Shuvee Etrata, Charlie Fleming reflect on being breadwinners

Shuvee Etrata and Charlie Fleming shared what it’s like to be their family’s breadwinners on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Monday.

According to Charlie, “it feels really good” knowing that she can provide for her family. She is putting her older brother through high school, and he is graduating soon.

“He was Dean’s List last quarter so I’m super proud of him. And it feels good po na he’s reaching what he wants, he’s in the course that he wants, and he’s really working hard po kasi sometimes I see him, he wakes up really early in the morning or at 3 a.m. to study for his exams or his finals. And it makes me so proud that he’s working on himself also po," she shared. 

Charlie said that her older brother is not the usual teen who goes out and drinks, but is introverted and intelligent. With this, Charlie said there are no strict conditions with him.

“I’m usually pushing him to make friends. I push him to try to dress this way or try to dress that way, but we do have conditions na do well in school." 

Charlie added that she sees his effort in his studies, “and that’s okay with me na.”

Meanwhile, Shuvee shared she has been through a lot as a breadwinner.

“Dumating ako sa point na naubos din ako,” she said. “So kung ubos ka na pala, Tito Boy, dun mo ma-re-realize na hanggang saan kaya mong ibigay lalo na kung walang-wala ka na rin.”

Per Shuvee, she was low on funds before “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition." She would send whatever money she had to her siblings for their food.

“Bahala na wala ‘kong kainin, basta sila, merong makain,” Shuvee said.

“Kaya ngayon, I make sure na every week may pagkain ang ref, may supplies kayo diyan, hindi kayo magugutom. Pag-aaral niyo na lang ‘yung paghirapan niyo." 

Shuvee added that she does not have a backup plan but to keep winning in life for her family. She has also set boundaries with her family.

“I’m building a house for them, making sure that they live a comfortable life. Pero I want them to really do their best sa studies nila and I’m very strict as an ate,” Shuvee said.

“Maliliit pa talaga sila, Tito Boy, so as much as possible, gusto ko guided sila, hindi sila lumaking walang natatanungan, walang mahingian, nagugutom. ‘Yun lang talaga ‘yung priority ko, Tito Boy.”

Shuvee also said that she talks to her parents to set boundaries.

“Mommy, hindi ‘to madali ha. Mommy, nahirapan din po ako. Hihingi din po ako ng alalay sa inyo, so tulong-tulong po tayo dito,” she shared. 

“Whatever it takes, as long as I’m able to make them happy, as long as may mabibigay ako, bibigay ko." 

Shuvee and Charlie are starring together in the movie "Huwag Kang Titingin” and the series “Master Cutter.”

—Nika Roque/CDC, GMA News