Shuvee Etrata opens up about being bullied for having dark skin

Shuvee Etrata shared that she experienced being bullied during her childhood days because of her skin color.

In a recent episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the Island Ate ng Cebu looked back on her younger years in her father’s hometown of Polomolok, South Cotabato, where she experienced being discriminated against because of her appearance. 

“Kasi dito talaga ako, dito talaga lahat ng jejemon kong picture. Kasi nung nasa isla [Bantayan Island] na ako, medyo maganda naman na ako noon. Island girl island girl na ako. At tsaka tanggap doon ang pagka morena kasi isla naman ‘yon,” she shared. 

“Binully ako kasi maitim tapos malaking nguso,” she added

According to Shuvee, she felt more loved and accepted when she came to Bantayan Island, and it was all because of her maternal grandmother, Lola Pipi. 

“Pero, gusto kong din naman i-acknowledge. Dito din ako lumaki. Naging masaya din naman 'yung childhood ko,” the Sparkle star said. 

“Ang sa 'kin po, you'll always go to a place where you feel most loved. And, doon ko naramdaman 'yun sa isla. Kasi nandoon 'yung lola ko na paborito ako." 

Looking back on her fondest memories with her Lola Pipi, Shuvee could not help but tear up as she remembered her grandmother, who she lost during the pandemic. 

“When I lost her, I almost lost myself. I also lost myself. Pero alam ko masaya 'yun. Sobrang saya nun. Siguro nagche-cheer 'yun ngayon,” she said. 

Shuvee was among the 20 housemates of “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.” She and her fellow housemates recently reunited for “The Big ColLove” concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

She currently appears in "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre" as Veshdita, a Mine-a-ve warrior.

She is also set to star alongside Dingdong Dantes and fellow former "PBB" housemate Charlie Fleming in the upcoming series "Master Cutter."

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News