Their story starts on PBB

Reality TV shows like Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) and Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) have opened a lot of opportunities to many whose common dream is to give their family a better life. That’s why they have attempted to win the nod of the public, Big Brother or the academy’s headmaster. Among those who tried their luck were PBB Season One runner-up Jayson Gainza and PBB Teen Edition Season 2 evictee Linda Backlund. Yes, they fell short to win the title but they are happy to have fulfilled their dreams in other ways.

Before he accepted the invitation of Kuya to live for 100 days in his house, Jayson, who celebrated his birthday last April 27, was a struggling OFW in the Middle East. No matter how he worked hard then, Jayson’s efforts seemed not enough to give his wife and children a more comfortable life. This what inspired him to join PBB where P1-M was at stake. The Batangueño eventually got in, won many a televiewer’s heart through his funny antics and made it to the Big Four. His natural flair for putting people in stitches was Jayson’s ticket to show business. The Star Magic talent says he still couldn’t believe that an ordinary looking guy like him will be given a TV and movie career.

After PBB, Jayson has appeared in movies like You Got Me and Shake, Rattle & Roll and TV shows like Sa Piling Ko, Aalog-alog, Lastikman and Volta. He will tickle your funny bone again when he co-stars with fellow PBB alumni John Prats and Zanjoe Marudo in a new ABS-CBN comedy series Parekoy. His fans can also catch him weekly on Trip na Trip with Katherine de Castro, Uma Khouny, Franzen Fajardo and Kian Kazemi. What Jayson likes about his hosting job on Trip na Trip is that it gives him the chance to travel for free, see the world-class, natural beauty of the Philippines, meet people and know more about his culture and heritage.

Linda, who voluntary left Kuya’s house four Saturdays ago, also joined PBB for her family. In Iriga City, Linda joined beauty pageants to augment the family’s income. But the pressure to win was heavier on her since her father has difficulty working in Norway due to a spine operation. Add to that is her parents’ separation. It’s not surprising why Linda  put up a strong facade to hide her true feelings inside the house, where she is always expected to be a rock for her mother and brother. Her loved ones mean so much to her, Linda can even sacrifice her own happiness for them by working early in life.

“It was worth it,” says Linda of the “exchange deal” for her early, unexpected exit. “I’m happy that Kuya flew in my father here from Norway and bonded with us in a resort in Batangas. We did catch up on many things for four days. I enjoyed the night swimming. My parents were able to patch things up. My stay in Big Brother’s house was also an opportunity for me to learn from others and share my feelings with them.”

What’s next? “Perhaps, showbiz,” she replies. “But I wish to juggle it with my studies. I think education should top everyone’s list of priorities. It’s different if you have finished a degree.”

If there’s something these two former housemates have shown to everyone, it’s the Pinoys’ devotion to their family. That’s what their tale on PBB is all about.