In a season filled with big personalities and celebrity names, two proud Bisaya stood out, not because of grand connections or flashy resources, but because of heart, grit, and authenticity. Meet Chares, the duo of Charlie and Esnyr, who made history as the first pair to enter the Big 4 of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition.
Charlie Fleming is a Bisaya-British beauty with a heart as big as her dreams. Her father is British and her mother hails from Cagayan de Oro City. At just 16, Charlie took on the responsibility of being her family’s breadwinner. She was discovered by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and quickly made waves as one of the most cheerful and charming members of Sparkle Teens. A natural singer and dancer, Charlie’s talents brought light into the PBB house. Though she was the youngest among the housemates, even nicknamed “masyadong bata”, she proved her resilience. After an early eviction, she fought her way back as a wildcard and ultimately made it to the Big 4. Despite being one of the last duos formed, Charlie and Esnyr used that as fuel to bring their shared story, Bisaya pride, and unshaken determination to the forefront.
Esnyr Ranollo, on the other hand, rose to fame during the pandemic through his viral and relatable TikTok skits about school and everyday life. His humor, creativity, and knack for capturing the quirks of Filipino culture earned him millions of followers. Behind the laughs, however, is a story of grit. Esnyr opened up about his family’s financial struggles, which pushed him to work harder and provide for them. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, landing him a spot in Star Magic Talent, roles in Shake, Rattle and Roll Extreme, Balota, and now, the PBB house. Inside, he became the house’s main source of laughter, bringing his online characters to life. While he admittedly struggled in physical challenges, he never failed to stay authentic, a quality that endeared him to housemates and spared him from nominations throughout the season.
Together, Chares defines the Cebuano spirit: palaban, determinado, and proud. Both faced criticism and doubts, but continued to rise above every challenge. More than just a duo, they became symbols of hope for dreamers who come from humble beginnings. It’s no surprise that their housemates chose them as among the most deserving for the Big 4.
They may not have the resources to buy votes or launch massive campaigns, but what they do have is authenticity, heart, and the unrelenting drive to fight for their families and roots. And sometimes, those are the qualities that make a true Big Winner.
