Former ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ housemate Kolette Madelo recently opened up about discovering that she was adopted — a revelation she first learned when she was just nine years old.
In a heartfelt interview during the launch of her mini-album, the young artist shared how learning the truth about her identity shaped her outlook on life and inspired her to share her story with others.
“Siyempre, confident ako i-share ‘yung story ko sa lahat kasi alam ko naman na hindi lang ako nag-iisa sa mundo—na may mga ganitong sitwasyon na kagaya ko,” Kolette said. “Pero gusto ko siyang i-share kasi gusto kong maka-inspire sa mga kagaya ko. Ako kasi nu’ng nalaman ko na adopted ako, mas naging thankful ako sa buhay ko kasi andyan sila para mag-alaga sa akin.”
Kolette recalled that it was her grandmother who first told her the truth about her birth parents.
“Una, nu’ng buhay pa ‘yung lola ko, sinabi niya na, ‘Anong magiging reaksyon mo ‘pag sinabi kong hindi ka namin totoong anak?’ Sabi ko, napaisip ako. Bakit parang ang random naman na sinabi ng lola ko,” she shared.
“So parang doon na siya nag-start mag-open… na ganito kasi ‘yan, hindi ka totoong anak, at ‘yung totoong mama mo, nasa ibang lugar. Sabi ko, wala, hindi pa rin magbabago kasi hindi ko naman pinagsisihan ang gusto ko.”
Upon learning the truth, Kolette said she felt a strong desire to reach out to her biological parents — a wish her family supported.
“Nagsabi ako sa lola ko na gusto kong mag-reach out kasi gusto kong makausap sila. And hindi naman nila pinagdamot sa akin ‘yun. Sabi nila kung gusto kong makausap ‘yung pamilya ko, ibibigay nila ‘yung number. Kaya binigay nila at nakausap ko naman sila,” she said.
Although the conversation was initially difficult, Kolette said it brought her closure and understanding.
“Una nahihirapan ako mag-communicate kasi hindi ko alam paano sila i-communicate. Hindi ko naman in-expect talaga na may gano’n pala akong sitwasyon dati na ‘yung totoong magulang ko is nasa Lanao,” she recalled.
Looking back, she also shared how she used to wonder about her family dynamics before knowing the truth.
“Dati nung bata pa ako, naku-curious ako kasi bakit hindi magkatabi ‘yung mama at papa ko? Kasi ‘yung tinuturing ko na mama at papa ko ay magkapatid,” she said, laughing. “Noon natatanong ko sa lola ko, ‘Lola, bakit hindi tumatabi ‘yung mama at papa ko matulog?’ Tapos tumatawa lang sila. Eh, tawa-tawa lang pero hindi ko pa alam ‘yun.”
Now based in Manila, Kolette said she has fully adjusted to her life and remains proud of her roots and her story.
“Hindi ko ikinakahiya na ampon ako,” she emphasized. “Mas naging matatag ako dahil doon.”
The ‘PBB Gen 11’ alumna, who finished as the season’s 3rd Big Placer, has since ventured into music and content creation.
