Shuvee Etrata: From aspiring doctor to PBB's 'Island Ate ng Cebu'

When Shuvee Etrata told her family she wanted to be an actress, her mother Jorena was initially apprehensive about the career shift. She couldn't recall a time when Shuvee had shown interest in showbiz as a child, as she had long been determined to become a doctor and possibly work overseas.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

"When Shuvee started her journey as an artista, I was worried as a mother if she could handle Manila, especially since we will be separated from each other," Jorena told The FREEMAN in a phone interview.

Shuvee, 23, is best known as one of the hosts of GMA's morning show "Unang Hirit." She's had a few acting stints, most notably in "Hearts on Ice" as Kring-Kring, a supporting character alongside her close friend and lead star Ashley Ortega. She also used to be a pageant regular, most recent of which was Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2022, where she represented Bantayan Island.

With these experiences, Jorena is now confident that Shuvee can thrive in tinseltown. She no longer feels nervous about her daughter becoming a housemate on "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition," where she will be seen by the public 24/7 through livestreams.

"In the two years we were apart, I can see how much Shuvee can carry herself," she said. "She is quite clear on what she wants to do, and she was able to prove herself."

Shuvee has been given the title "Ang Island Ate ng Cebu" one that her mother fully supports, given her daughter's deep roots in Bantayan Island.

"When she was still little and my mom was still alive, her heart was really for the island. She lives up to that title and it shows in her personality," Jorena continued.

- From medicine to showbiz -

Before she was signed to Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Shuvee rose to popularity as a social media content creator, amassing nearly 3 million followers on Tik Tok and almost 200,000 on Instagram.