Pinoys admire stories of young people who boldly take a leap of faith for their dreams and actually make them happen. In this episode of I Feel U, Pinoy Big Brother Connect Big 4 Kobie Brown, Jie-Ann Armero, Andrea Abaya, and Big Winner Liofer Pinatacan share their inspiring tales of grit and success.
Jie-Ann Armero
Host Toni Gonzaga first introduced Saranggani City’s funny girl, Jie-Ann Armero, who captured hearts through her simplicity and bubbly attitude. Behind the hilarity, Jie-Ann has her own stories of rising from challenges.
Christened as “Kwelang Fan Girl,” she has a long list of celebrities to ‘stan’ including Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, who she likes best because of their honest portrayals in movies and TV. She also likes K-Pop because of Korean artist’s swoon-worthy looks.
From being a fan girl, Jie-Ann now has her own following as well. The transition still feels overwhelming. “Masarap sa feeling kasi hindi ko po inakala na mangyayari po ito sa akin. Parang dream come true po talaga.”
The teen dreamer’s biggest goal is to act alongside her idols, like Kathryn Bernardo, in a drama-comedy project. At 16, Jie-Ann would rely on her parents’ help in managing her cash prize. Due to circumstances, she can’t go home yet to her family in Saranggani so she currently stays at the PBB house. They just make do with virtual calls.
Despite the distance, Jie-Ann is grateful for her family’s support. Her hometown even organized a viewing party during the Big Night.
Joining Jie-Ann in this interview are two of her biggest supporters Shella Mae Pautan from Kuwait and Jemalyn Campos from Hong Kong. For Shella, who is also Jie-Ann’s relative, the Saranggani bet possesses all the qualities of a winner. Jemalyn said she can relate to Jie-Ann’s journey of dealing with bullying.
Jemalyn asked Jie-Ann her message for young people who are going through challenges in achieving their dreams. The PBB 4th Big Placer stressed that faith in oneself is the key to success, “Always trust yourself na maaabot mo ‘yung pangarap mo. Kahit marami man ang gustong pumigil, ‘pag gugustuhin mo, matutupad mo talaga. And don’t forget na kasama mo ang Panginoon.”
To answer Shella’s question about changes, Jie-Ann mentioned she’s become more confident in public speaking. She knows this would help her express her true self, still keeping Big Brother’s lessons about being real.
Kobie Brown
With his charming ‘tisoy’ looks, it was easy for Kobie Brown to capture hearts in an instant. And as viewers got to know him better, they also witnessed his honesty, determination, and big-heartedness.
Kobie is still elated over his big win. He said just to be inside the PBB house is already an achievement, much more be hailed as the 3rd Big Placer. All throughout the season, he just wanted to keep it real and always give his best in every given task.
The ‘Charming Striker ng Paranaque’ simply wanted to make new friends inside the house and to learn more about himself and the Filipino culture. He’s proud to have fulfilled these expectations. He grew more attached to his Filipino friends like housemate Chico Alicaya whom he shared deep conversations with. He appreciates Filipino faith and thoughtfulness even more. Kobie also aimed at broadening his Tagalog skills and he sure improved a lot.
The British heartthrob entertained questions from two of his biggest fans, Edna Perez from Denmark and Salve Costales from Hong Kong. Edna said she was influenced by her 14-year-old daughter, who likes Kobie because of his sweet, caring ways. Salve, on the other hand, lauded the teen housemate’s perseverance.
To answer the fans’ questions, Kobie mentioned that his weakness is being too hard on himself. Meanwhile, his strength is his focus and grit, “When I’m in the zone, I can be super focused. When I want something done, I always give it my hundred percent no matter what it is.”
Fans are now rooting for Kobie and housemate Andrea Abaya. Asked what sets their team-up apart, he said theirs is genuine. “I really feel so happy whenever I’m with her. I really like her. I really like Andrea. When I’m around her, I don’t even want to be on my phone. I want to give her my one hundred percent. I want to listen to her, talk with her. I’ve never been so open with a girl before,” he confessed.
He continued, “I’ve never met anyone like her.” KoDrea shippers, listen as Kobie reveals that he is planning to court Andrea and he wants to meet her parents. He admitted that they are now on the getting-to-know-each-other stage.
Andrea Abaya
PBB Connect 2nd Big Placer Andrea Abaya was asked to comment on fellow housemate Kobie Brown’s confession about his feelings for her. He said he plans to court her and he wishes to meet her parents.
Well, it seems this PBB love story is headed to something beautiful because the feeling is mutual. Andrea likewise expressed how much she admires Kobie for being real and kind. She knows his intentions are pure and she also wishes to get to know him more.
They like each other and they make each other happy. Kobie, therefore, is a strong contender in Andrea’s heart.
During the Big Four’s ‘real talk’ portion with the evicted housemates, Andrea was grilled for being a backstabber. The 16-year-old beauty owned up to her mistakes, saying, “Inaamin ko naman po na may sinabi talaga akong hindi maganda sa ibang housemates. Ina-admit ko ‘yun and I apologized for that. I learned that I should’ve just talked to the housemates.”
