Before the lights of Philippine showbiz, Abayari was an academic standout. She was a straight-A student and student body president who had been accepted into the in Annapolis as a nuclear engineering major. However, she shifted toward pageantry and modeling, winning the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title in 1991. Though she was later dethroned due to residency eligibility issues, this initial spotlight launched her into a prolific acting career.
: Abayari vehemently denied the drugs were hers, claiming the item belonged to her sister.