What Is ‘Pechayan’ In Big Brother’s House?

First posted 00:13am (Mla time) May 18, 2006
By Bayani San Diego Jr. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on Page A2-2 of the May 18, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

WHAT is “pechayan?” That’s the term for “flirting” in Big Brother’s house.

Lauren Dyogi, director of ABS-CBN’s reality show, has expressed alarm over the teen housemates’ preoccupation with romantic affairs. “Hopefully, we’ll get to see different [relationship] dynamics in the coming weeks,” Dyogi said. “We don’t want to dwell on crushes.”

According to “Pinoy Big Brother” resident psychologist Randy Dellosa, couplings are inevitable. “[But] I wish they’d focus more on friendship, which is longer-lasting and a good foundation for romantic relationships.”

Dellosa corrected the impression that housemate Fred Payawan—booted on Saturday, the third eviction night, along with Joaqui Mendoza—had wanted to leave the house to join his rumored girlfriend and (earlier) evicted housemate Niña Jose. “She wasn’t a strong enough reason,” Dellosa told Inquirer Entertainment in a phone interview. “Fred still wanted to stay in the game.”

Meanwhile, there’s a budding romance between Matt Evans and Olyn Membian.

Some problems can’t be solved by romance, though.

Jamilla Obispo, Dellosa noted, is not about to quit even if she misses her 11-month-old son, Miggy. “She only needs to be reminded that she’s in the house precisely for her family—to help them financially,” the counselor said.

Speaking of family, Dellosa said he has a line that he throws to housemates who complain of homesickness: “You may miss your family, but they don’t miss you because they see you on television 24-7.”

Battle of sexes?

Meanwhile, there seems to be a battle of the sexes in the now-famous house on Mother Ignacia Avenue.

The boys suffered two losses when Fred and Joaqui were booted; Clare Cabiguin and Jamilla, nominees for eviction, were saved by text voters.

On air, Mikee Lee and Matt put it this way: “Nauubos tayo (We’re being depleted).”

Clare still feels intimidated by the boys. “She didn’t like Joaqui,” Dellosa said. “The guys had accepted him, but the girls always thought he was arrogant.”

He said Fred, Joaqui, Clare and Jamilla had all been prepared for the worst.

“They knew they were helpless because it was up to the viewers,” Dellosa said. “I asked what image they wanted to project if they were evicted. They all said they wanted to remain the same.”

On Saturday, two more housemates will leave the house. Included in the nominees’ list announced last Sunday were Matt, Mikee and Olyn.

The remaining housemates met with Dellosa last week for their regular counseling session, during which they threshed out several issues.

Dellosa surmised that Bam Romana’s forced eviction two weeks ago had “corrected the housemates’ rebellious attitude” and curbed violations of the rules.