Family Keeps Devon Going

CEBU, Philippines - While this Cebuana can't be accused of being another Kim Chiu clone as she's not chinita, Devon Seron has a high chance of being a popular teen idol just like the first-ever Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Teen big winner. She has the Pinay looks, the charisma, an inspiring family backstory, and of course, the often customary half-foreigner heartthrob for a screen partner.

Devon, along with the PBB Teen Clash Edition of 2010 finalists James Reid, Fretzie Bercede, Ivan Dorschner, Bret Evans and Hyun Sung "Ryan" Bang, recently performed at the Parkmall Piazza for their Cebuano fans. This was the Teen Big 6's first mall show outside Manila, in support of LS 97.1 M.O.R. and ABS-CBN's Patrol Visayas anniversary event. The local press got to chat with the former housemates prior to the event in an informal gathering at the Castle Peak Hotel.

The “Bubbly Promdi” of Cebu confirmed that a new youth-oriented show is being cooked up by ABS-CBN for the top four which includes her, Fretzie, James and Ivan. She still couldn't reveal any details, but said the network has assured that they will be shooting it soon. In the meantime, the newbies are made busy and visible through workshops, mall tours and other guest appearances.

"I have to do workshops so I will really develop my acting talent. They're really preparing something for each one of us so that we can show what we can do,” Devon said. That was her first time to return to Cebu after her PBB exit months back. Their provincial tour schedules were so hectic, she wasn’t even able to squeeze in the time to visit her former residence in Barangay Labangon.

Devon admitted being more comfortable in singing and dancing, but she’s very much excited to roll up her sleeves and learn everything she can of the art of acting. In fact, she hopes to one day work with such industry heavyweights as Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Angelica Panganiban, Maricel Soriano and Vilma Santos.

Is she aware that her team-up with James, labeled the “Dashing Dude of Australia”, is in the to-watch-for list among fans who tout them as the next Kimerald? Their eager followers even have a moniker for them already: “Jaevon.”

"I'm aware that there's a James-Devon fans club. Nice kaayo paminawon pero baka we will get in trouble with the Kimerald fans. Taas na kaayo sila ug naabot,” the 17-year-old said. They have a long way to go to achieve Kim and Gerald Anderson’s favored status, but The FREEMAN reminded her that once upon a time, the said Kapamilya stars started out as unsure, unpolished teens. But look where the two are now.

A high school class salutatorian, Devon is not allowing showbiz plans from letting her miss out on a college education. She expressed her desire to take up Engineering but for practical reasons, she may have to choose another course that is offered under her STI scholarship, one of the prizes she received from her PBB stint. To recall, her mother entered the house during the sixth week to serve as a house-helper for the DH or “Dakilang Hamon” challenge, in exchange for Devon's college scholarship.

"I have yet to decide with my family on what course I will take this second semester. Kanang makaya and ma-enjoy pud nako," she shared.

Using her prize money, she moved her family to a spacious apartment in Caloocan City. “The rest, gigamit namo para tuition sa akong mga igsuon,” said Devon.

She added: "Honestly, it was never my intention to join showbiz. Nisulod ko because of financial problems. Akong duha ka Ate college na, then ako, I just graduated high school. I wanted to help my family that's why I auditioned for PBB. But I wasn't expecting to get accepted. That's why thank God that I was given a chance to help my family and make them proud."

She does not begrudge her family that she had to take on this heavy responsibility even if she’s the youngest of four female siblings because they had sacrificed a lot in her behalf for the longest time. Devon’s father works as a company driver. Her mom used to earn money by handing out flyers, but is now only a housewife. "My eldest sister has a job. Before and until now, she has been helping us. So wala pa katunga kining akong gibuhat para nila karon. Kay ako man ang naay trabaho karon. Besides, I will do anything for them."

One of the family sacrifices just to secure Devon’s health was to enroll her in a private school even if a public campus was more affordable.

“I was enrolled in a different school during my first year in high school. But the building was so tall and I have scoliosis. My classroom then was on the 6th floor, and I have to climb those steps everyday. So napugos ko ug balhin sa private school which is Montessori because it doesn't have many floors. Naningkamot akong parents nga mapa-enroll ko sa Montessori even if usahay dili ko ka-take ug test because we haven’t paid the fees yet.”

Big Brother paid for her remaining tuition and other fees so she could graduate last March.

This selfless nature that abounds in their family is what kept Devon’s spirits high even when life was hard, and this played a huge part in carrying her all the way to the top four. She surmised: "I just believed in myself and considered my family as inspiration. Everytime there was a challenge in the house, I just told myself I can do this for my family."