With how bubbly, determined, and kindhearted she is, there's no wonder Kolette Madelo is adored by many during her “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” stint and even made it to the Big 4. Now that she’s back to the outside world as an up-and-rising star, let’s get to know her a bit more through this interview with seasoned broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano for ABS-CBN News’ “Tao Po.” 

Not a lot of people may be aware, but "Ang Ma-Cute-Lit na Raketera ng General Santos City" completed the aquaculture vocational program at the Mindanao State University before joining the reality show. Since she came from a simple family, she considered it the greatest present she could possibly give herself. Supposedly, she wanted to earn a degree in business administration but found herself more interested in the cultivation of fish, shellfish, plants, and other organisms in marine and fresh water for food. 

She was raised by her adoptive parents, Ronald Madelo and Nanette Oca, who were actually siblings, since she was four months old after her biological mother had no choice but to entrust her to their care due to poverty. She never caused them any trouble by performing well academically and working as a student assistant to help their family financially. 

Kolette was 10 years old when her adoptive parents told her about the truth behind her identity, which she’s able to immediately comprehend and made it easy for her to handle criticisms. Those who got to watch “PBB Gen 11” religiously could probably recall that one of the highlights of her PBB stint was her brief yet heartwarming reunion with her biological mom when the latter entered the house.  

In addition to making new friends, having new experiences, and learning new things, her dancing talent is another important thing that she obtained while inside the house. According to her, it was actually her first time to showcase her dancing skills since she had never performed in public before, and she only got to bust her grooves while taking a bath and cleaning their house. When asked by Bernadette what kind of artist she wishes to be, the pride of General Santos City said that it’s to become a star performer like her ultimate idols Maja Salvador and Sarah Geronimo. 

One of the many issues hurled at her during her PBB stint was her love life, which she kept as a secret to everyone. Unbeknownst to many, she was actually in a happy relationship with her boyfriend prior to getting inside Bahay ni Kuya, who was really supportive of her until she made it to the competition. However, they decided to break up after the Big Night, with Kolette now focused on pursuing her goals and ambitions in life.  

Despite her endearing personality, Kolette actually didn’t anticipate to have supporters, which was evidenced by her bewildered reaction on the Big Night.

Lastly, when asked to whom she’s grateful for everything that she experiences in life, especially at present, she said that it’s none other than God and her beloved adoptive parents. 

“Siyempre po sa Panginoon kasi binigyan Niya po ako ng ganito. Sa nag-alaga po sa akin na tinuring ko pong Mama at Papa, siyempre nagpapasalamat po ako kasi kung hindi po dahil sa kanila wala po akong lakas ng loob para harapin ang mga hamon na dumarating sa buhay ko, wala po akong reason para lumaban araw-araw. Kasi sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko, doon po ako kumakapit,” she said.