After recently exiting the “Pinoy Big Brother” house, Jas Dudley-Scales is bringing a pop of energy and positivity into the outside world. Known as the optimistic "Ate" among her housemates, particularly the teens, Jas has left an indelible mark on their hearts, providing care, love, and sage pieces of advice during their shared journey.

Before her stay in Bahay Ni Kuya, Jas called the picturesque town of Dumaguete her home. With dreams as vibrant as the sun-kissed shores of her province, she moved to Manila, where she found herself immersed in the bustling world of fashion. Working in a fashion magazine’s marketing department, her life revolved around her laptop, deadlines, home, and friends—just embracing the excitement of her busy single life.

While she may not have been a true social butterfly, she can create professional connections and engage in good conversations. Her university days were filled with fun experiences, too, including her participation in a school beauty pageant. When asked if she wants to continue in pageantry, Jas chuckles, saying she might be a little short for it. However, just going with the flow of life, she’s not closing any doors, though it probably won’t happen in the next year or two. She has other paths to explore, and we can’t help but feel excited for what lies ahead for this remarkable 24-year-old.

Joining “PBB Gen 11” was a mix of a dream come true and an unexpected adventure for Jas. She grew up watching the show with her family, who would joke that she’d be following Rona Libby and Beauty Gonzalez, her kababayans who made it to the show’s second teen edition. While she never felt an intense urge to join, the thought lingered in the back of her mind.

“Sa isip ko, it was impossible kasi nasa Dumaguete kami. But it was always in my heart kasi pinu-push din ng family,” she shared. It’s something she never really planned when she moved to Manila, as she primarily focused on her career. Besides, she was enjoying her job at the fashion magazine until her peers nudged her to audition for PBB’s 11th season.

As a self-proclaimed workaholic, Jas almost backed out, as the thought of heading straight to the audition venue at four in the morning after a long, exhausting day at work felt daunting. She doubted whether she had the energy to line up with thousands of hopefuls. Yet, something inside her stirred, and she found joy in the process despite the nerves.

“Sa Novaliches, it was the first day [of auditions]. I think there were five thousand, I think. Ang daming tao, massive ‘yung number. Super pagod na. Nasa isip ko na lang, ‘At least, I tried.’ Hindi ko na lang masyadong pine-pressure ‘yung sarili ko. I just took it step by step, and then, prayers lang habang nasa pila ako,” recalled Jas. “Nakakakaba when you look at the people. Pero I just focused on what I can offer, the ‘me.’ In-enjoy ko na lang ‘yung process at the end of the day.”

In that moment, the stars had aligned just for her. Everything seemed to come together beautifully, leading her into a journey she never fully anticipated. “I was at the right time, with the right people… It was just God’s plan talaga for me to really be there… When I was doing the process, I was just thinking that I will do the fifty percent, everything that I can, but the other fifty percent is God’s plan for me.”

When asked about her game plan as a housemate, Jas laughed and revealed she had nothing prepared. In fact, her mom took charge of packing her things, as she had to arrive straight from work duties to the hotel where the housemates stayed individually before entering the PBB house, known as “hotel arrest.”

As someone who was usually glued to her laptop, juggling work and emails, being in hotel arrest felt strange for her. She found herself missing the sound of her email notifications. It was the first time in a long while that she wasn’t working. With no gadgets or anyone to talk to, Jas took this opportunity to reflect on the new chapter of her life, embracing the exciting journey that lay ahead.

On her first night in Bahay Ni Kuya, Jas felt a rush of emotions. It felt surreal how she went from being a fan to actually becoming a PBB housemate. She remembers the thrill of getting to know her fellow housemates since she had no idea who would be sharing this incredible journey with her. When she entered the house and took off her blindfold, she was delighted to be greeted first by young and gorgeous housemates like Therese Villamor, Mark Nanninga, and Kai Montinola.

As the days unfolded, getting to know these intriguing individuals became a joyful experience for Jas. She’s no stranger to social situations, thanks to her experience in advertising and marketing, but the dynamics inside the house felt uniquely different—like they were tossed into a big bowl where everyone mixed together, and they just had to see what would happen.

The beauty of it all lay in the magic of their interactions, with each housemate bringing something special to the table. Jas likens each housemate to a book, with all of them playing a unique character in one another’s stories. For instance, spending time with teen housemates Kai and Rain Celmar, who became her little sisters, shifted her perspective significantly. Their youthful energy helped her see things from a brighter angle, allowing her to embrace positivity in ways she hadn’t before.

