Get to know Sofia 'Fyang' Smith, the feisty yet bubbly 'Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11' Big Winner
With her charisma and unapologetically true self, Sofia “Fyang” Smith has made her mark in the famous “Bahay ni Kuya” after being hailed as the big winner of the Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 edition.
During her 14-week stay in the house, Fyang, the “amakabogerang influencer ng Mandaluyong,” brought her bubbly personality and strong opinions to the Pinoy Big Brother house. She quickly became a fan favorite, but her fiery personality also led to a few heated exchanges with her fellow housemates.
But on Oct. 26, the 18-year-old claimed the coveted title of Big Winner, capturing the hearts of the nation with a staggering 30.66% of the votes.
“I want to thank everyone who [has been] supporting me since Day 1,” Fyang said during the Big Night. “I did it…I love you guys so much.” She took home a P1 million cash prize and a brand-new house and lot.
Completing the all-women top four housemates are Rain Celmar who was named as the 2nd big placer (26.05% votes), Kolette Madelo as the 3rd big placer (25.91% votes), and Kai Manitola as the 4th big placer (17.38% votes). Each big placer also received a roundtrip travel package for two to South Korea, and a three-month LazAffiliates ambassador contract worth P400,000 each.
While fans excitedly wait on what’s in store for Fyang outside the PBB house, get to know her better below:
She is not shy from the spotlight
Before starting her journey in the reality show, Fyang has been handling fame as a social media influencer with her content about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
She previously shared in the confession room that she started creating content at the age of 16. Sharing her purpose in pursuing this career, Fyang reminisced how they used to struggle financially.
“’Yung mommy ko lagi pa nun nangungutang sa tindahan para lang may makain, umabot pa nun sa point na asin na lang ‘yung ulam. Kaya siguro pinush ko ‘yung sarili ko, para hindi na maulit ‘yung mga ganung pangyayari sa buhay namin,” Fyang said.
Being a social media influencer allowed her to provide financially for her studies and her family.
The views on her TikTok videos go up to 14.5 million, even those uploaded way back in 2020. From 5.9 million, she now has 9.9 million followers on the app. She also has 1.5 million followers on Instagram and 170,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel.
Shoes and perfume are her favorite things
If there are two things to remember Fyang, it would be her collection of perfume and shoes, specifically Nike Jordans.
Outside her life on social media, this Laguna-raised influencer loves to unwind with a good movie or simply watch the sunrise and sunset.
A true ambivert, she has a soft spot for steak and the color black.
She is not afraid to speak her mind
Compared to past editions, Fyang is one of the few big winners with a strong personality.
Fyang's straightforward and sometimes confrontational behavior led to early clashes with her housemates. In the early days of the show, her strong personality and clingy nature, particularly towards JM Ibarra, resulted in seven nominations for eviction.
During the hot seat before the big night, Fyang addressed the issues by answering questions from her co-placers, including her being “disrespectful,” and stubborn.
“Sa tingin ko the way na sinasabi ng iba na disrespectful ako, is hindi lang kayo sanay na ganun ako magsalita. Iba iba tayo ng kinalakihan,” she said. “Sa tingin ko karapat dapat pa rin ako maging big winner kasi although hindi siya disrespectful per nagawa kong mag-adjust, nagawa kong baguhin paano ako magsalita,” Fyang added.
When asked about why she continued being too clingy to others despite knowing that it was affecting her suitor in the outside world, she said, “’Cause that’s the real Fyang, if hindi ko siya gagawin, magpapaka-plastik ako.”
