Whenever Gela Atayde moves on the dance floor, we see a young, empowered woman who knows exactly what she’s passionate about and fiercely goes after it. Well, where else would she get that fire from if not her mom, Sylvia Sanchez?
Joined by her Bisaya mom, Sylvia, in an episode of "Kuan on One" hosted by Melai Cantiveros, Gela talks about the bond she shares with her mother and the life lessons that continue to guide her every step.
In case you’re wondering, Gela understands Bisaya, which made her feel at home during her guest appearance on "Kuan on One," even as her mom, Sylvia, conversed in Bisaya with Melai. Bisaya was actually Gela’s first language because their nannies at home were Bisdaks, and she often hung out in the kitchen, where she would hear their lively conversations. However, her Bisaya fluency faded when their family moved back to Manila. She also doesn't try to speak Bisaya anymore after being teased by her cousins about how she sounded.
Still, she's a Bisdak at heart, which perhaps explains her close friendship with fellow Bisaya artists like JK Labajo and Kyle Echarri. Gela proudly carries her Bisaya roots from her mother, and she believes it’s where her authentic personality comes from. "I think it's a Bisaya thing 'yung pagiging open, 'yung walang filter," she said, after her mom gushed about how respectful and honest she is.
Gela still stays with her parents even though she's now capable of living independently in her own house. Sylvia once suggested it might be time for her younger daughter to try going solo, even though Sylvia secretly dreaded the thought. But Gela’s practical Bisaya side kicked in when she told her mom, "Ma, kung umalis ako dito, ako ang magbabayad sa kuryente, sa driver, sa ganito at ganyan, Kung nandito ako sa bahay mo, libre lahat."
On a serious note, Sylvia firmly believes that Gela isn’t ready to settle down yet since she’s only 21. From the beginning, she and her husband Art Atayde understood that the time would come when they’d have to let go of all their kids, leaving just the two of them together. However, Sylvia’s only wish is that her children are fully mature in all aspects before getting married—just like their eldest, Arjo Atayde, who tied the knot with Maine Mendoza, and their second, Ria Atayde, who married Zanjoe Marudo, both at the right time.
For now, Gela is guided closely by her parents as she navigates love and life. She shares that one of the most important lessons her mom taught her is the value of kindness and pakikisama. Even when people test her patience, her mother’s reminder–to be understanding because no one truly knows what another person might be going through–would always echo in her mind.
If there's one thing Gela is truly proud of about her mom, it’s how empowered Sylvia is. "Minsan napapaisip talaga ako na kung ako 'yung nasa posisyon niya, hindi ko kakayanin 'yung mga napagdaanan talaga niya." Hearing this, Sylvia admitted that she used to be soft-hearted and prone to crying, but over time, life’s experiences and trials taught her to stand her ground. She decided never to back down from life’s challenges while maintaining balance, saying, "Pwedeng maging mabait pero huwag magpaapi."
This strength of character is something Gela gradually mirrors from her mom. However, there was a time when she couldn’t help but feel discouraged, especially with how successful her mom and older siblings’ careers had become. When she was around 13, Gela broke down and confided in her mom about the pressure she felt seeing how Arjo and Ria have already made names for themselves. She was terrified about where her own path would lead. At that moment, her mother told her, "Darating 'yung panahon na kung ano 'yung gusto mo, ibibigay Niya."
And that time has indeed come! It's Gela's turn to step into the bigger spotlight as she joins Robi Domingo to host the newest dance survival reality show, "Time to Dance," premiering on January 18 across Kapamilya platforms.
Beyond her kind heart, Gela credits her dance skills partly to her mom, Sylvia, who was often pulled into dance performances back in her hometown of Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte. But, she said, it’s her Kuya Arjo who truly ignited her passion for dance, as she used to watch him perform in school programs when they were younger.