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Why volleyball star Michele Gumabao has a shot at Binibining Pilipinas 2018

January 11, 2018 | 6:23pm

Why volleyball star Michele Gumabao has a shot at Binibining Pilipinas 2018

Photo from Michele Gumabao's Twitter account

MANILA, Philippines — It came as a surprise when volleybelle Michele Gumabao showed up at the last minute to submit her application to the Binibining Pilipinas 2018.

#TheQuestToTheQrown: Bb.Pilipinas 2018 Michelle Gumabao and Kayesha Chua of Aces and Queens, Eva Patalinjug and Vicky Rushton (not in photo) for Kagandahang Flores. #TheQrownPhilippines #BbPilipinas2018 Watch out for more update

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Jan 6, 2018 at 1:56am PST

This will not be the first time that the two-time UAAP Best Blocker ventured out of volleyball.

In 2014, she entered a reality show and later did some showbiz stuff and became a game analyst for the NCAA volleyball tournament.

A little online stalking led us to believe that Gumabao has what it takes to become the next Binibining Pilipinas-Universe -- heck even Miss Universe -- and that maybe she planned this a long time ago.

National costume

Modern Filipiñana Look to match the theme for tonight's Gawad Geny Lopez Bayaning Pilipino Awards. @makeupbykatgumabao @rhodrubia #makeupbykatgumabao

A post shared by Michele Gumabao (@gumabaomichele) on
Aug 3, 2017 at 4:44am PDT

In this post, the 25-year-old rocked a modern Filipinana look when she attended an awards show.

Gumabao's stunning look was highlighted with the simplicity of her garment, not to mention her slick hair and natural look makeup, adding emphasis to the volleyball star's classic Filipina beauty.

Talent competition

Aside from her powerful spikes and well-timed blocks, Michele has other tricks in her sleeves.

Take this guesting in a mall in Davao for example. She might not be a professional singer, but the girl has some melody in her!

Swimsuit competition

I can go anywhere but I can never travel light spent the afternoon at Malpagalan Island

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Sep 7, 2017 at 4:59am PDT

Now this is a no-brainer. As a former collegiate and now a professional athlete, Michele maintains a stunning body.

Her length (and we mean, those legs) is her advantage not only on the court, but also on the runway.

Long gown competition

End every day with a bang. But it takes a village. Make up: @carissacielomedved Hair: @iammjrone Styled by: @myrrhlaoto @carvey_sam Dress: @thepinkbowtiqueph Shoesies @bragaisjojo

A post shared by Michele Gumabao (@gumabaomichele) on
Jan 6, 2018 at 5:44am PST

Okay technically, she is not wearing a long gown in this post.

But you can see that the she knows how to carry herself and look regal. The dress flaunts her body and the choice of wearing nude heels gives her more height, not that she needed the additional inches anyway.

Question and answer

Hey partner!! Covering the Step Ladder series between the Lady Chiefs and Lady Blazers!!! Tune in S&A right now here on Abs Cbn Sports :) @abscbn_sports #NCAASeason92 @antonroxas

A post shared by Michele Gumabao (@gumabaomichele) on
Feb 3, 2017 at 1:50am PST

We mentioned that Michele tried her hand at analyzing volleyball games on live TV, and to be honest, she's really good at that.

She is quick to think on her feet when asked by her co-panelists, and she is able to give concise answers everytime.

Stage freight will surely be the last thing on her mind once she steps on the stage.

Advocacy and personality

Bringing the vision and the passion to Baguio City for the first time! Be part of The Alaska Volleyball PowerCamp until Friday June 9! 9-12am at University of Baguio! @katarinuh @diemmylhexie

A post shared by Michele Gumabao (@gumabaomichele) on
Jun 4, 2017 at 11:45pm PDT

And finally, a recent trend in the Miss Universe pageant is that it's not all about the looks now.

The pageant is looking for women who can do a lot more and will be relatable to all.

Although she is known as fiery and intense inside the court, Michele is bubbly and all-smiles off the court.

On top of that, she is also the camp director of a volleyball camp that seeks to introduce the sport to grassroots level.

We have yet to find out if she makes the final cut for the candidates, but as early as now we congratulate her. Well played Michele, well played.