It often happens to children of celebrities that they venture into showbiz themselves, following in their parents' footsteps.
There are exceptions, of course. and one of them is Kim Nichole Baranda, the eldest daughter of Phoemela Baranda.
Despite once experiencing the limelight, most notably as a contestant on Pinoy Big Brother: All In in 2014, Kim was not enticed to leave her low-key lifestyle.
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While she has had a few showbiz stints, such as attending events and appearing in an episode of TV5's show For The Love titled "May Minamahal" with Andre Yllana, Kim has largely kept out of the public eye since her PBB days.
"I don't really like being on the limelight actually," she admitted to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview on August 14, 2024.
The interview was held at the grand opening of Vision Express in Podium Mall, Mandaluyong City.
Kim explained that she's always been introverted, even before joining PBB, which is why she doesn’t particularly enjoy being in the limelight.
"Actually, before going into PBB, they would already call me an introvert. Medyo aloof.
"So I think that never really went away. I'm still like that after PBB."
Opting to leave the showbiz scene behind, Kim stressed, "I don't want any showbiz that much."
She is laser-focused on completing her college education and currently in her third year earning a marketing degree, aiming to forge a career in that field.
"Now I'm just doing school. I'm still in college. And hopefully I get a normal job after that.
"I'm still gonna be in the industry of what I'm doing now, which is like Instagram, social media."
KIM NICHOLE BARANDA: THE STRICT ATE
Kim relishes being "ate" to her younger sister, Illy Samantha, Phoemela's three-year-old daughter with boyfriend Jason Choachuy.
She said, "It's really fun. I've been an only child for 22 years and it's really different being an ate now."
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Kim compares her "ate" responsibilities to being a second parent to her younger sister, particularly due to the considerable age difference between them.
"I feel more responsible. I feel like a second parent, actually.
"I think a lot of people who have a big age gap with their brothers and sisters or siblings would relate to what I'm saying.
"That they're gonna be a second parent. And it's fun. It's kinda like practice."
In her role as a second parent, Kim perceives herself as stricter, whereas her mom tends to be more lenient with Illy.
"I'm a strict ate because my mom literally cannot get mad at my little sister.
"But she could get mad at me before when I was young.
"So I think I'm more strict than my mom. I discipline my sister."
Kim added, "The bunso is always the favorite. [It's like they] can never do wrong."
But does Kim ever experience that twinge of jealousy, knowing that the "bunso" is often the favorite?
She answered, "I've been a favorite for 22 years already. So I'm ready to share being the favorite with her."
KIM NICHOLE BARANDA ON PINOY BIG BROTHER: GEN 11
Meanwhile, as a Pinoy Big Brother alumna herself, PEP asked Kim about the current edition of the reality show, dubbed "Gen 11."
Kim shared that she could relate to what the housemates experience inside, having lived inside bahay ni Kuya a decade ago.
However, she observed that the housemates now face significantly more challenges, especially with the influence of social media.
She said, "It's kind of crazy. Sometimes I can relate to what's happening inside the house.
"And other times, I think it's quite different, this season compared to our season. This season, 'Generation 11,' It's more of online.
"So everything can be recorded. People can comment about what you do inside the house.
"Unlike before, in our generation, it was just through cable. So I think it would be harder for them now than in our past."
Kim continued, "And I know they actually can read the comments in the house. So I think it's gonna be tough for them. But I hope they do well."
Although relieved that she avoided the scrutiny of social media during her time in PBB, Kim wished there had been more videos from her season available online for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
She said, "Actually, I was just talking to my friends recently about it... I wouldn't say I was luckier.
"Because now I can't look back at my old episodes and what I do. I don't have that much digital footprint during my PBB days.
"And I really want to reminisce on that. But I only have super little videos left on YouTube."
When asked to share some advice for the current housemates, Kim emphasized the importance of seizing every opportunity that comes their way after the show.
Kim said, "A lot of opportunities are gonna come to you guys. And you guys should take it because it won't last forever.
"And it's really, really hard to get that opportunity again. So just take every opportunity and do the best that you can."
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