Kid Sunshine of Cebu-turned-beauty queen has advice to new PBB housemates | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Rian Bacalla recently enjoyed a day at IT Park with fellow PBB 737 alumni Franco Rodriguez, known as Thomas of Alamat, when his P-pop boy group performed at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 opening ceremony at the Cebu City Sports Center.

“It was the first time we met again after eight years. I felt like I was still talking to Franco from our PBB days,” Bacalla told The FREEMAN. “We had a full day with coffee, meals, and a long walk around IT Park. It was quite a day, and I enjoyed every moment.”

“He’s still the same guy — bubbly and charming, always talking. I ran out of topics to talk about and he never closed his mouth. That’s what I love about him,” said Bacalla.

What made the day even more special was that they didn’t encounter fans asking for photos with Thomas despite being in a public space. “Fortunately, it was a Sunday, and I got to enjoy the whole day with him,” said Bacalla.

Even though Bacalla was the third housemate evicted, the now 23-year-old fondly looks back at those days inside Bahay ni Kuya in 2015.

“It puts a smile on my face because I can’t imagine being 14 years old on TV back then. It was a wonderful experience. Even if it was a quick experience with them, we still had that bond that lasted nine years,” said Bacalla, dubbed then as the Kid Sunshine of Cebu.

Bacalla's batchmates, including Barbie Imperial and Ylona Garcia, have pursued different careers since their time in the PBB house.

“I am so happy for them because most of them didn’t have the chance to be on television as early as I did. When I got out, I was offered roles in MMK and Wansapanataym. Although I sometimes feel bad about not being with them as much, we all have different paths to success. Winning pageants is one path I am happy to be on.”

With Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 premiering last weekend on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5, Bacalla has this to share: “It might sound cliché, but you really have to be yourself. There will be one winner but when you are inside and you are being yourself, you feel like a winner.”

“If I hadn’t come out to my parents during PBB, I wouldn’t be as happy as I am now. There’s a reward for every