Gaby dela Merced’s new man

While prepping to become the latest Studio 23 VJ, Gaby Dela Merced has finally found time to indulge in her other passions in life aside from racing. Lately, the former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition housemate’sweekends have been packed with regular tournaments in Ultimate Frisbee and flag football. In was in the latter sport where she caught the eye of the guy she’s currently been seeing.

Although Gaby doesn’t want to elaborate on how serious the relationship is, she stresses that neither of them are seeing anybody else at the moment. The mystery man is a Fil-American basketball player who has been based in the country for the past five years and was a one-time model for an energy drink. It reportedly took the guy three or more attempts before Gaby would even consider going out with him. But the persistence paid off because they now look like the picture perfect couple both on and off the playing field. “Right now, we’re enjoying each other’s company,” Gaby admits.

Being a private person, Gaby admits that she would rather keep his identity a secret, but the PBB Racing Goddess stresses that she isn’t hiding him either. For the past few weeks, the two have been seen out in public often, with a closeness that doesn’t make it hard to guess that love is definitely in the air. “He makes my world more colorful,” Gaby shares. Apart from having the approval of her mom, the guy also gets along with Gaby’s close friends who say, “Iba siya. He’s really nice.”

Aside from playing in the same flag football team as Gaby, the guy has also been seen escorting Gaby to her races in Subic and Batangas—the picture of the perfect boyfriend. Gaby, in turn, also makes sure to catch his basketball games whenever she can. “Basically, we’re slowly getting into each other’s lives,” she offers. The guy also admits that it was Gaby who got him into trying out new things like Capoeira and Ultimate Frisbee. But for Gaby, one of the best things about him is that, “He lets me drive,” she says with a mischievous smile.

Body Talk with Gaby dela Merced

Not many girls can be as daring as Gabrielle Chanel "Gaby" dela Merced to go into a risky (some say, "life-threatening") sport like racing.

She has been at it since she was 16, the year she learned how to drive.

Those who followed the ABS-CBN reality Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Celebrity Edition 2 last year must know that Gaby has caught the public interest when she became one of the very few Filipinas to dominate the Asian Formula 3 circuit and the only Filipina who competed in the full season of the series, finishing first runner-up in the Philippine National Formula championships.

She's also a familiar face, thanks to the Creamsilk Conditioner commercial (her other commercial starrer was for Carefree Feminine Wash) that highlighted Filipinas with "power, brains and beauty." Her other endorsements include Goodyear, Standard Insurance, Oakley, Puma and Prestone.

"Racing gives me a big sense of freedom," said Gaby who is a Gemini, born on June 10, 1982. "I'm schizophrenic," she added in jest, then turning serious. "When I'm racing, I feel that the world is mine, na kaya ko lahat-lahat."

The fourth among six siblings from, Gaby admitted without any apology, "a broken family," she has a positive outlook in life. "We exist to be happy and, if possible, to make other people happy, don't we?"

A busybody, Gaby learned one important lesson inside the Big Brother house - that is, to slow down.

"I'm forever racing, not only on the tracks but in everyday life," she said. "Inside the Big Brother house, I realized that I needed to change my lifestyle. You see, I'm the type of person who lives a chaotic life. I often schedule three meetings a day. I'm always racing with time."

During this body talk at Annabel's restaurant, Gaby ordered fish fillet with French Fries and iced tea.

Is really that risky?

"You know, any sport is risky. In basketball, when you lay up the wrong way, you can break a bone. You just have to take the necessary precautions. During a race, I wear all fire-retardant gears - helmet, suit, gloves."

Is racing an expensive sport?

"Kinda. Medyo masakit sa puso if I add up the expenses."

Off the track, what car do you drive?

"Now? Integra Honda. My first car was a second-hand Rav4, passed on to me by my dad."

What kind of driver are you, offensive or defensive?

"I'm an aggressive driver."

How many injuries have you sustained so far?

"Oh, just a few minor ones."

Aside from racing, what other sports do you dabble in?

"Flag football and ultimate disc. When I was in grade school and high school, I was a member of the basketball team. I've been doing capoeira (a Brazilian martial arts)."

What kind of workout do you do?

"Aside from capoeira? I go to the gym; I do mostly cardio exercise. I have a trainor, Joe Pagulayan."

What part of your body is most vulnerable?

"My throat. I'm having acupuncture for that."

What part of a guy's body do you notice first?

