Who’s still got the ‘feels’ hangover as Fyang Smith steps back into the outside world, clinching the title of “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” Big Winner? Our favorite ‘eabab’ is still riding a whirlwind of emotions, too!
In this exclusive interview, we get a peek into the lessons she’s learned, her heartfelt gratitude for her fans, and the ships and heartbreak that made her adventure as a housemate all the more colorful.
Fyang’s “PBB Gen 11” journey started off as just a fun idea because of her friends who were much eager to join the auditions. But what began as a ‘trip lang’ turned into something so huge. “Mahal ko kayo nang OA talaga!” she says, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from fans who rallied behind her every step of the way.
The warmth and love from the viewers were almost tangible during the finale Big Night on October 26, where Fyang received the highest votes from the ‘taumbayan.’ Looking back on her last moments as a housemate with her fellow Big 4 members Kai Montinola, Kolette Madelo, and Rain Celmar as they waited in the studio, isolated together while anticipating the announcement of winner, Fyang recalls how they just spent those last minutes chatting and laughing about the most random things. For each of them, making it to the Big 4 is already an incredible feat, and no matter the outcome, they’re proud of one another.
She remembers sitting quietly, her heart filled with gratitude as she lifted her hopes to God and allowed Him to guide her path. Whatever ‘win’ God wanted for her, she’d accept it with open arms. The night became less about the title and more about trusting in something greater, finding peace in knowing that whatever happens, she’d already won so much in growth, friendship, and love.
But she also couldn’t ignore the nerves when it finally came down to just her and Rain. Well, who wouldn’t want that “Big Winner” title? In true Fyang fashion, she quipped, “Kahit sobrang sama ng ugali ko, gusto ko rin naman maging Big Winner!” That sense of humor is exactly what won her so many fans!
And then came the moment she’d been waiting for—she was named as the housemate who emerged on top. “I did it,” she exclaimed, overwhelmed. “Lahat ng pinagdaanan kong masakit, mahirap, as in lahat, sobrang worth it,” she said, reflecting on her journey.
Yet, Fyang is quick to deflect the credit, making sure everyone knows that her victory isn’t just her own. Honoring her faith, she thanks God for the strength, opportunities, and the beautiful victories she had achieved. For Fyang, becoming the Big Winner isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about growing as a person.
Looking back, she never even expected to get into the PBB house, so being crowned the top spot feels like a dream. She also thanks Kuya not just for opening his house to her but for giving her the chance to grow and discover her best self. Every single task, challenge, laughter, and even tear shaped her into someone stronger and more grounded.
She’s proud of herself for learning to be more mindful and considerate, especially toward the people around her. Her housemates, especially her closest, DingDong Bahan and Patrick Ramirez aka DongPat, JM Ibarra, and Binsoy Namoca, weren’t afraid to call her out for sometimes coming across as “disrespectful” due to her blunt way of speaking.
“Lahat sila pinagsabihan ako about my attitude, and habang tumatagal, na-realize ko na dapat maging considerate ako sa feelings ng iba,” she admits.
While inside the house, Fyang became aware that the other housemates perceived her as ‘offensive,’ and it was one of the reasons she was nominated for eviction almost weekly. Looking back, she jokes about getting used to being on the brink of eviction. She would hope to be ‘saved’ at first, until she grew tired of seeing her name on the nomination list every week and felt ready to leave the house. However, each nomination she surpassed made her realize just how many people outside were supporting and loving her.
Now, Fyang is aware that fans are shipping her with some male housemates. There’s JarFyang with Jarren Garcia and even JMFyang with JM. While she’s surprised by this, she genuinely appreciates it and admits, “Kinikilig ako!” She turns giddy talking about watching fan-made videos from these fandoms, and she’s especially surprised by her own reaction to the JarFyang pairing, noting that Jarren is such an ideal guy: “Matangkad, moreno, sobrang ganda pumorma, very calm siya, soft-spoken.”
Even though she firmly sees JM as just a best friend, she also appreciates their supporters, and she watches all those JMFyang edits, too!
Fyang has been very vocal about her love life while inside the yellow house, especially with her heartbreak story involving her suitor. In the middle of her PBB journey, during the “Big Truth and Big Lie” week, she learned that her special someone had given up on her.
One thing that people admired about her was how she handled the pain while isolated in Bahay Ni Kuya. Although she is still healing from the hurt, she no longer holds any anger toward him because, deep down, she had genuine feelings for him. And she hopes everyone chooses to see the brighter side of things as well.
“I hope itigil na ‘yung pamba-bash kasi ni-love ko naman siya, like, sobrang pure talaga ng intentions niya, but things happen very bad,” Fyang states. When she finally got her hands on her phone for the first time in the outside world after the Big Night, the first thing she did was message him with a cheerful, “Hi! Good morning!” This shows she’s on her way to moving on.
After all, she’s Fyang! This ‘eabab’ is strong and always carries sunshine in her heart!