Jas also sees great potential in her 17-year-old housemate, Jarren Garcia, whom she names as her choice for Big Winner due to his awe-inspiring maturity, kind heart, and well-rounded strength despite his young age.

Now, as her chapter in the Big Brother house comes to a close, Jas reflects on how her own book as a housemate has concluded. “Umabot na ako sa climax, umabot na ako sa ganito. But when I closed my book, ang dami kong natutunan, ang dami kong babaunin. So, my entire stay doon ng two months, it’s really memorable,” she said, with a spark of gratitude and nostalgia in her eyes.

Within the walls of the iconic yellow house, Jas truly lived up to her moniker, “Ang Optimistic Ate ng Dumaguete.” She became a genuine sister figure to her teen housemates. Her selflessness shone brightly, always putting others first When asked why she has this nurturing attitude, Jas reflects on her upbringing. She recognizes that her home and school environment had played a significant role in shaping her character.

“I grew up in a really huge family, sa side ng mom ko specifically. So, parang nakikita ko that they’re also selfless and loving, careful with words, acts of service, gano’n ‘yung nakikita ko. It was ingrained in me,” shared Jas, who also credits her university for honing her leadership and social skills. “Kaya important talaga ang environment that you are with, especially when you are growing up and nag-a-adjust ka pa.”

Yet even a selfless person like her needs someone to lean on. Kuya gently reminded her of the importance of self-kindness, encouraging her to learn the art of forgiveness towards herself. “Be the Ate that you need,” he advised, which Jas considers the most important lesson she would carry from the house into the real world ahead.

“I’ve always been an ‘Ate’ trying to do things. When I do things, I always make sure that it comes with good intentions. I always do that for other people, pero sa sarili ko hindi ko pala siya nagagawa,” she pondered. “’Pag mali ako, sobrang I carry it with me.” She continued, “Kaya pala sobrang bigat ng guilt and regret sa puso ko kasi I don’t forgive myself. I forgive other people easily, pero bakit sa sarili ko, hindi.” It’s not an easy journey; it’s a work in progress. Yet Jas is taking it one step at a time.

If there’s one housemate she would want to extend her apologies to, it would be Fyang Smith. To recall, their rap battle task sparked tension, but Jas has taken the time to genuinely seek forgiveness. While they’ve managed to clear the air, she understands that healing doesn’t happen overnight.

“We said all the love that we can no’ng nandoon din ako sa bahay. But I think it’s important that we be reminded also of the weight ng nangyari. Hindi naman porke’t nasabi na namin once, okay na. We’re in the healing process and hindi madali. So, ‘yun talaga, to apologize to her once again, to everyone, up to the family and friends and supporters.”

“And also to say thank you because it takes two to tango. She was also open. She also asked for forgiveness. But more than that, she was willing to take me in.” She added, “And on the remaining days that I was there, no’ng nag-merge na din, it’s still the same… Na-feel ko talaga na she was genuine when she said, ‘Looking at you, I found my big sister.’ Sobrang totoo ‘yun.”

“Let’s spread love. We’re both okay,” Jas assured their followers.

During her stay in the PBB house, she not only fostered a sense of camaraderie and care but also ignited a spark of romance, offering us a glimpse into her thoughts and fears about love. There was an episode where she candidly shared her belief that “green flag” guys should be approached with caution, as they often seem too good to be true.

When asked about this fear, she admitted, “From all the experiences that I’ve had, siguro, parang may mga trauma, may mga baggage pa pala ako na nabitbit na hindi ko na-let go,” which she acknowledged as unhealthy and something that requires healing. “Takot din ako na masaktan ko ‘yung person na ‘yun because pain is a heavy feeling… Takot din ako na baka hindi ako deserving siguro.”

“Love is really beautiful. But when you love someone, pain will always be there. Parang twins ‘yan—hindi naghihiwalay ang love and pain,” she smiled.

As Jas steps into this new chapter of her life, she carries with her not only memories from the PBB house but also the lessons that shaped her journey. From the friendships she formed to the personal growth she experienced, her time in Bahay Ni Kuya will always be a cherished part of her story. And she’s ready to take on the world with the same optimistic spirit she shared with her housemates.