Avid showbiz onlookers surely know Kaori Oinuma as one of the most remarkable alumni of Pinoy Big Brother Otso. But there’s actually more to her than just being the “Kawaii Daughter ng Japan,” and we’re able to get to know her deeper in this video as she sincerely talks about her family and career, as well as life’s highs and lows.

The Tara, G! star introduced herself as a proud probinsyana who took a leap of faith to make her dreams come true and eventually turned into “Miss Independent” who endures everything that’s going on in her life.

Family

She started off by recounting how her parents used to be strict towards her when she was growing up, but that didn’t hinder her from having a childhood that she truly enjoyed because she’s able to gain friends when she transferred to Japan. Just like others, she also didn’t have the chance to be with her biological father, a Japanese, when she was growing up after her mom broke up with him even before she was born. However, Kaori still found a father-figure in her life through her stepdad, who’s the first husband of her mother and the father of her older and younger siblings.

Even though she was not his biological daughter, her stepdad treated her as if she’s his own since he was the one who took care of and supported her since she was still a baby and now that she’s already an artista. She may have only met her real father when she was 17, but she’s still grateful for what happened because her stepdad had lavished her with the love and attention that she needed.

Kaori then recalled their last conversation through chat a few days before he succumbed to stroke, as well as her last moments with him at the hospital. She tearfully expressed her regret for not grabbing the opportunity to see nor spend time with him when he asked her – for the last time – what food she wanted to eat. He may be gone for almost three years now, but she still feels his presence, such as when she saw a butterfly fluttering at the tent where she was during one of her lock-in tapings last year, just in time for his second death anniversary.

When asked for her message to her late stepdad, she initially apologized for what happened between them while she was staying in Japan. She then thanked him for being there for her as a father, to the point that she didn’t yearn to see her biological dad anymore, and for his support in her showbiz dream even though he wasn’t in favor of it at first.

“Lahat ng naaabot ko ngayon gusto kong makita niya ‘to and hindi ko man maibigay sa kanya ngayon, pero ibibigay ko ‘to para sa mga kapatid ko,” she uttered.

Career

Probably like many of us, the 22-year-old actress also presumed that life under limelight is always easy and fun, as she saw how happy celebrities are whenever they’re on the camera or with their fans. But as time goes by, she realized that it’s actually hard to survive in this world, especially if you fail to surround yourself with good people.

As much as she wanted to avoid social media, we all know that it’s truly impossible since it has become an essential part of their job. Thus, she just reminds herself of what kind of stuff she must only take and not let herself be affected by unnecessary things that are not worth her time nor tears.

Similarities with Tara, G! character Legs

With regards to her character Legs, she described her as “goal-driven,” as she’s focused and eager to attain the things she’s aiming for. Viewers should watch out if Legs will notice the admiration of Dan (JC Alcantara) or will keep her eye on the person or things she wants. Besides, we must also see how her family in La Guerta will help her to forgive herself and other people, as well as to move forward from something that happened to her in the past.

When asked if she could also give her forgiveness to people who crossed her in real life, Kaori stated, “Oo, gano’n din si Kaori. Alam ko sa sarili ko na kaya ko ring magpatawad. ‘Yong Diyos nga nagpapatawad, bakit ako, hindi?”

She added, “Mahirap siya sobra, kasi hanggang ngayon, hindi ko masabi na healed na talaga ako e. Parang mas napre-pressure nga ako sa sarili ko kung paano ko ihe-heal ‘yong sarili ko e. Pero dahil sa mga taong nasa paligid ko, na napag-oopen-upan ko…It takes time daw. Dahan-dahanin ko lang, hanapin ko ulit ‘yong mga simpleng bagay na nakakapagpasaya sa’kin.”

Kaori also has a message to those people who hurt her, which is for the pain, anger, and resentment they feel towards each other to vanish, as well as for them to be okay, once their paths cross again in the future.

Show your love support to Kaori by watching Tara, G! on iWantTFC, with fresh episodes every Friday.