For many actors and actresses, entering showbiz is a dream come true. But for TV host-comedian Melai Cantiveros, becoming a celebrity was never in her plans. She openly admits she didn’t see herself having the looks or talent typical of stars.
“Ang pagsali ko sa PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) is parang aksidente lang ba. Alam ko sa pagmumukha ko hindi ako pang artista. Ang mga kaibigan ko sinabihan ako sumali. Ako ayoko. Sabi nila sa akin, ‘sumali ka na feeling mo naman matanggap ka,’” said Melai in an interview with Bernadette Sembrano on her vlog.
She added, “Pinasali ako para katatawanan. E napasubo naman. Parang katatawanan lang naman. E yun pala napansin sa akin.”
Even after winning Season 7 of PBB and skyrocketing to fame, Melai remained a reluctant celebrity, seeing herself in showbiz for just a short stint.
“Pagkasali natin dyan, alam ko naman di ako magtatagal. Kasi accepted mo na na two years lang. So di ko naman alam na pwede nga ako mag artista. Wala talaga sa plano yan,” said Melai.
But with the opportunities that opened up for her, the General Santos City native learned to embrace them, believing it was all part of God’s plan.
She said she saw these blessings as a way to lift her family out of poverty and address her parents’ medical needs.
“Maproprovide ko ba yun e may sarili na din akong pamilya? Mga parents ko hiyang hiya. Masaya tayo dahil binibigyan tayo ng blessings ni Lord. Hindi naman yan sakin, para yan sa inyo. Sumunod lang kayo sa gamutan para masaya mga anak ninyo,” said Melai.
She also learned to love what she does because it enabled her to help others.
“Ayoko magsabi ng natulungan ko kasi hindi naman ako tumulong dun, si Lord yun. Kinakalimutan ko lang kasi si Lord naman yung tumulong. Maraming humihingi ng tulong and, in God’s grace, nakakatulong naman. Dahil Siya ang nagbibigay ng tulong,” said Melai.