Andrea added that nobody is perfect. She also has her own emotions and attitude that others might misinterpret. She said she can’t please everybody. She makes mistakes and people will always have something to say about her.
For the virtual meet and greet, Andrea entertained questions from two of her biggest fans, Christine Canada from Norway and Rowdy Fabon from United Kingdom. Asked what they like most about the ‘Cheerdance Sweetheart ng Paranaque,’ Rowdy mentioned Andrea’s honesty and humility. Christine lauded Andrea for being talented and a go-getter.
Andrea is still getting used to the celebrity status. It still feels surreal. But despite the growing fame, one thing she can promise is that she will remain the same girl everyone loved inside the PBB house.
Asked what she can promise to Kobie, the lovely Andrea said she will support him all the way and she will always be proud of him. “Nakikita ko ‘yung strength ni Kobbie since day one. He amazes me so much. Kung anuman ang magiging desisyon niya sa career niya, I support him,” expressed Andrea.
Liofer Pinatacan
Almost a month since being hailed as the Pinoy Big Brother Connectt Big Winner, Liofer Pinatacan still feels overwhelmed, considering that his big win happened during a pandemic.
“Hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin po nagsi-sink in. Sobrang blessed ko po dahil marami nang nagmamahal sa akin. Sobrang nagpapasalamat po ako. Hindi ko po ine-expect na mangyayari ito sa buhay ko,” he said.
The ‘Dong Diskarte ng Zamboanga Del Sur’ can’t contain his happiness after learning how the public, even strangers, supported him in his journey. He cried out of joy, extremely grateful and amazed of how things happened.
Liofer showed complete devotion to his mother all throughout the season. He would always dedicate his dreams and wins to her. Growing up, he witnessed his mother’s sacrifices to support nine kids. “Talagang tumatak sa isip ko na, ‘Balang araw, ‘Nay, mangangarap ako para sa’yo. Makakapagtapos ako ng pag-aaral para may diploma naman akong ibibigay sa’yo.’ Siya ‘yung inspirasyon at motivation ko sa lahat ng hamon,” he shared.
Bringing home a million peso cash prize, Liofer plans to settle first his mother’s debt which she spent on their tuition fees and daily needs, “Gusto kong bayaran ‘yun para hindi na siya balisa sa pagtulog.” He also plans to grow his money by investing in a business.
Liofer mentioned the ‘Slay Task’ as his most unforgettable experience inside the PBB house. It was a happy moment wherein the housemates got along well and displayed selflessness by sharing their gifts to deserving fellow housemates. “Nang dahil po sa ‘Slay Task,’ nabigyan ko ng pustiso si Nanay. Hindi ko po makakalimutan ‘yun kasi sobrang bait ng mga housemates. Tinulungan nila kami, nag-sakripisyo sila” he said.
In a virtual meet and greet, Liofer answered questions from two of his supporters, Angelica Serquina from Canada and Princess Aguilera from Norway. They lauded Liofer for proving himself worthy of becoming a Big Winner, calling him “madiskarte” and “selfless.” His life story also tugged at their heartstrings.
Asked to pick another Big Winner from their batch, Liofer named Ralph Malibunas, “Kasi pinakita niya na kahit hindi siya laging nananalo sa task, pursigido talaga siya sa buhay.”
His biggest fear is to see his parents go without fulfilling his dreams for them, “Gusto ko pong makita nila na makapagtapos ako ng pag-aaral at maging successful na nandiyan pa sila. Gusto kong maiparanas po sa kanila na hindi lang puro kayod nang kayod para sa mga anak. Gusto kong maranasan nila na may time silang mag-enjoy para sa sarili nila.”
To wrap up the episode, Liofer is joined by fellow Big Four housemates Kobie Brown, Jie-Ann Armero, and Andrea Abaya. The four of them currently stays at the PBB House since they cannot go home yet to their families due to lockdown.
Looking back on the momentous Big Night, the housemates said they were floating in bliss. Liofer couldn’t believe how one night changed his life, “Hindi po ako makatulog. Sabi ni Kobie, ‘Parekoy! May bahay ka na!’ Sabi ko, ‘Oo nga pala!’ Hindi po ako makapaniwala.”
Andrea shared she slept so late that night and it felt different waking up at the house without the usual tasks. They got so used to the wake-up call and hearing Big Brother’s voice. And they think it will take more time before they could learn to let go of the habit.
The housemates are looking forward to the opportunities waiting for them in the outside world, apart from reuniting with their families. Andrea is excited to explore showbiz industry and she believes Kuya’s tasks prepared her for that moment.
Liofer revealed that he also wished to be an actor when he was a kid. He even used to dub movie scenes with his mother. He promised that fame and success will never break his true self. He will remain grounded.
The Big Four can’t thank their families and supporters enough for helping them make their dreams happen. With their big hearts, determination, and genuine connection to fans, the sky’s truly the limit for these four young dreamers.