Kid Sunshine of Cebu-turned-beauty queen has advice to new PBB housemates

CEBU, Philippines — Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Rian Bacalla recently enjoyed a day at IT Park with fellow PBB 737 alumni Franco Rodriguez, known as Thomas of Alamat, when his P-pop boy group performed at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 opening ceremony at the Cebu City Sports Center.

“It was the first time we met again after eight years. I felt like I was still talking to Franco from our PBB days,” Bacalla told The FREEMAN. “We had a full day with coffee, meals, and a long walk around IT Park. It was quite a day, and I enjoyed every moment.”

“He’s still the same guy — bubbly and charming, always talking. I ran out of topics to talk about and he never closed his mouth. That’s what I love about him,” said Bacalla.

What made the day even more special was that they didn’t encounter fans asking for photos with Thomas despite being in a public space. “Fortunately, it was a Sunday, and I got to enjoy the whole day with him,” said Bacalla.

Even though Bacalla was the third housemate evicted, the now 23-year-old fondly looks back at those days inside Bahay ni Kuya in 2015.

“It puts a smile on my face because I can’t imagine being 14 years old on TV back then. It was a wonderful experience. Even if it was a quick experience with them, we still had that bond that lasted nine years,” said Bacalla, dubbed then as the Kid Sunshine of Cebu.

Bacalla's batchmates, including Barbie Imperial and Ylona Garcia, have pursued different careers since their time in the PBB house.

“I am so happy for them because most of them didn’t have the chance to be on television as early as I did. When I got out, I was offered roles in MMK and Wansapanataym. Although I sometimes feel bad about not being with them as much, we all have different paths to success. Winning pageants is one path I am happy to be on.”

With Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 premiering last weekend on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and TV5, Bacalla has this to share: “It might sound cliché, but you really have to be yourself. There will be one winner but when you are inside and you are being yourself, you feel like a winner.”

“If I hadn’t come out to my parents during PBB, I wouldn’t be as happy as I am now. There’s a reward for every bit of hard work you put in.”

While the priority is being a content creator and an advocate for trans rights, Bacalla is not closing the door on showbiz if given the opportunity.

Speaking from the heart

Bacalla was among the guests at the July 20 launch of Apex Dental Studio at Robinsons Fuente. This was part of Bacalla's engagements after being crowned Queen of Cebu City Pride by the Cebu City LGBTQIA+ Federation last June as she represented Barangay Labangon and the organization Cebu United Rainbow LGBT Sector.

“It’s something I manifested when I decided to join Queen of Cebu City Pride. Now, with these events and appointments, I am busier than ever.”

Recalling the moments before being called the winner, Bacallla said, “I was hoping my name wouldn’t be called because the host said the candidate who hadn’t been called would be the winner. I was holding hands with my friend Jessica Bajenting, Queen of Cebu City Pride Tourism 2024 from Barangay Lahug, who joined the same competitions with me.”

Out of all the segments in the pageant, Bacalla considers the Q&A portion a favorite.

Asked about the hardest decision, Bacalla said, "...joining this pageant, knowing I was the shortest candidate. But I’ve been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights for so long. I joined to inspire others to lead. If I hadn’t inspired myself to lead and come here, I wouldn’t be a transformational leader inspiring others to lead their lives as well.”

Bacalla explained, “That’s where my strength lies, and that’s when I speak from my heart. I want people to know me as more than just a Pinoy Big Brother housemate. I want them to see that I’ve grown and can excel in beauty pageants and advocacy work.”

Bacalla has always identified as a feminine woman.

“Being a trans woman is a feeling you always have within you. Ever since I was young, I felt more comfortable in feminine clothes. I just wasn’t confident enough to show it because I knew how my parents would react,” recalled Bacalla.

“One thing that resonated with me was when Bb. Gandanghari said that trans womanhood is not a choice, it’s a becoming, and that’s exactly how I felt. You don’t decide who you are going to be; it’s just how you feel and how you act on it.”

Bacalla offered advice for those questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity: “If you are not ready to come out, it’s okay. We all have different timeframes, and I was very lucky to have accepting parents. If you are not ready to come out of the closet, it’s okay. Just know that Pride Month is dedicated to you too.”