A LOT has changed since the last time I spoke to model-actor Jon Avila, which was right before he entered the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) House to join the 2nd Celebrity Edition of the reality show.

First, his model-friends already know that he has gone “showbiz” and is doing a number of acting jobs. Second, he now welcomes the notion of having a showbiz girlfriend, particularly Mariel Rodriguez, the Pinoy Big Brother host-turned-celebrity guest housemate.

But one thing remains the same: Jon is still the simple guy who dreams and wants to achieve big things.

Congratulations on your successful stint on PBB. How did you find the experience?

I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a life-changing experience. I’m now a different person because of my stay in the house, and I would like to think I’m now a better person because of it. 

What were the most memorable experiences inside the house?

I can’t specify any particular moment, because all of them were very memorable. But I particularly enjoyed the challenges and the Christmas celebration where Kuya gave me my Christmas wish, which was a laptop. I cried for joy. It was really great. 

Any regrets?

Many say I would have made it to the Big 4 if only I didn’t commit the violation (Jon was forcefully evicted out of the house because he was accused of influencing the votes of the other housemates) but I have no regrets. I have become close to the housemates, especially those who remained inside the house when I did the violation. Some even say I should be proud of what I did…. 

And are you?

I can’t say I’m proud because, after all, it’s still a violation of the rules. But that experience taught me a lot. 

So now your friends see you on TV. The last time I spoke to you, they had no idea that you were already acting, that, in fact, you were busy shooting two movies and doing some TV guestings.…

Yup. Now they know. All of them are very supportive. Many of them know how I’ve always wanted to break into the business and now that the opportunity was given to me, they are very happy for me. 

One thing that has also changed in you is your perception of showbiz girls. You were telling me the last time we talked that you are not open to a relationship with someone in the business, too.

Yeah. Things change. That time, I thought showbiz was all about this chaos and having a relationship with someone who is into that, too, may not be for me.  

Let’s set the record straight. Are you single? Because all along, when you were inside the house, I thought you had a girlfriend?

We broke up one week before I entered the house. So now, I’m very open. 

Open to Mariel, right? So what’s next?

I really like her. She’s someone I really like to be with. She’s beautiful, she’s funny and very nice. She has a big heart. 

Again, so what’s next?

It depends on her if she’ll accept me. I’m willing to wait.

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