How ₱500 Consolation Prizes in Barangay Pageants Helped Shuvee Etrata Feed Her Family
SHUVEE ETRATA – It wasn’t the crown or the title that motivated Shuvee Etrata in her early pageant days — it was the desperate need to provide her family with even just the basic necessities like rice.
Shuvee Etrata, former housemate of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition, has opened up about the deeply personal reason behind her participation in local barangay beauty pageants — to earn money to help her family buy rice.
In an episode of GMA’s drama anthology Magpakailanman, Etrata will share the hardships she experienced growing up as one of nine children in a household struggling financially. She recounted how even a consolation prize of ₱500 was a significant help, enough to provide a meal for her family.
Shuvee Etrata’s heartfelt story was also highlighted on GTV’s Balitanghali, where she expressed thankfulness for the blessings she has received since her time on PBB. “I’m truly grateful that I’m finally able to support my family,” she said, reflecting on how her life has changed compared to the difficulties she faced before.
The special episode will also reveal another poignant part of her journey — her decision to leave college despite having a generous sponsorship. A Swiss couple, whom she regards as surrogate parents, offered to fund her education. However, due to her family’s ongoing financial needs, her allowance was often redirected to cover household costs rather than tuition, leading to unpaid fees and her eventual withdrawal from school.
Etrata’s story is one of strength, ingenuity, and sacrifice. From a young girl competing in pageants out of necessity rather than ambition, she has grown into a beloved figure on Philippine television, inspiring many with her perseverance.
Shuvee Etrata’s experience sheds light on the sacrifices many Filipinos endure to provide for their loved ones and serves as a powerful example of resilience.
Fans can catch the full story of Shuvee Etrata’s life on Magpakailanman this Saturday at 8:15 p.m. on GMA Network, offering an intimate look at the obstacles she overcame and the courage that sustained her.
READ ALSO: Shuvee Etrata Advice For People w/ Toxic Family: “Break the generational curse”