Eliza Borromeo has won the hearts of her supporters for being unapologetically herself---always keeping it real on and off cam, and standing firm for what she believes is right.
A month after her eviction, the Kapamilya star sat down with Luis Manzano in his YouTube vlog to open up about her humble beginnings and the life she’s built before and after her “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0” journey.
Eliza's journey towards stardom
What Eliza thought would be just another ordinary day turned into the start of something life-changing---even while she was simply strolling around the mall. She recalled how, while searching for her mom and grandmother after they briefly parted ways, a man on an e-bike suddenly followed her and casually asked, “Gusto mong mag-artista?”
At first, Eliza found the encounter strange. But the “mysterious man” turned out to be comedian Eric Nicolas. Eventually, Eric spoke with Eliza’s mother, who recognized him, and shared his belief that Eliza had the potential to become an actress. Her mother later agreed.
The Kapamilya star revealed that before meeting Eric Nicolas, she had no background in acting---no auditions, no go-sees, no workshops---especially since she was only 16 at the time. Still, Eliza admitted that becoming an actress had always been her dream, even as she continued to prioritize her academics.
Eliza pre-"PBB" days
“Bago po talaga ako mag-start sa work at mag-provide sa family, gusto ko po munang mag-aral,” Eliza shared. As a student, she described herself as often chosen as the class muse and an achiever who consistently earned high honors. Asked what drives her to excel, she answered, “Gusto ko po talaga na maging proud po sa akin ‘yung family ko.” She proudly added that while her family never pressured her academically, it was her own choice to strive for excellence and make them proud.
When asked if she was more of a “loner” or someone with many friends, Eliza revealed that she had a wide circle in high school but eventually found her core group in Senior High. “Na-realize ko rin po talaga na super importante po ‘yung mga tao na pinapapasok mo sa buhay mo… sa kanila po talaga ako nakaka-feel ng comfort,” she said, adding that her friends were a big help to her, especially in academics.
Luis admired her mindset, remarking, “That's something na matututunan mo pa sa mga darating na taon. Habang tumatanda ka, magiging paliit nang paliit ang circle mo. Kung tama ang pagpili mo, sila talaga ‘yung magiging karamay mo sa buhay.”
On how her friends reacted to her getting discovered by Eric Nicolas, Eliza shared that they were all happy and supportive. “Sila po ‘yung nagpu-push sa akin na pumayag na nga daw po ako kasi sobrang laki nga raw ng potensyal ko na maging artista.” Despite their encouragement, Eliza admitted she initially doubted herself, as she also dreamed of becoming a doctor.
Eliza's “PBB” journey
Before becoming an official housemate, Eliza thought she wouldn’t enjoy her journey two years into showbiz. “Pero nung patagal po, nagiging masaya po ako,” she said, adding that she eventually learned to love her craft even more.
The Kapamilya star revealed that she had already attempted to join “Pinoy Big Brother” before, knowing how many opportunities awaited her inside Bahay ni Kuya. For her, the show was also a way to share her authentic self with others.
When she was told she had another chance to be a housemate, Eliza admitted she was thrilled. “Nagkaroon po talaga ako ng hope doon. Tapos nung sa process po, like super happy lang din po ako na nakakapag-share ako ng life ko,” she said. Addressing allegations that “PBB” is scripted, she firmly responded, “Hindi… lagi naman po talagang sinasabi sa mga housemates, just be yourself, kung ano ka, ayun ‘yung ipakita mo.”
Even during her final moments in the house, Eliza confessed she hadn’t fully adjusted to the changes. “Like hindi po talaga nawawala sa araw-araw… ‘yung mag-o-overthink ka ‘ano kayang iniisip nila kapag ganito, ganyan,’” she shared, adding that housemates often became self-conscious whenever they noticed the cameras.
Looking back, one of her most cherished memories was her time in the confession room with Kuya. She described those moments as heartwarming, saying Kuya’s advice and words of wisdom felt like therapy to her.
On her friendship with fellow housemates Krystal Mejes and Carmelle Collado, Eliza shared that their bond likely stemmed from having the same zodiac sign, Cancer. “So ‘yung ugali po talaga namin, pare-parehas. Marami po kaming napagkakasunduan at pare-parehas po kami ng mga naiisip,” she explained. Watching them now inside the house, she finds their moments adorable.
Eliza revealed that upon hearing the news of her eviction, her first thoughts were of Krystal and Carmelle. “Nung time na ako na po ‘yung lalabas, iniisip ko na po sila. Hindi po nila kakayanin kung wala rin daw po ako sa loob ng bahay,” she shared.
Adjusting after eviction
After stepping outside Bahay ni Kuya, Eliza chose not to check her phone right away. Instead, she spent the night catching up with her family, who shared everything that had been happening while she was inside the house. “Nag-chikahan lang po talaga kami hanggang madaling araw,” she recalled. Soon after, she found joy in the TV guestings that followed her “PBB” stint.
When asked how she felt about her growing fanbase, Eliza admitted she was overwhelmed in the best way. “Super gaan po sa pakiramdam, kasi hindi ko po in-expect na magkakaroon po ako talaga ng mga ganun ng fans na magmamahal po talaga sa akin,” she said, adding that it warmed her heart to know she had supporters after entering Bahay ni Kuya.
Luis also shared a memory from eviction night, when Eliza took time to meet her fans, talk to them, and take photos. Reflecting on that moment, Eliza said she almost cried happy tears. “Super happy lang din po ako na ang dami po talaga sa labas na nag-aabang [sa akin],” she recalled.
As for dealing with online hate, Eliza revealed that she simply scrolls past negative comments without giving them attention. “Aware po ako sa mga nasasabi po sa akin ng mga tao, and sa mga pino-post po nila tungkol sa akin. Ayoko pong bigyan ng atensyon pa,” she said.
PBB All Star: Eliza Edition
Eliza gamely took on a mini challenge where she had to name her dream set of housemates. She began with Luis, who quickly joked, “Feeling ko dalawang tapak pa lang ako, evicted na ako.”
Her list went on to include Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Vice Ganda, Lily Collins, and Jessy Mendiola. For the final two spots, she chose herself and former housemate Waynona Collings. Explaining her choice, Eliza said, “Super deserve niya [Waynona] po talagang mag-stay sa loob po ng bahay ni Kuya… nanghihinayang din po talaga ako na maaga po siyang [na-evict].”
Luis expressed his gratitude for the chance to interview Eliza and get to know her better after her “PBB” journey.
To cap off the interview, Eliza delivered a heartfelt message to her fans, “Gusto ko pong magpasalamat po sa inyong lahat… mahal ko po kayo… kayo po ‘yung inspiration ko ngayon na nandito na po ako sa labas ng Bahay ni Kuya.” She added that the love and support she continues to receive has become her source of strength to keep moving forward.
*Photo credit to Luisa Jardinero IG