Who Is Gab Pangilinan? Meet the Actress Starring in Manila's "Jesus Christ Superstar"
She's set to play Mary Magdalene in the Manila run of the acclaimed musical.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Feb 24, 2026
Theater kids, this just in: Gab Pangilinan will star in the Manila run of Tim Rice’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. When asked by Esquire Philippines about landing the role of Mary Magdalene, she candidly shared, “'Di pa rin siya nagsi-sink in. I still can't believe it.” She acknowledged “how big of an opportunity and how big of a deal it is” to be part of the production.
She first heard the character’s solo, “I Don’t Know How To Love Him,” when Lea Salonga performed it at a Broadway concert in the early 2000s. That said, Gab has been exposed to the arts from an early age—and you’ve probably already seen or heard of her.
Ahead, get to know Gab Pangilinan.
Who Is Gab Pangilinan? 5 Things About the Theater Actress
She is 34 years old.
Gab was born on November 22, 1991. As a Scorpio, her passionate nature toward her craft comes as no surprise. She's naturally alluring and magnetic—traits essential for maintaining a strong presence on and off the stage.
She hails from a family of creatives.
Gab is the daughter of Vicky Sevilla-Pangilinan and Joseph Pangilinan, who were members of the singing group Music and Magic and the music ministry Kundirana, respectively. Her family tree includes big names across various industries: she's the niece of Sharon Cuneta and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Angeli and Gary Valenciano, and Anthony Pangilinan and Maricel Laxa.
The legacy continues as Gab tied the knot with the well-rounded musical creative Myke Salomon last 2023.
She's been acting for more than a decade.
The 34-year-old made her professional acting debut in 2014 through PETA’s Rak of Aegis. Since then, she has taken on roles in numerous stage productions such as Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical and Mula Sa Buwan. She's also no stranger to the screen, having starred in miniseries Love Me Hater and movie My Lockdown Romance.
She is an award-winning actress.
Throughout her 12-year-long career, Gab has been nominated by various award-giving bodies. Some of her notable recognitions include being a three-time Philstage Gawad Buhay nominee and winning Best Leading Performance at the 27th Asian Television Awards for Still.
She is also a producer.
Gab has begun co-producing with the Barefoot Theatre Collective, which she co-founded alongside her husband Myke and their fellow artists. The Philippine theatre company has been behind sold-out gems, including Bar Boys: A New Musical.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.