After more than a decade in showbiz, soul diva and ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ housemate Klarisse de Guzman is finally experiencing a new wave of popularity — one she never thought would come.
In a candid conversation with journalist Karen Davila, Klarisse reflected on her journey from being a regular in singing contests to becoming one of the most talked-about ‘PBB’ housemates this year. Despite her undeniable vocal talent, Klarisse admitted she had long accepted that her career wasn’t as “explosive” as those of her contemporaries like Sarah Geronimo, Angeline Quinto, Morissette Amon, and Jake Zyrus (formerly Charice).
“Yes po, may mga times na nasa bahay ako, kumakain ako, nakikita ko na sila sa TV. Nakakainggit naman. Siguro hindi ako para sa singing kasi halos lahat ng kasabayan ko, bongga na ‘yung career… ako heto pa rin,” she said.
Klarisse recalled how often she felt like a “second option,” saying, “Sanay naman ako. Pero para sa akin, okay na ito basta may work. Tinitingnan ko na lang po ‘yung brighter side na hindi naman lahat nakakanta sa ASAP. Lahat ito pangarap pero ito, nakakanta ako, nakakasama ko ‘yung mga idols ko.”
Despite moments of doubt, she kept pushing. “Tinamad na po akong mag singing contest, ayoko na pong sumali, ayoko nang kumanta kasi wala namang nangyayari. Feeling ko, hindi ata ako para rito. Baka may ibang nakalaan para sa akin,” she shared.
But her stint in ‘PBB’ changed everything.
“Ngayon lang po ako na-experience na kahit sino, nakikilala ka. Usually po kasi kapag mga diva-diva, ang nakakakilala lang sa ’yo mga beks, mga mahilig sa diva… So ngayon nakakatuwa po, matanda’t bata, nakikilala na po ako. Tapos basta blonde, feeling nila ako na ‘yon,” she said with a laugh.
“Twelve years na po ako sa showbiz, but never ko na-experience ‘yong ganyan,” Klarisse added, expressing amazement at how much love she’s receiving — even being recognized in public with shouts of “Mowm!” and “OA!”
Her comedic timing and personality inside the PBB house surprised many, including filmmakers. Director Kip Oebanda, a fan of the show, cast her in the upcoming film ‘Bar Boys: After School’, alongside Will Ashley. It’s Klarisse’s first acting project — and one she’s deeply excited about.
“Tuwang-tuwa ako. Ang aga ko pa nga dumating sa set,” she said, thrilled by the new opportunity.
From being the “second option” to becoming a sought-after performer, Klarisse remains grounded. “As long as may work, okay na ako. At hindi naman po talaga ako pinababayaan ng ABS-CBN,” she said.
While she once questioned if music was her true calling, Klarisse is now discovering that her talents may go beyond the stage.
