Get To Know: James

Nickname: James Status: In House Real Name: Robert James Reid Origin: Australia Age: Birthdate: May 11 Nationality: Half-Australian, Half-Filipino Occupation: Civil Status: Single Religion: Hobbies: Swimming, Music, Going to the beach Favorite Color: Favorite Food: Sinigang Favorite Show: Favorite Actor: Favorite Actress: Favorite Singer:

Nag-aaral na si James nang lumipat silang mag-ama dito sa Pilipinas. Sa isang regular school siya pumasok, pero nahirapan siyang makapag-adjust academically kaya naman ipinasok siya ng kanyang Australian father sa isang distant-learning center. Dahil sa kanyang mestizo looks maraming humahanga dito kay James pero may mga pagkakataong nakukulang pa rin s’ya ng lakas ng loob. At ito’y sa pagkakataon kailangan ‘yang magsalita sa harap ng maraming tao. Kapag kinakailangan n’yang magsalita in public, nagkakaroon s’ya ng mental block at di makapagsalita. Maraming Pinoy friends si James, pero sapat na kaya ang pagiging pala-kaibigan ng binata para makapag-adjust siya sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya, o tulad ng kanyang pag-aaral ay kinakailangan niya ng special attention?

Of Jackaroos and “Pinoy Ako” performances

Of Jackaroos and “Pinoy Ako” performances

On their first day inside the PBB house, the Teenternational housemates were welcomed by Big Utol’s candid banter. He gave three of them – Carson, James and Bret – several to-do’s inside the Villa household, where they pretended to be foreign backpackers. They were able to accomplish all but one of their tasks. According to the deal made with Big Utol, one of their housemates would carry the consequence should they fail, and fail they did at leaving souvenirs. They decided that Jack seemed the most able to deal with anything, and fortunately, he was game to do so. Appropriate to the failed task, Jack was chosen to play the part of a human souvenir. Soon enough, he was Jackaroo: Jack outfitted as a kangaroo. To complete the outfit, he needed someone to play the joey (baby kangaroo) in his belly pouch, and he chose James. The two had to hop around until the rest of the house accomplished the task. Ryan, the Korean housemate who claims to be Pinoy at heart, belts out his version of “Pinoy Ako”, and took Kuya’s fancy. His task, then, was to teach the rest of the household the song and if Kuya was pleased with their performance of it, then the hopping of Jackaroo and James would come to an end. Ryan made a second attempt at singing the PBB teens theme song, and despite the mangled lyrics, Kuya was satisfied. With a routine that ended with the girls in various gymnastic poses, the Apartment Teens were able to deliver and the two housemates were set free.
The Teenternational housemates, all of whom have stayed in the Philippines for quite a while, also engaged in a discussion of Filipino culture, good and bad. Among the things that they liked were the Pinoys’ openness, optimism and friendliness. On the downside, though, Pinoys could lessen the unwarranted discrimination, develop cultural pride, nationalism and love of the native tongue.
Would it take the Teenternational housemates to develop a sense of being Filipino in the Pinoy housemates? Maybe it’s a wake-up call for all teenage Pinoys. What does it truly mean to be Pinoy at heart?

Brett, Carson and James play foreign backpackers

Brett, Carson and James play foreign backpackers

The Teenternational Housemate’s cheer gave them away. As the new Apartment teens were polishing their team cheer, Kazel, who was inside the Confession Room, overheard the noise and couldn’t wait to report back to the others. This led to further speculations and concerns that made Big Utol decide to arrange an initial meeting. On their first day in the Apartment, the Teenternational Housemates diligently set to work. First thing they did was to grab cleaning materials and attended to household chores. How domesticated! A bit later, Big Utol summoned half of the group and sent three housemates on a visit to the Villa. Brett, Carson and James were chosen to go in, while Ann and Richard were to assist them in getting ready. They had to play the role of foreign backpackers, and had to look as if they had been on the road for a month. With dirt and mussed up hair, the three got their disheveled looks down pat. They had specific tasks to fulfill: pretend that they did not understand Tagalog or Visayan, take a bath, share a meal, borrow stuff and give souvenirs.
In the Villa, the girls were given a heads up on their coming visitors. On Big Utol’s instructions, only the girls were allowed to welcome their guests, so the boys had no choice but to stay locked up in their room. The girls preened and the boys sulked, territorial feelings set in. Brett, Carson and James arrived, and the girls were all on hand to cater to their every need. Full marks for the tasks given! Brett set the girls’ hearts a-flutter with his serenade, plus all three boys made for really sweet eye candy. As for the Villa boys, they just had to make do with having their ears stuck to the door in a feeble attempt to eavesdrop. Long after the Teenternational Housemates have gone, the boys still carried the blow to their ego, feeling bad that “their girls” were being charmed by the “enemy”. They tried doing push-ups and showing off their manly charms, but the girls still gabbed on. Did the Teenternational Housemates unwittingly formed opponents in the Villa?
Just how long will this clash continue? What other twists are in store between the two houses? Watch out and don’t miss out!