Shuvee Etrata: From aspiring doctor to PBB’s ‘Island Ate ng Cebu’

When Shuvee Etrata told her family she wanted to be an actress, her mother Jorena was initially apprehensive about the career shift. She couldn’t recall a time when Shuvee had shown interest in showbiz as a child, as she had long been determined to become a doctor and possibly work overseas.

“When Shuvee started her journey as an artista, I was worried as a mother if she could handle Manila, especially since we will be separated from each other,” Jorena told The FREEMAN in a phone interview.

Shuvee, 23, is best known as one of the hosts of GMA’s morning show “Unang Hirit.” She’s had a few acting stints, most notably in “Hearts on Ice” as Kring-Kring, a supporting character alongside her close friend and lead star Ashley Ortega. She also used to be a pageant regular, most recent of which was Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2022, where she represented Bantayan Island.

With these experiences, Jorena is now confident that Shuvee can thrive in tinseltown. She no longer feels nervous about her daughter becoming a housemate on “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition,” where she will be seen by the public 24/7 through livestreams.

“In the two years we were apart, I can see how much Shuvee can carry herself,” she said. “She is quite clear on what she wants to do, and she was able to prove herself.”

Shuvee has been given the title “Ang Island Ate ng Cebu” – one that her mother fully supports, given her daughter’s deep roots in Bantayan Island.

“When she was still little and my mom was still alive, her heart was really for the island. She lives up to that title and it shows in her personality,” Jorena continued.

From medicine to showbiz

Before she was signed to Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Shuvee rose to popularity as a social media content creator, amassing nearly 3 million followers on TikTok and almost 200,000 on Instagram.

According to her mother, Sparkle took an interest in Shuvee for her morena beauty, compelling backstory, and standout personality. Her management supports her goal of becoming a certified beauty queen, in addition to her acting and hosting pursuits.

Shuvee was previously a student at Cebu Doctors’ University, commuting from Compostela to Cebu City for classes, as her father – whom Jorena says Shuvee inherited most of her traits and looks from – did not allow her to stay in a boarding house in the city.

Although she hasn’t entirely abandoned her dream of becoming a doctor, Shuvee saw showbiz as an easier way to support her family. As the eldest of nine siblings, the youngest just five years old, and with their father retired, she willingly took on the responsibility of helping out.

“I remember Shuvee said if she pursued being a doctor, it would be a long process. GMA’s offer was an opportunity for her to help us financially. She felt this need to help our family,” Jorena said.

“She can still become a doctor, but it will take a long time,” she added, noting that Shuvee has already been financially supporting the family, including paying for her siblings’ education through her earnings as a content creator.

‘Opinionated’ housemate

Shuvee entered the PBB house on Day 36 alongside Kapamilya actress Xyriel Manabat. They are the last housemates to join from their respective networks.

While not as widely known as Xyriel, Shuvee quickly made an impression on viewers with her confidence and outspoken nature. During a task where housemates had to identify common criticisms they receive, Shuvee wrote down “Starlet ng Kamuning” – a tag implying a C-lister or “wannabe” status in the industry.

Jorena assured that the version of Shuvee seen on screen is no different from who she is off-camera.

“She is quite opinionated because Shuvee is smart. While going through Q&A workshops during her pageants, her coach would remark how expressive she is with her answers,” she said.

Before joining PBB, Shuvee was slammed by a few for calling out evicted housemate AC Bonifacio, who claimed that Ashley Ortega was not genuine during a discussion among Kapamilya housemates on who should be granted immunity among the Kapuso group. Both AC and Ashley were eliminated during the first eviction night.

“Knowing how Shuvee is close with Ashley, she is very protective of her friend,” Jorena said, adding that they are also flatmates.

In one confession room scene, Shuvee shared that was pressured to succeed because she feels her parents were waiting for her to prove them right about doubting her career choice.

“I understood where she’s coming from, but she might have misinterpreted us,” Jorena explained. “I was skeptical because I wanted her to focus on school. And is being an artista a stable job? I wasn’t totally supportive before. But I saw how she carried herself, and that’s when I was assured.”

If given the chance to speak with her daughter inside the PBB house, Jorena said she would reassure Shuvee that her family has her back.

“I am always proud of her. Shuvee knows that I believe in her. Even if she doesn’t secure a top title in pageants, I always tell her that maybe it’s not her time yet, but I’m always here for her,” she said. “Our family loves her so much. We just want her life to be stable, but we are here to support her no matter what.”

On why her daughter deserves to become the Big Winner this season, Jorena said: “Shuvee represents Cebu. She can change the stereotype about Bisaya people with her beauty, intelligence, and sense of humor. She is a good communicator. She is the total package,” she said.

“Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” airs nightly on GMA, Kapuso Stream, and ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Online Live, weekdays at 10:05 p.m. and weekends at 6:15 p.m.