Even at a young age, Criza Taa had the right attitude fighting for her dreams for herself and the family.

In a throwback episode of Tonight with Boy Abunda, the 15-year-old Criza shared bits of stories from her two-week stay in the Pinoy Big Brother house. She said it was fun bonding with the housemates.

Viewers witnessed Criza’s grit that was quite big for a teenager like her. She said life as a young breadwinner taught her to be strong and determined. “Kailangan po sa life. Maraming, siyempre, umaasa sa akin. Kailangan kong mabigay ang mga pangangailangan nila. Hindi ako dapat pa-chill-chill lang. Even at 14 years old, kailangan kong maging matatag kasi, siyempre, ako ang mag-aahon,” she told veteran host Boy Abunda.

Criza was raised by her beloved grandmother Wilma, who passed away in November 2021. During this interview, Lola Wilma was in the audience watching her with pride.

Criza said she sees her biological mother during special occasions but has no constant communication with her and her other siblings in Pampanga. Despite the setup, she never hated her biological mom. She knew it was for the better, “Mahirap po ‘yung buhay nila doon, Tito Boy. Nadadagdagan pa ‘yung anak, so mas mahirap kung nando’n pa ako.”

She added that her mom was able to answer her questions about her dad and that’s more than enough. There’s no need to feel sad or bitter and she’d rather use her energy achieving a bright future for her and Lola Wilma.

Her Lola Wilma sent her to school and provided all her needs by repairing umbrellas and scavenging. She was bullied for Lola Wilma’s job, so she used to complain about it. But it doesn’t mean she doesn’t appreciate Lola Wilma’s sacrifices.

Her love for Lola Wilma inspired her to work hard. She auditioned for Star Hunt and got in as a teen housemate for PBB Otso.

She starred in the afternoon soap Kadenang Ginto and is currently part of the He’s Into Her cast led by Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano aka DonBelle!