Liofer Pinatacan, the “Dong Diskarte ng Zamboanga del Sur,” was proclaimed reality contest Pinoy Big Brother Connect’s big winner on Sunday, March 14.
The 21-year-old, a culinary student, is the 8th of 9 siblings. In his intro for the show, Liofer said he also helps his family with farm work.
“Dahil laki po ako sa hirap, ilang beses na akong minata ako ng ibang tao, pero hindi ako nagpatinag at patuloy akong lumaban,” he said.
(I grew up poor, so I’ve been discriminated against before. But I didn’t let this stop me. I continued to persevere.)
As the big winner, Liofer will be taking home P1 million and a house and lot.
Andrea Abaya was the 2nd big placer, followed by Kobie Brown, and Jie-Ann Armero.
Connect is the Philippine franchise’s 15th edition and the first during the pandemic. Auditions were held virtually, via the app Kumu, and the first housemates entered the iconic blue and yellow house in early December 2020.
In a tweet, ABS-CBN’s TV production head Lauren Dyogi said Liofer was originally just a “backup housemate” who was brought in only when another cast member didn’t pass the medical exam.
“You were destined to win this season,” said Lauren, who also heads Star Magic.
The reality show, the Philippine version of the long-running Dutch show, features a group of strangers from different walks of life who are made to live together inside the “Big Brother house.” Inside, they must win challenges and other mini-contests. A housemate is voted out at regular intervals, depending on the season’s schedule.
Occasionally, some housemates are introduced mid-season, either as a regular cast member or as a guest. – Rappler.com