"His deltoids."

What about your diet?

"I eat anything edible. I love to indulge, I love eating."

What's usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

"Hmmm, for breakfast I usually have juice consisting of pineapple, orange, apple, cucumber and carrots. When my mom gets to convince me to eat, I have a bagel with organic butter and preserve. It really varies when it comes to lunch or dinner. It depends on how I feel or what I'm craving for. Like if my body is recuperating from a heavy work, I make it a point to eat a lot of meat or eggs for protein. Or if I have an extreme race coming up, I load up on carbs a couple of days before. Or when I'm running late."

And for snacks?

"Snickers, Snickers! Or I grab fastfood."

Any food that you avoid?

"No dairy products for me. Bad for my asthma."

What vitamins do you take?

"Berocca and Lifewave."

How much water do you take every day?

"I make sure I take eight glasses. No soda for me. I also take a lot of juices. Coffee? No. Tea? Yes, sometimes."

How much sleep do you get per night?

"I try to get eight hours."

Do you snore?

"I wouldn't know. I sleep alone."

Do you talk in your sleep?

"I used to as a kid."

Do you sleepwalk?

"I used to as a kid."

Are you a pillow person?

"Yes, I am. I love to hug pillows."

What's the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

"I watch TV - Discovery Channel, AXN or CSI. And then I put my celfone on 'silent' mode."

And the first thing that you do when you wake up?

"It depends on what I have to do during the day."

You are always out in the sun. Any protection?

"I apply a tanning oil."

How do you cope with stress?

"I get a massage. Or, if I am frustrated or irritated, I listen to the soundtrack of Rent. I've been listening to it so many times that I have memorized the songs."

Any nightlife?

"I usually spend nights doing capoeira. I seldom go to parties."

Name three guys you think have nice bodies.

"David Lacasse (a gymnast). Rich Harden (a basketball player). Lance Armstrong (the cancer-survivor biker)."

And three women...

"Issa Litton. Sarah Fisher (racer). Marian Jones (track-and-field athlete)."

Donnie's Sacrifice For Gaby

After Jon and Will's tension-filled punishment few days ago, Gaby was next on Big Brother's list of misbehaved residents. And just like what happened to the two hunks, the Racing Goddess penalty lay in the hands of the celebrity housemates. All of them were called inside the confession room to give their opinions on Gaby's pool accident except for Gladys, Ruben and Donnie so she would remain unsuspecting as to this "connivance".

To be fair, Big Brother asked the others to shuffle four steel glasses covering different kinds of punishment that they have suggested for Gaby to pick. This included "Help" which required her to become a "housegirl" for a week while carrying a boom mic with her at all times. "I Love Peggy" entailed living with the piglets for 24 hours, using the Semaphore Flag Signaling System (where each flag sign represented a letter from the alphabet) as her only way of communication. "Matic" was the worst for it indicated an automatic nomination and one day in front of a boom mic. On the other hand, the last one was her best option since it was tagged as the Reward, meaning, she would be given a board game to play with plus a chance to choose her form of penalty.

This internationally-acclaimed racer proved to be a clever girl even in the midst of such nerve-wracking pressure. When the housemates started to mix up her options, she kept her eye on the "Reward" option. And luckily, her final pick was right on target! Since she's really attached to Peggy's offsprings, she opted for a round-the-clock bonding moment with them. In the meantime, Donnie's willingness to commiserate with his loveteam brought him on her side. As such, the Racing Goddess couldn't help but speak with him in spite of Big Brother's firm warning to refrain from doing so.

Because Donnie was somehow responsible for Gaby's blunder, Big Brother told him that he could either let Gaby suffer an additional 20 hours with the piglets or save her from this extra burden by agreeing to accompany her throughout this "stinking or deal". He'd been raring to share his partner's agony so he accepted the second alternative. But as soon as Gaby learned what he did, she immediately confronted Big Brother about it. Her protest was in vain though for Donnie insisted to join her in the pigpen!

Gaby's Back!

"I got kidnapped!" Gaby first told the two housemates as they got in the house. Gaby returned from her seminar in the US just this afternoon and the PBB staff surprised Gaby right at the airport and offered her a chance to return to the Big Brother house and continue being a celebrity housemate. Being used to stepping up to any challenge, the renowned car racer agreed to come back. From there, she was immediately driven straight to the PBB house.

