Almost a year after stepping into the iconic Pinoy Big Brother house for PBB Gen 11, Kolette Madelo never imagined how exciting and overwhelming her journey as a new artist would be.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Kolette reflected on the turning point that came as soon as she left the PBB house.
“Ang realizations ko ay ito na talaga siya. Ito na talaga yung totoong laban, wala na sa loob ng Bahay ni Kuya,” Kolette said.
She elaborated further, “Sabi nga nila, wala sa loob ang totoong laban, nandito sa labas kasi marami ka na talagang taong makakasalamuha, makatrabaho. Doon kasi sa loob ng Bahay ni Kuya kami kami lang so parang ‘Ah okay marami palang ganitong tao.’”
Looking back, Kolette admitted she never anticipated the path her career would take or the support she would gain from fans.
“Actually, po di ko po inexpect na ganito siya kalaki or kung ano po mayroon sa akin ngayon hindi ko po talaga siya inexpect kasi noong nasa loob pa ako ng Bahay ni Kuya, ang sabi ko talaga ‘Wala naman siguro nanonood sa akin.’ Sabi ko pa nga, ‘Baka wala akong fans pero okay lang iyan at least nakapasok ako sa Bahay ni Kuya.’ Paglabas ko ng bahay, di ko alam na marami pala sila,” she said with a smile.
When asked what advice she would give her past self before entering PBB, Kolette answered earnestly, “Ang sasabihin ko sa kanya ipakita mo lang kung sino ka kasi ayan ang magdadala sa iyo sa itaas at huwag mo kalimutan ipagpatuloy ang pagiging humble mo dahil ayan din tutulong sa iyo para umanagat.”
Kolette is now gearing up for a major milestone in her career, her debut album titled SAYAW and her first solo album launching and fan meet and greet event, Call Me… Kolette! happening this June 1 at the SM North Edsa Sky Dome in Quezon City.
Aside from her music debut, Kolette is also thrilled about upcoming projects, including her appearance in music videos for Tawag ng Tanghalan grand champion Lyka Estrella’s new song “Hayy Langga” and OPM icon Ogie Alcasid’s “Hanggang Dito Na Lang Tayo.”
“May aabangan sila na into music din and acting sa susunod. Soon pa. May mga MVs, music videos po ako kagay kay Sir Ogie na ‘Hanggang Dito Na Lang Tayo’ and ang ‘Hayy Langga’,” Kolette said. “Grabe, narating ko na itong skills an ito tapos nakaraan nag-acting skills.”
Speaking of acting, Kolette revealed her interest in exploring theater, a passion she had even before entering PBB.
“Noong hindi pa ako nakapasok sa Bahay ni Kuya, bago makarating dito, balak ko talaga noong nag-aaral pa ako na sasali po ako sa theater kaso hindi matuloy-tuloy kasi sa sobrang busy noon,” she recalled. “Kung may pa-audition ng theater gusto ko rin mag-audition. Sana naman makapag-audition doon.”
Kolette also shared her admiration for fellow Star Magic artist Alexa Ilacad, who inspired her to pursue theater after watching the original Filipino musical Liwanag Sa Dilim.
“Ang gusto ko makatrabaho onstage ay si Ate Alexa Ilacad kasi noong sa ‘Liwang sa Dilim’ may mga feels ako na ‘Ay, parang ang ganda nito’ sa blending sa mga kanta, sabi ko ang ganda at sa angas nila, sila Khalil (Ramos),” she shared.
Kolette went on, “Mas lalo ako na-inipire noong nakita nila na ang ganda pala talaga, may acting na sa tehater lang na on the spot pa.”