Standing tall: Charlie Fleming opens up on ‘PBB’ journey, Ivana Alawi clash

At just 16 years old, Charlie Fleming entered Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition as the youngest among the 20 housemates — but age didn’t stop her from proving that she belonged. Representing Sparkle GMA, the Kapuso teen quickly became a standout in Kuya’s house, eventually landing a spot in the coveted Big 4 and sharing the 3rd Big Placer title with her final duo partner, Kapamilya content creator Esnyr Ranollo.

Now, fresh from her remarkable PBB stint, the “Bubbly Bread-Teener ng Cagayan de Oro” is putting her wit, candor, and proud Bisaya roots on full display as the newest guest on Kuan On One — the well-loved Bisaya vodcast hosted by Melai Cantiveros.

A dream fulfilled — at the last minute

In her episode, Charlie revealed that her entry into PBB almost didn’t happen — not because of talent, but because of her age. “Nag-last-minute audition ako,” she shared. Sparkle had difficulty finding one last housemate, and despite being only 16, Charlie’s maturity and charm helped her secure the spot.

When asked what she felt upon entering the famous blue and yellow house, she recalled thinking, “Sumakses na ako!” It was a full-circle moment for Charlie, who had been a PBB fan since watching PBB Otso in 2018.

Adjusting to life inside the House

What surprised Charlie most wasn’t the lack of clocks (as Melai recalled from her own season) — it was the fact that everyone else was in their 20s or older, including Kapamilya singer Klarisse de Guzman, who is 33. “Akala ko may ka-age ako. Wala pala,” she said.

Despite being the bunso, Charlie held her ground. From completing physical tasks to navigating emotional challenges, she managed to win over her housemates — and the audience.

But her toughness was most apparent during the viral Week 1 clash with Ivana Alawi, the show’s first celebrity guest.

The chicken incident that sparked a storm

Charlie recounted the now-infamous misunderstanding that started when she threw away a piece of fried chicken that fell on the floor. Ivana, Klarisse, and Ashley Ortega believed it could’ve still been cooked and weren’t pleased with Charlie’s actions. Things escalated further when Charlie — soaking wet from an outdoor task — ignored their calls and walked into the house, prompting Ivana to confront her about her attitude.

Instead of defending herself, Charlie chose not to explain.

“Hindi na ako nag-explain. Kung ‘yon ang tingin nila sa akin, in-accept ko na lang,” she said in Bisaya.

She admitted she was hurt by being called “disrespectful,” but said she would have understood better if her housemates had communicated more clearly. In the end, she chose to adjust, recognizing that her strong personality may have overwhelmed them.

Her self-awareness paid off. As the season progressed, Charlie became closer to her housemates, eventually earning their immunity during the first nomination week — a sign of respect and acceptance.

“At least first week pa lang, nagpakatotoo na ako,” she said. “Nakita na nila kung ano talaga ‘yung ugali ko.”

An unforgettable eviction

Charlie also shared a behind-the-scenes moment from the night of her eviction. She and Kira Balinger, her partner at the time, were voted out — but not before several housemates gave her heartfelt farewells.

She laughed as she remembered a funny twist: “May limang housemates na lumapit at nagsabing, ‘You’re safe! Hindi ka lalabas!’ Tapos kami ni Kira ang na-evict!”

Despite the early exit, Charlie looks back on her PBB journey with gratitude and pride. From last-minute auditionee to Big 4 finisher, she proved that even the youngest voice in the room can be the strongest — when it speaks with honesty, humility, and heart.