What's next for Fretzie Bercede?

CEBU, Philippines – Pinoy Big Brother Teen Clash of 2010 third big placer Fretzie Bercede (whose full name is Fretzie Joans Ruite Bercede) credited the reality show for the great change in her life now and the big improvement in her personality.

I really changed a lot. I was very simple and shy-type before, but after all the experiences that I went through inside the Pinoy Big Brother house, those experiences really helped me become more real and true to myself, said Fretzie, the Charming Angel of Cebu.

The 16-year-old Fretzie, who shared that she now gets approached for autograph-signing and picture-taking, is still adjusting to her newfound fame after she left the PBB house.

Actually, the moment we were presented during the Big Night, I was not expecting that there were lots of people who really were watching us and supporting us. That’s why I’m very much grateful, and I’m not used to this, wherein you already have lots of supporters and fans. I owe this to them, said Fretzie during her recent homecoming at the Banilad Sports Complex in Mandaue City.

It was her friends who encouraged her to join PBB and it was the least of her expectations to be chosen as a housemate among the thousands of people who lined up and auditioned for the famed reality search, which produced the likes of Kim Chiu, also of Cebu, and who’s now one of the most popular young stars of today.

A few days before the PBB finale, Fretzie awarded herself (like fellow housemate from Cebu, Devon Seron) the gold medal, which indicated that she believed that she deserved to be the big winner.

Though she ended up in third place, Fretzie said that she doesn’t feel disappointed. I’m not disappointed at all because it’s already been a great honor and privilege to be part of the Big Six and I landed on the third spot. So, I’m still happy and contented, Fretzie said.

The rest of the Big Six were Big Winner James Reid of Australia, the South Korean Ryan Bang, who’s long been based in the Philippines, the Cebuana Devon Seron, the Fil-American Ivan Dorschner, whose roots are from Rizal province, and Bret Jackson, an American teen living in Dumaguete City.

Pursuing studies, showbiz career

Fretzie revealed that she plans to continue her high school studies, but she’s very open to showbiz opportunities.

Actually, now that I’m still in high school, I’m planning to finish my studies and if there will be an offer or something, of course I can do both, study and career, she enthused.

She plans to continue her studies in her hometown, preferably through home study, and will just fly back and forth from Cebu to Manila for any project.

Some of the schools no longer were accepting enrollees. I prefer home study either here in Cebu or in Manila. But the decision has not yet been made and it’s not yet final, she said.

Most unforgettable experience

Of all the activities that she went through inside the PBB house, Fretzie could not forget her experience during the Big Goal Concert, a concert for a cause that benefited athletes.

With just a short time allotted for the preparation, Fretzie said that all of the housemates really helped out in making it successful.

Fretzie Bercede is truly a charmer and an angel, inside and outside the PBB house. During her PBB stint, when a P10,000 check was up for grabs, to be given to any recipient known by the housemates, Fretzie opted to give it to neighbors whom she felt needed it more than her family did.

Aside from a laptop, Fretzie also won P300,000 cash and she plans to spend a part of it for charity, while the remaining amount she will give to her parents. I wanted to share it with other people (who need it) and at the same time, I wanted to give a part of it to my family. These were my goals on why I joined PBB.

Fretzie’s sunny personality could have been her ace throughout her PBB stint, as she never found herself in danger of being forcibly evicted or nominated for eviction.

PBB Host Toni Gonzaga said in one episode, Kung ang mga kasama niya ay madalas masangkot sa pagchichismisan, isa si Fretzie sa mas minabuting manahimik kesa makasakit ng kasama.

Love team

Viewers saw how Fretzie won the hearts of her fellow housemates. She also caught the admiration of the Filipino-American Ivan and Bret, the foreign teen housemate and Justin Bieber look-a-like who’s living and schooling in Dumaguete City, prompting fans to create the love teams Vanzie and Bretzie (combinations of Fretzie’s name with those of the good-looking housemates).

In the last few weeks of PBB, Fretzie grew close to Bret. The mutual fondness was seen daily, from sunrise to sundown, through the simplest acts of sweetness in their conversations and actions.

Fretzie stood by her decision not to have Bret forced evicted, even if Ivan and Devon fought for it, and even if Bret himself wanted her to make that decision.

According to ABS-CBNnews.com, the two who had formed a partnership during PBB, which seemed to have continued outside the PBB house. We took care of each other in the house, Bret answered when asked how they developed a strong bond.

And though they said that they are also close to other housemates, Bret and Fretzie are almost inseparable whenever they are spotted together in the ABS-CBN compound. Fans have been curious if the bond Bret and Fretzie share will lead to a real-life romance. Actually love moves in mysterious ways so whatever happens, happens, I just know we’ll stay close… we’re friends, Bret revealed. We’re just really close. The former teenternational housemate clarified that he is not courting Fretzie.

For Fretzie’s part, she wants them to remain friends. As of now, friends muna, ‘yun lang.

When it comes to showbiz, Fretzie said that she wants to try acting, hosting and dancing, which Bret seconded by saying, I think she’ll be good on a variety show. Definitely! She’s good at dancing, singing, acting, everything.

Her family’s support

Dr. Dante Bercede said that he and his wife, the former Kimberly Marie Ruete, who was once crowned Miss Cebu and Miss Mandaue, are very supportive of her daughter, who is the fourth child in a brood of five.

This is because even when she was just a little girl, they already saw in Fretzie the fascination with acting and modeling. Prior to PBB, the Colegio dela Inmaculada Concepcion student also dipped her hand into modeling and performing as part of ABS-CBN Cebu’s own Star Magic, the talents of which became front acts of visiting Manila stars.

Fretize’s family owns a huge house and SUV, but she does not consider herself as rich.

Her simplicity is what fans love about her. A PBB fan named Athena posted on the Internet: Kaya siya di nanonominate palagi kasi, mabait siya, maganda siya; kahit mayaman siya hindi siya mayabang at kahit mayaman siya simple lang siya.

Being very pretty in person, a lot of people were surprised but were also delighted to know that Fretzie has never been in a relationship—in other words, No Boyfriend Since Birth. She explained she’s been raised the conservative way, and finds no reason to get into a relationship at her age.

She is very close to her family, and from them, she draws her strength and positive disposition—two qualities that should certainly come in handy in tackling show business. (THE FREEMAN)