In a world that often expects perfection, Kolette Madelo, “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11”’s 3^rd Big Placer, brings her true, unfiltered self to the spotlight. Known for her bubbly energy, she describes herself as “makulit, jolly, at mapagmahal” — These three words, she shares, are spot-on. But beneath her bright persona lies a journey of growth, a story of wrestling with flaws and learning to embrace the complicated sides of herself.

When asked about her strengths and weaknesses, Kolette is candid. She’s a dedicated worker, someone who will go to great lengths to complete a task. Yet, she confesses to sometimes feeling like she’s a “mahirap maka-gets” Initially, this self-doubt weighed on her, but living in the PBB house has taught her to have faith in her progress. Over time, she’s discovered she’s capable of so much more than she thought. Her struggle with pure Tagalog conversations inside the PBB house, especially with Kuya, was a challenge she took on with tenacity, proving that practice indeed makes perfect.

Inside Kuya’s house, like any person under the intense glare of the camera, Kolette was naturally worried. She feared the possible resurfacing of old photos that might not align with the image she now embodies. Another concern? Fostering genuine connections with other “PBB Gen 11” housemates, particularly with Big Winner Fyang Smith, with whom she shares a unique bond marked by “bardagulan” (lighthearted teasing). Despite their spirited exchanges, they always found a way back to each other.

A believer in honesty, Kolette holds integrity close to her heart. Yet, she doesn’t shy away from admitting that her temper sometimes got the better of her. She wants viewers to learn from her mistakes, vowing that the version of herself they see now is working on becoming better. It’s a self-aware and humbling moment, a reminder that self-improvement is always possible.

Reflecting on her time in Bahay ni Kuya, Kolette would send words of encouragement to her PBB self, saying, “Go, Kolette. Laban! Kaya mo ‘yan!” She jokes that she and her “self” inside the house are like twins: “Kambal talaga kami ni self,” she quips with her signature humor. Watching herself on the screen now, she’s proud of the journey she’s embarked on, regardless of the outcome. Her message to her future self is simple but heartfelt whether you win or lose, as long as the people around you are proud, that’s what matters.

One thing she cherishes the most? The precious time inside the PBB house, disconnected from the digital world, where moments unfolded naturally, without the ticking of a clock or the buzz of a phone. It’s this raw experience of living in the moment, alongside her housemates, that she’ll carry with her long after she steps outside those doors.

As Kolette reflects on her journey, she smiles. She knows she’s evolving, transforming into the version of herself she’s always wanted to be. For her, PBB wasn’t just a competition — it was a mirror, a stage, and a home, all wrapped in one. And with every challenge and triumph, Kolette is reminded that she’s enough, just as she is.