By Ed Uy
Long gowns. Glittering sashes. Sparkling tiaras. If you still think pageant queens are all about poise and pretty smiles, allow Gabrielle Basiano to change your mind—one hosting gig at a time.
The Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022 titleholder from Borongan, Eastern Samar, has already carved out her place in pageant history, not just for her gowns, walk and queenly demeanor, but for her bold advocacies, particularly in the realm of mental health.
Today, she’s channeling that same confidence, charisma, and compassion into a different kind of spotlight—one that involves holding a microphone instead of a bouquet.
“I fell in love with hosting because it teaches me something new every time,” Gabrielle shares. “Every event is a chance to grow, to connect, and to make people feel seen and heard. I think that’s such a powerful thing.”
And when she says “connect,” she means it. Whether she’s backstage chatting with contestants or onstage guiding a crowd through a coronation night, Gabrielle has a way of drawing people in—of making even the most nervous guest feel like they belong. She’s a natural, and it shows.
From judging regional pageants like Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban and Lakan at Lakambini Grand Coronation Night to hosting the Binibining Pilipinas pre-pageant events, Mutya Han Samar, and the Araneta City Christmas Special, Gabrielle has become a familiar face at live events—and an increasingly trusted voice.
But make no mistake—Gabrielle isn’t chasing the mic just for the glam. Like everything she does, there’s purpose behind her passion. And at the core of that purpose is her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, especially when it comes to grief support.
“This cause is very personal to me,” she says. “Losing a loved one changes you. It taught me how important it is to create spaces where people can feel heard, understood, and supported. Even as a host, I see it as my role to connect—to make people feel less alone.”
That same authenticity earned her recognition in Thailand as one of the most inspiring beauty queens in Asia after she helped someone going through suicidal ideation. It’s moments like these that define Gabrielle—not just as a queen, but as a human being with a mission.
From Queen to Civic Leader
Her versatility also extends into leadership. Away from the bright lights and big stages, Gabrielle has quietly taken on a leadership role that reflects her deep-rooted passion for community service. She is now poised to serve as the president of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Las Piñas Water Lily, a local chapter of the global nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through leadership development and grassroots involvement.
For Gabrielle, the transition from beauty queen to civic leader felt natural. “Pageantry taught me how to lead with grace and empathy. At JCI, I’m putting that into action,” she shares. “It’s about rolling up your sleeves, showing up for your community, and finding real, sustainable ways to make a difference.”
Under her leadership, JCI Las Piñas Water Lily is gearing up for a year of purpose-driven initiatives—from mental health talks and grief support sessions to livelihood programs and youth empowerment workshops. Gabrielle doesn’t just lend her name to the cause; she’s hands-on, present, and deeply involved in the planning and execution of each project.
One of her goals is to integrate her advocacy into JCI’s programs, especially by creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can talk about their mental health without fear of stigma. “It’s one thing to talk about mental health on social media,” she says. “But it’s another to be there on the ground—listening, encouraging, reminding people that their pain is valid and that they’re not alone.”
Being in JCI also offers Gabrielle something else she values: growth. Surrounded by like-minded young leaders, she sees each project as an opportunity to learn—not just about leadership, but about the very communities she’s serving. “I’ve always believed that service is where real transformation happens—not just in others, but in yourself.”
While others might see her as just a queen in heels, Gabrielle is quickly proving she’s also a woman of heart, hustle, and hands-on leadership. Whether she’s in an evening gown or a volunteer shirt, she brings the same authenticity, warmth, and purpose to everything she does.
“Service is where I thrive,” she says. “It grounds me. It keeps me aligned with who I am and why I do what I do.”
That balance—between grace and grit, spotlight and substance—is what sets Gabrielle apart.
From Runways to Ratings: Gabrielle on Wil to Win
Gabrielle was part of Tutok to Win, the wildly popular game show created by Willie Revillame, known for its unpredictable, high-energy segments and real-life impact. It’s a world far removed from rehearsed pageant walk-throughs, but one Gabrielle handled with grace.
“It was such a fun and humbling experience,” she recalls. “Wil To Win reaches a broad audience—from all walks of life. It reminded me that hosting isn’t just about speaking well; it’s about genuinely connecting with people.”
Gab said she really auditioned to get the hosting job. and that appearing on the show gave her a chance to showcase a different side of her personality—playful, spontaneous, and deeply relatable. Whether it was giving away prizes or chatting with contestants, she stayed true to her roots, always keeping things grounded and heartfelt. She also admits that its one of the reason why she fell in love with hosting.
And that’s the Gabrielle Basiano we’re beginning to see more and more of: the woman who can shift from queenly elegance to casual charm without missing a beat.
Her ultimate dream? To become a respected host on national television. And with her current trajectory, it’s not hard to imagine her name being mentioned alongside the likes of Toni Gonzaga, Boy Abunda, or even Willie Revillame himself.
So the next time you’re flipping through channels or watching a big national pageant, listen closely. You might just hear a familiar, comforting voice say, “Magandang Gabby, Pilipinas.”
Because this beauty queen is ready for her next reign—this time, not with a crown, but with a cue card.
For inquiries about Gabrielle Basiano, please contact Lois Quinto at +639950272463 or email [email protected].
photos grabbed for Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellebasiano/
