Melai Cantiveros confessed that before her life in showbiz, she had different plans.
To get out of poverty, she thought of leaving the country to start a family with an old American guy.
“Bago ako mag-artista ang plano ko mag-abroad ako at mag-asawa ng Amerikano na matanda. Kasi di ba parang ‘yun ‘yung sinasabi sa mga probinsya na parang dun na na-stuck yung utak ko na para maahon ang pamilya sa kahirapan. So parang gusto mo na makita ang abroad.
“Somehow ‘yun din ang pangarap ko.”
But even before having these thoughts, the family of Melai Cantiveros already has a silver spoon to feed in their mouths. They had big boats that are used for fishing tuna in General Santos.
However, their dreams in life were washed away when her father and his crew were brought in custody after trespassing on an international border.
Her father, along with his men, was taken to Indonesia and stayed there for two years.
Melai’s family was the one who provided for the families of those who have been involved in the incident.
After the traumatizing event, their family was not able to cope with the significant loss of their livelihood.
Melai joined Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up in 2010 and eventually won the title of Big Winner.
On the reality show, she met Jason Francisco who later became the love of her life.
She is now one of the hosts of Magandang Buhay with Karla Estrada and Jolina Magdangal.
Last May, they released the movie Momshies! Ang Soul Mo’y Akin. It was the first movie that featured the Momshies together.
