Ivan Dorschner: Best lesson inside PBB

MANILA, Philippines - Together with more than two dozen other housemates, Fil-Am Ivan Dorschner spent 11 weeks inside Big Brother’s house during the recent Pinoy Big Brother’s Teen Clash edition, emerging fifth among the six finalists topped by Fil-Aussie James Reid who garnered 179,294 text votes or 19.75 percent.

“It was an eye-opening experience for me,” admitted Ivan to Funfare. “More than the prizes (including P100,000 cash and a Sony Vios Laptop), I treasure the lesson I learned inside PBB. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

As fifth placer, Ivan got 137,402 votes, coming before sixth-placer Bret Jackson, an American, with 133,239 votes; and after South Korean Ryan Bang with 169,797 votes (second placer), Cebuano Fretzie Bercede with 145,176 votes (third placer) and Cebuana Devon Seron with 142,876 votes (fourth placer).

Ivan, who’s turning 20 on Sept. 21 (Virgo), recalled that he had his own epiphany inside PBB vis-à-vis his father with whom he didn’t see eye-to-eye.

“My dad and I used to have little arguments, there was a distance between us,” confessed Ivan who was born in L.A. to a German-Irish father and a Filipino mother. (Ivan has two paternal half-siblings from his dad’s previous marriage and a younger brother). “Inside, I began to look at my dad from a better point of view. After PBB, which he watched through DVD recordings my aunt sent him, our relationship improved. We are okay now. I learned a lot more about life. I learned how to be harder-working, being nice all the time, not being afraid to live life and to be more forgiving. That’s why I said that my experience inside PBB is more valuable than the prizes.”

These past years, Ivan has been coming and going for vacation — “Six times, so far.”

Early this year, Ivan was on a mission trip (he’s a member of the Baptist Church in the US). During a break, he auditioned for the PBB at the Rizal Stadium.

“After PBB,” said Ivan who stands 5’9” (and growing), “I’ve decided to stay and try my luck in showbiz.”

Which means that his International Diplomacy studies (he shifted from Bio-Science) at the College of Canyons where he’s in third year will be put on hold. He’s staying with his maternal aunts and uncles.

“I may look foreign but I am totoong Pinoy. My brother and I were raised the Filipino way,” volunteered Ivan who speaks good Tagalog. “We were nurtured on values such as respect for elders and nourished on Filipino food. I come from a conservative family.”

He has been guesting in ABS-CBN shows and taking voice and acting lessons, while at the same time firming up by playing tennis, mountain-climbing and hiking.

Is he ready for the hard grind (intrigues and all) in showbiz?

“I think so. I am a good scout and I can soldier on. I’ve been a Boy Scout in the US and I got the highest rank, Eagle Scout.”

What’s his birthday wish when he turns 20 next month?

“A good break. Just that.”