Quick Facts
Biography
Michele Theresa Imperial Gumabao (born September 2, 1992) is an American-born Filipino volleyball player, TV personality and beauty queen. She was a co-captain of the De La Salle University women's volleyball team, the Lady Spikers, in 2012–2013. She is the camp director of the Alaska Volleyball Powercamp and in 2018, she was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2018 during the Binibining Pilipinas beauty contest.
Personal life
Gumabao was born in San Mateo, California, on September 2, 1992. She studied in School of the Holy Spirit of Quezon City before going to De La Salle University, where she was a consistent Dean's Lister. In October 2013, Gumabao graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in marketing management.
She is the daughter of former PBA player and actor Dennis Roldan and the sister of actor Marco Gumabao.
Volleyball career
Gumabao was a member of the women's volleyball team of De La Salle University for four years (2010-2013), during which the team won three consecutive championship titles in the UAAP. She was two-time Best Blocker in seasons 73 and 74 and the Finals Most Valuable Player in season 75. Gumabao did not play in her final year of eligibility in the UAAP after her graduation.
In 2013, she played in the Philippine Super Liga for the PCSO Bingo Milyonaryo Puffins. In 2014, she joined the AirAsia Flying Spikers for the 2014 All-Filipino Conference. Gumabao did not play at the start of the tournament because she joined the Pinoy Big Brother show. After her eviction from Pinoy Big Brother: All-In on June 22, 2014, Gumabao resumed playing for AirAsia, helping the team to a fourth-place finish in the tournament. In the 2014 Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix Conference, she played for the Generika Lifesavers, which took over the AirAsia team. For the 2015 Philippine Super Liga season, she joined the Philips Gold Lady Slammers (later known as the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors), where she was named team captain.
On January 11, 2017, Gumabao announced her departure from the Pocari Sweat franchise following her decision not to renew her contract due to a falling out with the team management. A week later, she joined the new volleyball team United VC for their participation in the 2017 season of the PSL.
Gumabao joined Creamline Cool Smashers in March 2018 for the Premier Volleyball League alongside with Alyssa Valdez, Jia Morado and her former college teammate, Mel Gohing. In July 2018, the team won its first PVL championship in the Reinforced Conference and in December, the team won the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
Coaching
In January 2016, Gumabao joined the Adamson University Lady Falcons as an assistant coach for UAAP Season 78.
Clubs
- PCSO Bingo Milyonaryo Puffins (2013)
- AirAsia Flying Spikers (2014)
- Generika Lifesavers (2014)
- Philips Gold Lady Slammers (2015-2016)
- Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors (2016)
- COCOLIFE Asset Managers (2017)
- Creamline Cool Smashers (2018)
Awards
Individuals
- UAAP Season 73 "Best Blocker"
- UAAP Season 74 "Best Blocker"
- UAAP Season 75 "Finals Most Valuable Player"
- 2015 Philippine Super Liga All-Filipino "Best Opposite Spiker"
- 2015 Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix "1st Best Opposite Spiker"
- Shakey's V-League 13th Season Open Conference "Best Opposite Spiker"
- Shakey's V-League 13th Season Reinforced Conference "Best Opposite Spiker"
- Shakey's V-League 13th Season Reinforced Conference "Finals Most Valuable Player"
- 2018 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference "Best Opposite Spiker"
Television
Gumabao plans on pursuing a career in Marketing or television hosting.
In 2013, she served as a Shakey's V-League analyst. On March 17, 2013, she appeared on ABS-CBN's talk show, Gandang Gabi Vice with her teammate, Mika Reyes and two members of their rival school's team, the Lady Eagles, Fille Cainglet and Gretchen Ho. On March 20, 2013, she also appeared in the segment 'Ihaw Na! on ABS-CBN's gag show, Banana Nite. She participated in ABS-CBN's Kapamilya All-Star Volleyball Game which was held on October 6, 2013. The event is part of the network's 60th anniversary celebration. In 2014, she became a Star Magic talent.
In January 2016, Gumabao joined ABS-CBN Sports+Action as a game analyst for NCAA Season 91 volleyball.
Pinoy Big Brother: All In
On April 27, 2014, Gumabao entered the Pinoy Big Brother house as one of the celebrity housemates along with Jane Oineza, Alex Gonzaga and Daniel Matsunaga in its 11th season which features adults, teens and celebrities. She was evicted on Day 57on June 22, 2014.
Pageantry
Binibining Pilipinas 2018
On January 16, 2018, it was confirmed that Gumabao will be competing at the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant.
On March 18, she was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2018.
Miss Globe 2018
She represented the Philippines in the Miss Globe 2018 beauty pageant. Gumabao won the Miss Social Media and Dream Girl awards while finishing at the top 15.
Miss Universe Philippines 2020
On February 14, 2020, it was confirmed that Gumabao will be competing at the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 beauty pageant.
Endorsements
She has endorsed the sanitary napkin brand, Modess and she also endorses Toby's Sports, one the Philippines’ top sports retail establishments, along with basketball player James Yap and Azkals goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge.
In January 2016, Gumabao became a brand ambassador of Akari lighting products.