They say that being the eldest sibling sometimes leave you feeling a second parent. For “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” housemates Jas Dudley-Scales and Binsoy Namoca, it certainly comes with challenges, joys, and responsibilities. Jas and Binsoy shared their ‘Ate’ and ‘Kuya’ stories in the latest episode of the Bisaya talk show “Kuan On One” hosted by ‘Kuantie’ Melai Cantiveros.

Growing up in South Cotabato as the eldest of four siblings, Binsoy learned early on what it meant to hustle. It was a sacrifice, but one Binsoy willingly made to support his siblings. "Ang hirap talaga ng buhay namin dati. Naranasan namin na asin, toyo, at mantika lang ang ulam namin," Binsoy shared candidly. "Pero hindi naman kami nagrereklamo."

Their situation, if anything, became his driving force. “Yun talaga ang tumatak sa isip ko, na dapat magsumikap ako para maiahon ko ang pamilya namin, at para hindi mapagdaanan ng magiging anak ko ang hirap na napagdaanan ko," he reflected.

By high school, Binsoy stopped asking his parents for allowance, relying instead on his earnings from side gigs as a dance choreographer. His natural charm and reliability earned the trust of his teachers, who would even give him extra opportunities to earn money, such as judging local competitions. One of his teachers even hired him as an occasional driver and staff at a small eatery in exchange for tuition fee.

"Malaking tulong talaga ‘yung teacher ko na nagpaaral sa akin noong college. Kung wala sila, tumigil na siguro ako sa pag-aaral kasi hindi talaga ako masusustento ng mga magulang ko dahil maliit lang ang kita nila," Binsoy expressed with gratitude.

In college, he earned by joining dance groups, competing in inter-barangay contests, and even performing solo at events. And through his talent, he earned a college scholarship.

Though he had to pause his studies in his third year of college to join “PBB Gen 11,” Binsoy remains determined. His current focus is to maximize opportunities and save up so he can fund not just his own education but also help his siblings finish theirs. He becomes even more motivated, knowing his siblings' eagerness to pursue their education.

Growing up in the seaside town of Dauin, Dumaguete, Jas lived what many would describe as a fairy tale. Her mom, a resort staff member, met her dad, a British scuba diver exploring Dauin’s pristine beaches, and together they built a life that felt almost idyllic. Jas, the eldest sibling, enjoyed the perks of this life—sun-soaked days by the beach and a lifestyle free from the financial struggles many face.

But her world took a sharp turn in 2019 when her father passed away from cancer. Jas was a college freshman at the time, and the loss left her devastated. She skipped school for days, unable to stop crying. It wasn’t just the emotional toll that weighed heavy; her family’s financial situation changed too. Having sold her dad’s solar company, the family had to adjust to a simpler lifestyle. While they weren’t impoverished, the shift was jarring, especially for Jas and his younger sibling.

"Sabi ko na okay lang ako... Pero ayokong isipin ng kapatid ko na, 'Bakit ganito si Ate dati, pero ako ngayon nahihirapan?' Hindi naman sobrang hirap talaga pero hindi kami nasanay sa certain lifetsyle,” shared Jas.

Despite the challenges, Jas remained grateful for the support of her father’s British relatives. Her grandparents and uncle continued to provide financial assistance, ensuring she and her brother could stay on track with their education. She also mentioned that her grandparents would visit them in Dumaguete every two to three months.

By the time Jas graduated college in 2022, she decided it was time to take charge. She assured her British family that they could stop supporting her financially and immediately applied for a job in Dumaguete.

At some point, Jas decided to move to Manila to accompany her then-boyfriend during his cancer treatments. And, soon, she began working for a fashion magazine.

More than anything, Jas took on the responsibility of being a second parent to her younger brother after their father’s passing. While their mom has a softer approach, often giving in to her brother’s whims, Jas embraced the role of disciplinarian with her brand of tough love. Her efforts paid off, as her brother grew up disciplined, focused on sports, and far from trouble. Jas couldn't help but laugh, though, about one recurring issue about his baby bro, saying it’s not fights or vices she has to worry about, but girls telling her that her brother broke their hearts!

Whether it’s hustling to provide for the family, like Binsoy, or stepping up as a second parent, like Jas, being the eldest sibling is about having the heart and strength to support and care for their loved ones.