Gaby is indeed overwhelmed with joy and she instantly began catching up with Baron and Yayo. Baron told Gaby that all the housemates were currently out, and from there, the Racing Goddess was updated about everything that has happened in Kuya's house while she was gone, from Ethel and Mcoy's exit to Angel Locsin's arrival.

Speaking of Angel, she and the other housemates just arrived home after a long day of hard work "somewhere".

Technorati : Gaby Dela Merced, Housemates, News

Gabby ready to face the Car racing world

Fresh from her exit from the Kuya's house, Gaby Dela Merced was the most talked about ex-housemate during the press conference. The Racing Goddess made a heartbreaking voluntary exit so she could attend the Driver Development Seminar for International Racing in Arizona, USA this coming November 16th to 18th. Gaby revealed that the seminar came up unexpectedly, but since she knew that such an opportunity is very rare, being a product of competitions and applications, she could not let it pass. She confessed to the reporters her deep passion for racing and even shared a crash-course lesson on the sport. Gaby said that being a race car driver is not actually as glamorous and profitable as it appears, having to find contacts and supporters to help her fund her dreams. But having been exposed to risks and hardships on the race track, Gaby managed to survive all of Big Brother's task, may it be on her own or with the group. This is why Gaby considered her month-long stay in the famous yellow house as a "life-changing" experience.

Technorati : Gabby Dela Merced, News

The Final Sacrifice of Gaby in Big Brother House

Gaby who was tasked to do a final sacrifice before she finally leave the big yellow house for good. Water is scarce in their abode and a luxurious supply of which will only be provided after she succeeds in filling a large drum with water from the pool! Determined to do this one last thing for the group, she tried various strategies just to accomplish Big Brother's challenge.

Meanwhile, the master of the house confided to Mariel, Riza, Donni, Will and Ruben regarding the impending departure of the Racing Godess from his abode. He pointed that she wanted out to pursue a great opportunity abroad to improve her racing skills. Upon hearing this however, Mariel started to cry, explaining that she really wanted Gaby to stay. But since that is not possible, she simply agreed to Kuya's plan to give her a special farewell party if they finish a 24-hour task playing as checkered skaters.

Gaby is still doing her best to fill up the drum while Mariel, Will, Donni, Riza and Ruben had succeeded their task. In exchange for their hard work, pizza, wine and a chocolate cake were provided to them during dinner time! Oh well, all the sorrow from yesterdays seemed to be far away from their minds at the moment. Their focus of course is centered on the completion of their numbers for the concert.

Pleasant surprise for the Racing Godess by Mariel, Donni, Ruben, Riza and Will

Big Brother decided to connive with Mariel, Donni, Ruben, Riza and Will. Whether they were asked to make a sacrifice or a pleasant surprise for the Racing Godess remains to be seen. But for now, what's made privy to all of us is the special task which they started to accomplish right after they played tug-o-war.

With a touch of irony, they were told to take a bath first before proceeding to the storage room where their costumes lay in waiting for them. There the five selected celebrities covered their bodies with paint, following a unified checkered flag design, which we mostly see in circuits. To complete their outfit, they wore a strapped-tire on their waists. Then they came out of hiding by skating around the house with their brand new roller blades!

Naturally, Gab immediately realized that the task is related to her. She asked if it was a punishment but Mariel said no. Other than that, the five of them were tight-lipped regarding their "secret mission" which is extended till later. In fact, they were instructed to sleep on the living room for tonight with their costumes on!

Gaby Quits PBB

Aside from nine demanding piglets to be worried about last Sunday, mixed emotions poured from the housemates as they faced another pressing nomination night. But before that dreaded moment, they first celebrated a Baboy Shower where the piglets were christened with interesting names by their stellar ninangs and ninongs varying from Spud, Pidotz, Posh, Babe, Porkchop, Don, Apollo, Cheeky and B-boy.

Then came the announcement of those who are at risk by this week which included Gaby, Ethel, Baron, Donnie and Victor. Upon learning this news, the Ultimate Pasaway received it with pleasure since she had been raring to go back to the outside world anyway. To Big Brother, she explained how it would be easier for her not to get too attached to her housemates because it makes parting too difficult to bear. At the same time, she reasoned that her family needs her to be by their side.

