15 years after her win, Melai Cantiveros shared what she did with her prize.
In an interview with Karen Davila, “Kuantie” Melai Cantiveros shares what happened to her PHP 1 million prize from Pinoy Big Brother.
It has been over 15 years since actress-host Melai Cantiveros won Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up. She survived the 19 weeks inside the PBB house and came out as the Big Winner. The other finalists were Paul Jake Castillo, Jason Francisco, Johan Santos, and Steve “Tibo” Jumalon. She was the lone woman during the Big Night.
Melai, tagged as the Inday Kengkay of GenSan, got 1,226,692 votes. Following her was Paul Jake, the Negosyo Prince of Cebu, with 1,044,295 votes. Her husband, Jason, tagged as the Boy Astig ng Mindoro, was the 3rd Big Placer with 954,961 votes.
Johan, the Cutie Server ng QC, and Tibo, the Dad of Steel ng Cagayan, were the 4th and 5th Big place with 303,751 votes and 294,161 votes, respectively.
Melai won PHP 1 million and a brand new house. At that time, PHP 1 million was really big. What happened to her winnings?
In an interview with Karen Davila, she expressed that a lot of people were curious about her winnings. According to her, after getting her prize, tax deductions were applied. She was able to take home around PHP 800,000.00. From this amount, they paid the debts of their family for around PHP 300,000.00, and the rest, she was able to keep.
Although she was not able to enjoy her entire winnings, she was happy to share them with the people around her. She also did not deny the fact that their lives have improved ever since she won. Her success continued, and the blessings in her continued flowing.
She is nothing but grateful for everything, and this gratitude is the same thing she also instills in her daughters, Mela and Stella.
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