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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.