Coming out as gay on national television while inside the ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ house was an ‘extra challenge’ for actor-director Fifth Solomon.
Fifth became emotional as he looked back on his coming-out journey during his guest appearance on the video podcast ‘Your Honor,’ hosted by his sister Chariz Solomon and co-host Mikoy Morales.
The actor-director admitted that revealing his sexual orientation while being watched by millions of Filipinos was a frightening experience, particularly because he had grown up in a Christian school.
‘Noong umamin ako, parang ano siya, nakakatakot din siya,’ Fifth recalled.
He admitted that it took him two years before he could bring himself to watch the footage of his coming-out moment inside the ‘PBB’ house.
‘Actually after two years ko pa siya napanood, ‘yung video (sa ‘PBB’). Hindi ko siya kaya talaga,’ he said.
Fifth explained that his upbringing made the decision even more difficult, as he was uncertain how people outside the ‘Big Brother’ house would react to his revelation.
‘Lumaki kami sa Born Again school, so parang it was hard for me to come out there. Tapos hindi ko alam anong nangyayari sa labas (ng Big Brother house), mga gano’n. Baka mamaya big deal na siya sa labas,’ he said.
The actor acknowledged that his ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ experience was not all fun and games. Being isolated inside the house while dealing with such a deeply personal revelation also tested his mental and emotional strength.
”Yung ‘PBB’ talaga, masaya siya, pero hindi lang siya puro saya. Masusubok din talaga ‘yung mental and emotional capacity mo,’ Fifth said.
Looking back, however, Fifth believes that overcoming his fear and coming out on national television was ultimately worth it.
‘Pero parang noong una, parang natatakot talaga ako. Ngayon, parang naisip ko na parang worth it siya. At least nag-come out ako sa television, bongga,’ he said.
”Yun ‘yung challenging part, pero after that, okay lang kasi ang dami namang nag-open na doors,’ he added.
Fifth and his twin brother Fourth Solomon both became housemates on ‘Pinoy Big Brother: All In’ in 2014.