Kim Chiu took a trip down memory lane and reminisced about her journey in show business after winning the first edition of Pinoy Big Brother in 2006.

In an interview with Melai Cantiveros in the first episode of the Bisaya talk show Kuan On One, Kim was asked what she bought with her first ever salary in show business.

“Bumili ako ng maraming pagkain, Miga. Di ba sa PBB parang inano tayo kapag hindi tayo nanalo sa task, tinipid tayo. Tapos nung una kahit bumili lang tayo ng hamburger ang hirap na Miga,” Kim recalled as per Filipino translation of the episode.

Melai agreed saying that in the province back then, buying a hamburger was already a privilege.

What food did she order with her first paycheck?

“Marami, sinabay-sabay ko ang spaghetti, french fries, chicken, hamburger, sinabay ko lahat. Ang ending tumaba ako. Tumaba ng bongga si girl kasi binili niya kasi lahat ng pagkain,” Kim recounted.

The Linlang actress also shared that she bought two cellphones that time.

“Tapos bumili ako ng cellphone na uso noong una, ‘yung slide-slide and bukas-bukas. Dalawa ‘yung binili kong cellphone,” she said.

Kim relayed that she actually thought that she would only work in showbiz for a year after her stint on Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition. She recalled that she was briefed to just enjoy the journey as it could only last for a year.

“I-enjoy lang daw [for] one year. Sabi ko ah sige hindi na muna ako uuwi [ng Cebu]. Next year na lang ako mag-aaral. Binigyan ako ng mga teleserye ganyan-ganyan hala eh natuwa [ako],” she said.

“Hala parang maganda ito, sige isa pang year hanggang cut to 18 years na ako dito. Dinaan ko lang sa tuwa kasi kapag nagtrabaho ka tapos gusto mo ang ginagawa mo hindi mo mararamdaman na one year na pala, two years na pala, hindi mo na mapapansin,” she added.

When did she realize that she wanted to do showbiz long term?

“Nung nakabili ako ng bahay, Miga. Nakabili ako ng bahay, lupa tapos binigyan ko ng kwarto ‘yung mga kapatid ko kasi wala naman kaming bahay noon. Nung nakabili ako ng bahay [na-realize ko], hala parang maganda talaga ito. Doon ako naka-decide na dere-derecho na ako dito para pagraduate-in ko ‘yung mga kapatid ko, bibigyan ko sila ng kung anong magpapagbuti sa buhay nila,” the It’s Showtime host replied.

Last June 3, Kim celebrated her 18th year in show business.

The Kapamilya star took to social media to pen a message to mark this milestone in her career.

“I am out of words, but I am just thankful for this beautiful journey.❤️ Special thank you to my [Kim Chiu Global] family for reminding me that day and for taking the time, effort, love, and unconditional support you’ve given me through the years. Grabe pa surprise nyo that day,” she wrote.

The actress further expressed her gratitude to those who entrusted her with projects throughout the years.

“Eighteen years in the business, I am thankful for the trust this colorful, shiny, wonderful world has given me. Sa lahat po ng sumusuporta at nag titiwala maraming salamat po. To the people I’ve met and worked with for the past 18 years, maraming salamat po! ❤️ Cheers to more years to come!🙏🏻🥂✨💫🥳 #ForeverGrateful 💚❤️💙🏠,” she stated.