But if she's expecting to make an exit this coming Saturday, then she and the rest of Kuya's residents are in for a surprise for Gaby has made up her mind regarding her seminar abroad. At 9:30 p.m. tonight, she told Big Brother with finality in her voice, "as much as it hurts, lalabas na ako. This is a vital decision she made for herself, for the sake of a passion which she desperately wants to succeed in against all the odds.

As such, PBB's host Ms. Toni Gonzaga announced that there would be no usual eviction process this week. And on Saturday, we will be witnessing this edition's first voluntary exit! To date, the housemates still don't have idea on what transpired between the Racing Godess and Big Brother. How will Mariel react once she learns that her closest friend inside the big yellow house has quit? Will Gaby weave more special moments with her housemates now that she'll be leaving in a week's time?

Gaby has to leave the yellow house?

Riza, who is the current HOH chose Gaby as her automatic nominee. The Desirable Diva felt that she has yet to get to know Gaby. She also then realized how hard it is to be the Head of Household and that having power is equivalent to having a lot of responsibility.

In addition..Gaby had something to resolve with Big Brother regarding the outside world. She had an upcoming Driver Development Program for International Racing in Arizona, USA from November 16-18 which meant she has to leave the yellow house for more than a day. Gaby now has to make a decision within 24 hours -- Will she will take the opportunity to attend a seminar abroad or continue her stay as a celebrity housemate?

Gaby's Dispute With Big Brother

Gaby and Ruben owned up to emulate the statue-like pose of St. Michael The Archangel and The Devil which lasted until the given lighted candle totally melted.

However, it soon became evident that the greatest burden was carried by the Racing Godess and the Probinsyanong Promdi. Staying still for six hours was definitely numbing and tiring which perhaps made Gab more sensitive than usual. Not only were they the latest to finish the task but they were also ravenous by that time.

Gaby's aggravation was the fact that Big Brother did not even inform them whether they were done or not. It was a matter of knowing where they stand so they can move on and join the others -- which they have waited for yet did not receive. Later, she brought this up on the confession room but Big Brother merely explained that he hasn't acknowledged their feat since he wanted to give his verdict together with the results of the other challenges. But Gaby felt disrespected after the whole ordeal.

Gaby Dela Merced

Personal Data

• Real Name: Gabriella Dela Merced
• Nickname: Gaby
• Origin:Quezon City
• Age: 25
• Birthdate: June 10
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: TV Host
• Sport: Racing
• Hidden Ambition: To achieve contentment
• Claim to Fame: Multi-awarded Filipina on the Asian Formula 3 circuit
• Achievements:
  -Philippine Formula Toyota Championship, 3rd overall (2004)
  -Formula BMW Asia Scholarship Driver (2004)
• Charity: icanserve Foundation
  

Educational Background

• Elementary: na
• High School: na
• College: na
  

Trivia

• Gaby dela Merced is a female Formula Three driver. She is profiled as an extreme sports nut who has also appeared in FHM magazine. She mentions that while she comes from a broken family, she doesn't show any signs of it because she believes "life exists to make people happy."
• Gaby Dela Merced took public interest when she became one of the few Filipinas to dominate the Asian Formula 3 circuit. She is the only Filipina who competed in the full season of the series and her efforts to a 1st Runner-up placing in the Philippine National Formula championship. Last year Gaby appeared in a shampoo commercial that highlighted Filipina with power, brain and beauty. According to Gaby she was willing to try any sport to join the Olympics and when she got into motor sports, she knew this was her true calling. "Racing gives me a big sense of freedom, the world is yours, kaya mo lahat-lahat.
• Aside from racing, Gaby is a bonafide sports enthusiast. She also plays football and Frisbee when she has the time.

GR (Girlie Rodis) talent manager ni Gaby dela Merced

Sexy si Gaby, kaya naging cover girl ng sexy magazine for men na FHM. No need to tell you kung ano'ng suot niya for the FHM cover.

Proud na proud si GR of Gaby dela Merced dahil she's not just a tv host but a racer as well. Beauty rin siya, no wonder she is a commercial model, too.

Inglesera rin si Gaby. Kaya, ang bilin daw ni GR sa kanya, since marunong naman siyang mag-Tagalog (she hails from Quezon), she should speak in the vernacular when conversing with fellow housemates.

Baka nga naman ma-alienate siya sa viewers ng PBBCE2, na karamihan pa naman ay Tagalog-speaking.Kung sabagay, maraming inglesera sa mga bagong boarder ni Kuya. To name a few, there are Will Devaughn, Riza Santos and Megan Young.