Garcia made her breakthrough in the Philippines in 2015 when she became a part of the television series Pinoy Big Brother[1] where she finished as first runner-up at the end of the competition.

[6] At a young age, Garcia began performing as a front act for several Filipino singers and musicians such as Martin Nievera, Sarah Geronimo and Rivermaya's former lead vocalist Bamboo Mañalac during their concert stops in Australia.

[8] In 2015, Garcia auditioned to become a housemate for the first part of the second special season of ABS-CBN's reality television series Pinoy Big Brother, where she passed after showcasing her talents in singing, acting and dancing as well for her "confidence and candid remarks.

After passing four eviction nights as a nominated housemate, she was selected as one of the four finalists after garnering 19.84% of the public vote and exited the Big Brother house on the fiftieth day, for the second part of the special season to commence.

During her second time in the house, Garcia participated in the final weekly task, "Short Film Festival," with her fellow finalists and the five remaining housemates of the second part of the second special season, and was cast in Pinoy Big Brother's romantic comedy film Trending: Love (2015, stylized as TRENDING: LOVE), where she portrayed the fictional character Sophie Mendoza.

"[21] On 21 January 2016, Coca-Cola announced Ylona as one of the ambassadors for their "Taste the Feeling" campaign together with Bailey May, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Maine Mendoza, Alden Richards, Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Janella Salvador, and Enchong Dee.

She, together with Alexa Ilacad and GirlTrends member Krissha Viaje were coached and trained by their mentor Pop Rock Royalty Yeng Constantino.

Jay-R revealed that Ylona is the actual writer of the song while praising her amazing writing skills at a very young age which makes him inspire and learn a lot from her.

[34][31] In an announcement made by 88rising on August 26, Garcia was confirmed to be making her next comeback with a brand new single "Don't Go Changing" for the Head in the Clouds album.

[35][36] On November 7, Garcia flamed up the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California with her 20-minute spotlight in the Head in the Clouds Music Festival 2021 stage.

The campaign aims to provide women with a platform to share inspiring stories on how they overcame their hesitations to become the best version of themselves, headed by Ylona, Kathryn Bernardo, Heart Evangelista, Nadine Lustre, and Gabbi Garcia.