From PBB Big Winner to Big Achiever: Ejay Falcon inspires with college graduation and career growth

Liezel dela Cruz

<p>Remember when Ejay Falcon was hailed as the &quot;<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/pbbs10/articles-photos/pinoy-big-brother-winners-through-the-years-15767" target="_blank"><u><strong>Big Winner</strong></u></a>&quot; of “<strong>Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus</strong>” in 2008? </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="391" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i5G3k3sU6hY" title="PBB Balikbahay: Ejay, itinanghal bilang PBB Teen Edition Plus Big Winner!" width="695"></iframe></div><p>The once-naïve “Promdi Hottie ng Mindoro” hasn’t stopped winning outside the PBB house since then. He ventured into showbiz and politics while also building a thriving personal life (he’s now happily married!).</p><p>With unwavering determination, Ejay, raised by his fisherman-stepfather, continued to level up by constantly pushing himself to grow in his chosen careers and beyond. His latest triumph? Earning a Political Science degree with a major in Local Governance from the University of Makati—17 years after he first set out to pursue a college diploma. The commencement exercises took place on August 30 at the PICC Plenary Hall.</p><div style="text-align:center"><img alt="Ejay Falcon: PBB Big Winner to Big Achiever" src="https://asset-ent.abs-cbn.com/updates/entertainment/2024/08/31/Ejay-Falcon-1.jpg"/><br/><small>Photo credit to Ejay Falcon IG</small></div><p>His journey to this achievement is nothing short of inspiring. Back in 2007, he first enrolled in a Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) course at the University of Manila, with plans to go abroad after graduation to lift his family out of poverty. However, financial constraints forced him to stop after just four months.</p><p>Then came the opportunity of a lifetime: “PBB Teen Edition Plus”. Ejay entered the reality show and quickly captivated viewers with his humble and inspiring story—remaining true to his roots while constantly striving to become better. His authenticity and growth led him to emerge as the grand winner, opening doors to a promising career in showbiz, where he proved his versatility in various TV genres.</p><p>After PBB, he quickly made a name for himself in the industry, starting with a brief appearance on the comedy sitcom “That’s My Doc” and diving straight into heavy drama with “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maybukaspa" target="_blank"><u><strong>May Bukas Pa</strong></u></a>,” where he played Boy George, a battered teenager dealing with a troubled family background. This role gave him the chance to showcase his dramatic chops early on.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="500" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4ZkyA6cHGco" title="Boy George opens up about his mother, Adela | May Bukas Pa" width="679"></iframe></div><p>But his big break came in “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-katorse-2009-14472" target="_blank"><u><strong>Katorse</strong></u></a>,” where he starred as Gabby, a character navigating the complexities of teenage relationships and responsibilities. This role marked Ejay as a rising star with ‘leading man’ potential as he built a strong following with co-leads Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee. </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="391" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kIMCUtc2FPs" title="Full Episode 1 | Katorse" width="695"></iframe></div><p>Following this, the trio of Ejay, Erich, and Enchong tackled another emotionally charged project, “<a href="https://https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/85120917-throwback-tanging-yaman-2010-14689" target="_blank"><u><strong>Tanging Yaman</strong></u></a>,” where Ejay played Epi, whose unrequited love added depth to the political drama.</p><p>The Kapamilya star didn’t stop there. He continued to explore diverse roles, such as Nenok in “<a href="https://https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-the-cast-of-2010-habang-may-buhay-14819" target="_blank"><u><strong>Habang May Buhay</strong></u></a>,” a series where he worked alongside big names like Judy Ann Santos. He juggled this show with “<a href="https://https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-photos-of-xyriel-manabat-as-momay-2010-14817" target="_blank"><u><strong>Momay</strong></u></a>,” his first dive into fantasy-drama, portraying JJ. He also made special appearances in shows like “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-andi-eigenmann-in-galema-anak-ni-zuma-14899" target="_blank"><u><strong>Galema, Anak ni Zuma</strong></u></a>” as Sgt. Alexander Pagaran.</p><p>His ability to adapt to different genres became even more evident with his portrayal of Onat in the action-drama “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/113090617-throwback-guns-and-roses-2011-15635" target="_blank"><u><strong>Guns and Roses</strong></u></a>,” playing a younger brother longing for a father figure, and where he was paired with Empress Shuck. This role showcased his knack for intense action scenes and deep emotional narratives. His tandem with Empress was given a follow-up project via “<strong>Mundo Man ay Magunaw</strong>,” where he played Niko, whose love triangle storyline kept viewers hooked.</p><p>Ejay’s most transformative role came in “<a href="https://https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/pr-ejay-falcon-lands-biggest-role-on-tv-via-dugong-buhay-3243" target="_blank"><u><strong>Dugong Buhay</strong></u></a>,” his first action-drama lead, also starring Arjo Atayde, and Yam Concepcion as his leading lady. As Gabriel/Victor, he portrayed a man trained to be a weapon of revenge, whose mission becomes murky when he finds himself sympathizing with his supposed enemies.