Yamyam is PBB Otso big winner

William “Yamyam” Gucong, the 25-year-old Iskulit Bai of Bohol, proved that no amount of hardships in life could prevent anyone from reaching his dreams when he was declared the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Otso Ultim8 big winner with a whopping 58.52 percent of total votes.

Yamyam, who also won as the PBB Otso Batch 2 winner, was in tears as he was elevated to the stage and joined by his mother and previous PBB Big Winners last Sunday in the culminating night of PBB Otso Celebr8 at The Big Night in Cavite.

“Napatunayan ko sa aking sarili na kahit sa kahirapan ay kaya nating bumangon sa buhay. Kaya nating humarap sa anumang hamon sa buhay. Maraming, maraming salamat dahil hindi po ako nag-iisa. Kasama ko si Kuya, ang pamilya ko, si God, at kayong lahat,” he said as the crowd roared and applauded in approval.

Known for his cheerful disposition in life, Yamyam was full of optimism and brought happiness and laughter inside the PBB house. His tandem with Fumiya from Japan became an instant hit among viewers who dubbed the duo as “FumiYam.” 

Yamyam, who had to make a sacrifice and stopped schooling to help his family, drew inspiration from his family in his PBB journey.

“Punong-puno ako ng pangarap at pag-asa para sa pamilya. Napatunayan ko sa sarili ko na pwedeng magbago ang kapalaran ng isang taong nangangarap.” he said. 

Kiara Takahashi, Second Big Placer

During Sunday night’s finals, Yamyam was asked by Boy Abunda if he felt insulted over accusations that he was using his impoverished life as a strategy to win.

“Hindi ko ginagamit ang kahirapan. Shina-share ko kung ano ako dati at hindi ako nagmamayabang na mahirap ako. Nagpursige ako maging Big Winner. Hindi po ako naiinsulto dahil hindi totoong ginagamit ko ang kahirapan ko,” he replied.

As the Big Ultim8 Big Winner, Yamyam won P2M from Miniso, a condominium unit from Suntrust Properties, a water refilling station from Alka Viva and a vacation package from Jag.

Third Big Placer Lou Yanong

The other Ultim8 Big Four housemates included Batch 4 winner Kiara Takahashi who was the Second Big Placer with 30.29 percent of total text votes, Batch 2’s Lou Yanong as the Third Big Placer with 8.28 percent and Andre Brouilette as the Fourth Big Placer with 2.91 percent.

On Saturday night, PBB Otso awarded the other four housemates whose total scores from the Ultim8 Task and text votes were not enough to secure them a slot in the Ultim8 Big Four. They were Batch 3’s Fumiya Sankai (9.97 percent), Batch 1 winner Lie Reposposa (9.61 percent), Batch 3 winner Ashley del Mundo (9.16 percent), and Batch 1’s Kaori Oinuma (6.03 percent).

Hosted by Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzalez, Melai Cantiveros, Alex Gonzaga, and Robi Domingo, The Celebr8 at The Big Night was a star-studded event with performances from Jed Madela, Jaya, Alex Gonzaga, Mitoy, James Dy, Nyoy Volante, Idol Philippines winner Zephanie Dimaranan, Elmo Magalona, Arci Muñoz, JM de Guzman, Jimboy Martin, Ylona Garcia, Boyband PH, World of Dance PH champion FCPC Baliktanaw, among others.

Fourth Big Placer Andre Brouilette

It was also a reunion for past PBB Big Four winners as they went on stage to award the latest batch of winners. The two-night special also brought back the highlights of past seasons, the lessons imparted to viewers and the housemates’ strength of characters.

Since its launch in 2005, Pinoy Big Brother has transformed the lives of many housemates as it made their dreams come true and opened more opportunities for them.