Sofia "Fyang" Smith | Photography by Dookie Ducay

Sofia “Fyang” Smith’s journey to the spotlight is the stuff of Gen Z dreams—relatable, raw, and undeniably inspiring. From her humble beginnings to the glittering lights of Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11, Fyang’s life has been anything but ordinary. 

She didn’t just aim for the stars; she earned her place in the showbiz galaxy and is exploring how to better navigate this universe.

Behind the success and the spotlight she’s enjoying now are the hardships that have helped shape the person she is now. 

Fyang Smith is a Lola’s girl; she was raised by her grandmother, the person she holds closest to her heart—a true sanctuary in her life. Her "pahinga." Her grandmother wasn’t just her guardian but also her haven, her refuge in times of uncertainty. Whenever problems loomed or doubts clouded her thoughts, it was her grandmother she turned to, the one who listened without judgment and offered wisdom coming from a life of resilience.

While her mother, Myrna, sacrificed time with her daughter and son to work tirelessly abroad and secure a better future for their family, her grandmother filled the void with unconditional love and gentle strength.

As the daughter of an overseas Filipino worker, Fyang learned early on to treasure every fleeting moment. With her mom's vacations measured in precious, short-lived days, each reunion felt like unwrapping a rare and priceless gift. Growing up, she understood that every sacrifice, every mile her mom crossed, was for her and her brother—a testament to the boundless love that kept their family connected, no matter the distance.

In an interview with Pinoy Big Brother host Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, Fyang reminisced that it was not a flowery road she walked on; she remembered the time they reached rock bottom when her mom had to rely on the “sangla-tubos” way to provide food for them. 

It wasn’t always sunshine for Fyang. Life handed her obstacles that would break most, but she turned them into stepping stones. She vividly recalls walking two hours with her aunt to make charcoal, earning just twenty pesos—a small sum she cherished.

“Siguro naiisip ko, bakit ’yung iba meron, pero kami wala?” she tells Metro.Style, reflecting on those tough days. Yet, instead of giving in to despair, Fyang leaned into her struggles, pushing herself to dream bigger and work harder.

Fyang’s rise began with a simple yet powerful idea: sharing her life on social media. During the pandemic, she turned to vlogging—a raw, unfiltered peek into her world. Her authenticity resonated, earning her a loyal following. It was this connection with her audience which helped her shine in Pinoy Big Brother, where her kindness and sincerity stood out.

Fyang is a shining example of beauty paired with remarkable resilience and determination. Once a salutatorian in elementary school, she is now a senior high school student, showing promise in accountancy and business management and laying the foundation for a future in business. But behind this practical path lies a dream that burns brighter—a calling to become a general surgeon, a pursuit far removed from her current studies.

Reflecting on this dream, Fyang shares the poignant moment that ignited her passion. Her voice carries the weight of her conviction as she recounts:

“Kasi one time, ’yung Tita ko may babuyan. Ako, hindi po ako madiriin talaga—parang wala akong kaarte-arte sa katawan. That time, ’di makalabas ’yung baby ng nanay [na baboy], so ’pag di nailabas, mamamatay ’yung nanay. Sabi nila, dukutin mo na. So with my bare hands, pinasok ko ’yung dalawang kamay ko sa loob at dinukot ko ’yung baby. Ang sarap sa feeling magpaanak nu’ng baboy.”

This raw, visceral experience became a defining moment for Fyang. It reminded her of her innate courage and sparked a sense of purpose.

Today, Fyang is the embodiment of character development. From an outspoken “eabab” to a mindful “egirl,” she’s grown in ways she never imagined. Her story isn’t just about fame, it’s about constant development and progress. She’s grateful not just for the rewards she’s earned but for the person she’s become—a young woman who’s stronger, wiser, and ready to face whatever comes next.

Fyang is more than just a rising star. She’s a reminder that authenticity can take you anywhere—even if you start with nothing but hope.

Read our exclusive on the Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 Big 4 here.

Read our exclusive on the Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 housemates here.

Photographer: Dookie Ducay

Sittings editors: Geolette Esguerra, Kate Paras-Santiago, and Grace Libero-Cruz

Creative director: Eugene David

Stylist: Adrianne Concepcion

Makeup: Owen Sarmiento 

Hairstylists: Jerry Javier

Shoot coordination: Noella Fonbuena

Styling assistants: Via Abarra and Cent Bermas 

Shoot assistant and interviewer: Ryan Christopher Claveria

Special thanks to Lauren Dyogi, Star Magic, Frances Joson, and Thess Gubi

Shot on location at PioneerX Studios