Pinoy Big Brother alumna Sofia ‘Fyang’ Smith continues to shine, sharing not just her blessings but also her love for Filipino flavors — most notably, the extra creamy halo-halo of Mang Inasal.
“For me, sobrang nakaka-overwhelm and up until now, hindi pa rin po ako makapaniwala na part na ako ng family ng Mang Inasal,” she shared, expressing her gratitude for being part of the well-loved food chain’s growing family.
(For me, it’s really overwhelming, and up until now, I still can’t believe that I’m part of the Mang Inasal family.)
As someone who values her roots, Fyang makes sure to share every blessing she receives with the people who have supported her from the very beginning — her family.
“Actually, kapag may mga bago po akong blessings, sinishare ko po lagi sa family ko. Of course, sila rin naman po kasi ang number one supporters ko mula noon hanggang ngayong lumaki na ako. So every time na may mga blessings ako, binibigya ko po ang buong family ko,” she said.
(Actually, whenever I receive new blessings, I always share them with my family. Of course, they have been my number one supporters from the start until now, so every time I have something to be thankful for, I always give back to my entire family.)
When it comes to giving back, Fyang prefers a practical approach.
“Sa ngayon, lagi ko po kasi talagang ibinibigay cash lang kasi, hindi po sila into things. Kasi alam ko po na mas kailangan po nila, so cash na lang po para mabili nila iyung mga gusto at kailangan nila sa sarili nila.”
(Right now, I usually just give them cash. They’re not really into material things, and I know they need it more, so I just give them money so they can buy whatever they want or need for themselves.)
Despite her busy schedule, Fyang makes it a point to enjoy simple pleasures. While she used to personally go out for food trips, she now finds convenience in deliveries and bonding at home.
“Actually, nagagawa ko pa naman po siya hanggang sa ngayon. Nagagawa ko pa rin naman po iyung mga ginagawa ko before. Iyun nga lang, medyo mahirap na, so minsan ko na lang talaga siya ginagawa. So more on deliver na lang tapos sa bahay kasama ko ang family ko and mas convenient pa.”
(Actually, I can still do it, but it’s a bit harder now, so I don’t do it as often. I usually just have food delivered, then enjoy it at home with my family—it’s much more convenient.)
Recently Fyang and her on screen partner JM Ibarra had a work trip to Dubai, and though she enjoyed the experience, she couldn’t wait to come home and indulge in a comforting Filipino treat.
“Sobrang nag-enjoy po kami sa Dubai. Nagpunta kami doon for work, na-enjoy po namin siya, and pag-uwing pag-uwi ko, talagang kumain ako ng extra creamy halo-halo. Yes, talagang kumain ako kasi na-miss ko talaga ang pagkaing Pinoy.”
(We had so much fun in Dubai. We went there for work, and we really enjoyed it. But as soon as I got home, I immediately had extra creamy halo-halo because I really missed Filipino food.)
But Fyang isn’t just keeping the deliciousness of Mang Inasal’s halo-halo to herself—she made sure to introduce it to JM, who ended up enjoying it as much as she does.
“Actually, natikman na po niya and approve po sa kaniya. Kahit ako talaga, favorite ko na ang halo-halo ng Mang Inasal, and nung pinatikim ko siya kay JM, nagustuhan po niya.”
(Actually, he already tried it, and he liked it. Even for me, halo-halo from Mang Inasal is really my favorite, and when I let JM try it, he enjoyed it too.)
Despite her growing success, Fyang remains humble. When asked if she had advice for fellow celebrities, who will join in the newest season of Pinoy Big Brother celebrity edition, she was hesitant at first, feeling that those who came before her might already know the ropes.
“Actually, nakakahiya po magbigay ng tips sa mga celebrity kasi mas nauna na sila sa akin, pero nakakahiya. Pero kung magbibigay ako ng tip, siguro po ipakita lang talaga nila kung sino sila, kasi mas mamahalin sila ng tao kung ipapakita nila ang true na ugali nila. And pangit naman kung magpapakaplastic sila.”
(Honestly, it feels a little embarrassing to give advice to celebrities who have been in the industry longer than me. But if I had to share something, I’d say just be yourself. People will love you more if you show your true personality. It wouldn’t feel right to be fake.)
With her authenticity, generosity, and love for Filipino flavors, Sofia ‘Fyang’ Smith continues to win hearts—one halo-halo at a time.