Before stepping into the “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” house, Kolette Madelo lived a simple yet hardworking life, fueled by a childhood dream of becoming a teacher. She loved playing "teacher" to her little cousins, but as time passed, her aspirations shifted toward the limelight, particularly becoming a total performer like her idols Maja Salvador and Sarah Geronimo.

So, when she spotted an audition announcement for “PBB Gen 11,” she knew she had to give it a shot. Despite feeling nervous and intimidated by the sheer number of people at the venue, Kolette thought there was no harm in trying and decided that at least she would have no regrets by not letting that opportunity pass.

Confidence has always been a challenge for Kolette. She often found herself doubting her abilities despite the encouragement from her family and friends, especially when they told her that she'd be a perfect fit for the reality show. Even after receiving a callback from “PBB Gen 11,” Kolette was careful in managing her expectations, believing that the only time she could be certain was when she stepped through the doors of the yellow house.

The only ones who knew about her getting into PBB were her family. Besides, the rules didn’t allow her to tell anyone else. That’s why her friends were so surprised when they found out. Now, they’ve been sending her congratulatory messages and expressing how proud they are of her for finishing as the 3rd Big Placer.

To say that her PBB experience has been transformative is an understatement. Even spectators witnessed the once-insecure Kolette learning to stand her ground, set boundaries, and speak up when necessary. This was especially evident during the "House Challengers" week, where she bravely faced the ex-housemates who returned as challengers, fighting to defend her spot and the rights of her fellow remaining housemates. Kolette showed remarkable strength and determination, proving that she was no longer the timid girl who entered the house. She learned that standing up for herself and her friends was not just necessary but empowering.

And it's not just her strength that has caught people's attention. Kolette has captured fans with her beautiful singing voice as well, which she recently showcased on Kapamilya Chat by sharing a sample of her life's current theme song.

Aside from finding her voice, literally and figuratively, Kolette also learned the importance of being mindful and not too judgmental, recognizing that there are always two sides to every story. This lesson comes in handy now as she navigates the life of a celebrity, which is often riddled with bashing and unfair public judgment. Recently, netizens enjoyed a live vlog where Kolette called out fans who had become overly "delulu" (delusional) and forgotten that the housemates they support are real people with their own lives and struggles.

Don’t get her wrong—she’s incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support she receives, but she wishes fans could also learn to respect other people’s boundaries. “Gagawin ko ang tama kasi maraming taong nagsusuporta at bumoboto sa akin every time ma-nominate ako,” she asserts, looking back on the nominations and challenges she surpassed as a housemate.

And for sure, Kolette will prove that she has so much more to offer, just as she always does. The future is bright for the "Ma-cute-lit na Raketera ng General Santos City," and we can't wait to see what she accomplishes next!