Gabriella Mai 'Gabbi' Carballo, a 27-year-old doctor and beauty queen from Cebu, Philippines, recently made headlines by finishing in the Top 21 at the Miss Eco International 2026 pageant held in Alexandria, Egypt. Balancing her medical career with her passion for pageantry, Carballo has become a notable figure in both fields. Born on September 19, 1999, in Miami, Florida, she was raised by immigrant parents from the Philippines and later moved to Cebu at the age of 13. Her journey in pageantry began while pursuing her nursing degree at Cebu Doctors’ University, where she won several titles, including Miss Cebu 2022.

Carballo's commitment to service is evident in her advocacy work. She founded The Green Wave Cebu, an initiative focused on environmental sustainability and public health. One of its key projects involves recycling hotel soaps for families lacking basic hygiene resources. During the Miss Eco International pageant, she impressed audiences with her Sinulog-inspired costume, earning her the nickname 'Queen of Sinulog.' Although she did not win the title, her journey has solidified her reputation as a multifaceted individual who embodies the values of intellect, discipline, and a genuine desire to make a difference.