For the first time, Creamline Cool Smashers’ star open hitter and beauty queen-athlete Michele Gumabao appeared on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, offering an emotional glimpse into the personal stories that shaped her beyond the court and crown.
In the wide-ranging conversation, Michele opened up about her February wedding to longtime partner Aldo Panlilio, a strength and conditioning coach. What many didn’t realize, however, was how long it took for the couple to reach that moment — eight years.
One of the most emotional reasons for the delay was her quiet hope that her father, Dennis Roldan, might one day be present for the milestone.
“I think deep inside also, I really wanted to wait. Wait if my dad would get out. If makakasama ba namin siya,” she said.
Roldan, a former actor and politician, has been serving a life sentence for kidnapping.
“It was a big factor also for me na parang ayoko pa ikasal. What if next year makalabas siya to walk me down the aisle? S’yempre it’s a big momentous occasion for me as a woman.”
With her father absent for much of their lives, Michele stepped up to help her mother, Loli Imperial, in raising and disciplining her younger siblings—including actor Marco Gumabao.
“We’re very close, but we also know how to respect our boundaries, especially si Marco,” she said, describing their relationship as a mix of closeness and mutual respect despite the challenges of being in the public eye.
The conversation also touched on Marco’s widely followed relationship with actress Cristine Reyes, which has sparked recent breakup rumors. When asked about it, Michele was honest.
“I don’t actually know where they are now in their relationship,” she said.
Still, she emphasized that Reyes remains close to their family.
“Nakausap ko pa rin siya last week, and I got to see her din, especially when her dad passed away. So, she has a good relationship with our family. So at least whatever is happening between them, hindi naman na-affect ‘yung mga tao sa paligid like us.”