addressing the recent viral controversy involving Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay, who drew massive backlash for making lewd and objectifying remarks about Anne Curtis during a House committee hearing.
Referring to how women continue to face disrespect in both digital and real-life spaces, Gabbi said" “Also, 2026 na, hindi na tayo dapat nag-o-objectify ng mga babae.”
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