Atayde, the youngest daughter of veteran actress and film producer Sylvia Sanchez and businessman Art Atayde, said she was very happy and satisfied to host the survival dance reality show “Time to Dance” of ABS-CBN and Nathan Studios that started last Saturday night.
“All I want is really to front all the dancers here. It is really their show. I am very excited to showcase their journeys and hope their stories will inspire the viewers,” the 22-year-old De La Salle University AB Communication Arts student said during the show’s last week news conference.
“They can surely relate to the life of the dancers. Their stories must be seen and must be heard by the people especially in the dance community. It’s really great to be a part of this. I am very thankful to ABS-CBN,” Gela explained as she emphasized her great passion to the show.
Gela’s host partner in the newest dance show is Robi Domingo, while the judges are Ken San Jose and Vimi Rivera.
Gela admitted she really loves acting, but dancing is close to her heart, hoping she could excel in both worlds at the same time.
“Dancing is close to my heart, but then first love ko is acting, they would expose me to teleseryes. That is my ultimate dream, but upon entering, I want to showcase this talent of mine, masarap makilala bilang dancer, but bilang artista, this is something I want to work. Gusto ko na pong umarte.”
She also adviced the show’s participants to trust themselves during preparation and training to make their performance extra special.
“Do it alone, and do it with pride. Just do it. Just trust your body because if you know that you rehearse enough and you do very well in practice and training, it will come out during the contest on stage,” Gela explained.
Gela also thanked Star Magic, mom Sylvia Sanchez, Direk Lauren Dyogi for believing in her and conceptualizing the program and its collaboration with different productions. She considered the project as an advocacy as a part of the community and being in a team.
“I see the ins and outs, ‘yung mga kulang at sobra. I want to do this as I want to be able to help those who want to learn about dance and inspire,” she added. “Again, I am very grateful for the opportunity.”
Gela is also part of the country’s dance group Legit Status that won the 2023 World Hiphop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, beating 54 other dance groups from all over the world.
As a new generation dance champion, she said there is always a sense of humility since it is hard to believe that she deserves lots of things that come her way.
“I am grateful na binigay po sa akin, it is something that a champion, for me, people will look up to you. I do live by the title now that is given to me,” Gela said, who is also hoping to have a future dance collaboration with Sarah Geronimo, Billy Crawford, and Gary “Mr. Pure Energy” Valenciano.