</p><div><iframe allow="encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; web-share;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://geo.dailymotion.com/player.html?video=x2qbbta" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0"></iframe></div><p>Further showcasing his range, he did a 180-degree turn in his steamy role as Oscar in the sexy-drama series “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/pasiondeamor" target="_blank"><u><strong>Pasion de Amor</strong></u></a>,” where his character unexpectedly fell in love with Ellen Adarna’s Sari. Due to their captivating chemistry, Ejay and Ellen were tapped to paint the backstory of the award-winning afternoon family drama “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/thegreatestlove" target="_blank"><u><strong>The Greatest Love</strong></u></a>.”</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="391" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y3UHCwfXUiQ" title="Pasion De Amor: Closer Again" width="695"></iframe></div><p>By 2017, Ejay returned to action with a strong presence in the Coco Martin-starrer “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/angprobinsyano" target="_blank"><u><strong>FPJ&#x27;s Ang Probinsyano</strong></u></a>,” where he portrayed SPO2 Geraldo dela Paz, an intense role requiring him to deliver action-packed scenes alongside dramatic moments. That same year, he continued to explore different narratives with “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/thepromiseofforever" target="_blank"><u><strong>The Promise of Forever</strong></u></a>,” taking on the character of Philip Ortega, whose quest for love pushed him to extreme lengths.</p><div><iframe allow="encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; web-share;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://geo.dailymotion.com/player.html?video=x5wqd78" style="top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute;border:0"></iframe></div><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="1462572"></ivs-player></div><div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>In “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/thebloodsisters" target="_blank"><u><strong>The Blood Sisters</strong></u></a>,” where he reunited with his “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-photos/throwback-katorse-2009-14472" target="_blank"><u><strong>Katorse</strong></u></a>” castmates, Ejay took on the role of Tonyo, becoming part of an action-packed, suspenseful plot filled with deception and survival.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="1436338"></ivs-player></div><div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>With his chiseled features, intense gaze, and natural charisma, he effortlessly fits the mold of a hero who can handle both the grit of intense action scenes and the emotional depth of dramatic moments. Throughout his career, he was often cast in these genres, and his ‘leading man’ image was further solidified when he headlined “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/sandugo" target="_blank"><u><strong>Sandugo</strong></u></a>” alongside Aljur Abrenica in 2019. In Sandugo, Ejay took his fight scenes and stunts to the next level, showcasing his capability as a true action star.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="500" referrerPolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KqGA1YQM7zk" title="JC, Leo at Joan, magkakasamang dinalaw si Eugene | Sandugo" width="679"></iframe></div><p>After “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/sandugo" target="_blank"><u><strong>Sandugo</strong></u></a>,” he started focusing on improving his life outside the limelight. He made the bold decision to go back to college, and this wasn&#x27;t his only foray outside of showbiz—he also ventured into politics, becoming the Vice Governor of Oriental Mindoro in 2022.</p><p>Despite his busy schedule in public service, Ejay hasn&#x27;t completely turned his back on the entertainment industry. In fact, he made a praised special appearance as one of the openers of “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/batangquiapo" target="_blank"><u><strong>FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo</strong></u></a>” in 2023, delivering a remarkable performance as the young Rigor (played by John Estrada as an adult).</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2467137"></ivs-player></div><div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>He also joined the star-studded cast of “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/nagaapoynadamdamin" target="_blank"><u><strong>Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin</strong></u></a>” last year, taking on the guest role of Elias. His character was pivotal to the revenge arc of Olivia, played by Jane Oineza, adding more intensity to the storyline and demonstrating his ability to elevate any scene he is part of.</p><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2905834"></ivs-player></div><div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><p>In between these teleseryes, he also lent his talent to Kapamilya drama anthologies like “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya" target="_blank"><u><strong>Maalaala Mo Kaya</strong></u></a>,” “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/wansapanataym" target="_blank"><u><strong>Wansapanataym</strong></u></a>,” and “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/ipaglabanmo" target="_blank"><u><strong>Ipaglaban Mo</strong></u></a>.”</p><p>As he balances his roles as an actor and a public servant, Ejay continues to show that success is not just about winning titles but about continuously evolving, learning, and making a difference—both on and off the screen.</p>

As part of celebrating Ejay’s college graduation, we look back on his inspiring journey from PBB housemate to action-drama star! 

From PBB Big Winner to Big Achiever: Ejay Falcon inspires with college graduation and career growth | ABS-CBN

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From PBB Big Winner to Big Achiever: Ejay Falcon inspires with college graduation and career growth

From PBB Big Winner to Big Achiever: Ejay Falcon inspires with college graduation and career growth

Liezel dela Cruz

Published Aug 31, 2024 10:08 AM PHT

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Updated Sep 03, 2024 02:44 PM PHT

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