Shuvee Etrata on Forgiveness, Family Trauma, and Building a Better Life

Ex-Pinoy Big Brother housemate Shuvee Etrata admits that unresolved family issues with her parents hindered her in the past. Now, she’s using her pain as fuel to build a better future — not for herself, but for her siblings

GMA Sparkle actress Shuvee Etrata has been busy since stepping out of the Pinoy Big Brother house. From brand endorsements to guest appearances, the rising actress is in demand.

Behind her bubbly, no-holds-barred persona, Shuvee carries deep-rooted family struggles. In a vlog with friend Ashley Ortega and Vice Ganda, the Island Girl of Cebu admitted that she had long-standing issues with her parents, and that her siblings are what keep her going.

Shuvee’s Past and Family Dynamics

In the interview, Shuvee described growing up in what she called a “dysfunctional” family. Her father, she shared, had no steady work, while her mother, she recalled, was busy bearing children one after another. Shuvee is the eldest of nine siblings.

Her mom’s decisions, she admitted, caused her deep resentment.

“ Kasi nung [may edad na ako] bakit ba kaming ginawang siyam? Lima pa lang kami nung tapos nag-anak pa sila nang nag-anak,” she shared.

“Never po silang tumigil. Iyon yung bubog ko. Nakapagpatawad na naman ako sa loob ng Bahay ni Kuya. Naging way po yung Bahay ni Kuya.”

Shuvee explained that it was during her time inside the Pinoy Big Brother house that she began to let go of that emotional baggage. One of her most emotional moments came when she received a letter from her father — a moment that triggered both pain and clarity.

Vice Ganda, listening to Shuvee’s story, shared a powerful reflection on how society often places the burden of respect solely on children when, in fact, parents must also earn and model it.

“Sa lipunan, mas nirerequire yung mga anak na mahiya sa mga magulang nila. Pero ang mga magulang, dapat mahiya din sa mga anak nila,” Vice said. “Lalo na pag bata ka pa at wala ka pang kakayahan na buhayin ang sarili mo, naka-angkla ka sa mga magulang mo. Naka-depende yung uri ng buhay mo kung anong uri ng buhay ang ibibigay sa iyo ng mga magulang mo.”

Screenshot from Vice Ganda YouTube Channel

Her Siblings Serve as Her Motivation

Despite her difficult relationship with her parents, Shuvee said she still chooses to honor them. But it’s her siblings who give her life direction.

“Gusto ko ibigay sa kanila yung buhay na deserve nila,” she explained.

“’Yun yung fire ko para mas galingan dito sa outside world, sa mga nagtu-trust sa akin. Bigyan ko lang sila ng bahay — na pwedeng sabihin na sa kanila.”

She admits that taking on this responsibility has hurt her health. But she’s grateful for her friend Ashley Ortega, who helped her through the darkest days.

“She made me a better person,” Shuvee said of her friend and housemate. “If it weren’t for her, baka bumalik na ako sa isla.” 

Screenshot from Vice Ganda YouTube Channel

Thinking Twice About Parenthood

Vice asked Shuvee if she sees herself becoming a parent someday. Her answer was raw and honest.

“Ganun yung level na trauma yung nabigay ng parents ko sa akin.Sabi nila, ‘hindi nabibili ng pera ang kasiyahan.’ Pero para sa akin, nabibili iyon — kasi ang hirap ng buhay,” she said

Although her upbringing was traumatic, Shuvee says it’s helped her think more critically about the kind of parent she might want to be — or whether she wants children at all.

Choosing Forgiveness for Herself

Today, Shuvee says she’s still healing. But she’s made the conscious decision to forgive — not for her parents’ sake, but for her peace of mind.

“ Kung dala-dala ko iyon [sama ng loob], ang bigat. Kaya ang sabi ko, forgive na natin.”

“ Ang importante ay ang buhay para sa mga kapatid ko. Mas-dinavert ko na lang energy ko doon. So if you ask about my relationship [with my parents], hindi pa ganun ka-okay pero, it’s getting better.”

We All Can Relate to Shuvee’s Story

Even as Shuvee thrives in her showbiz career, she acknowledges that the wounds of her childhood still resurface. Healing isn’t linear, and that’s okay.

For parents out there, her story is a powerful reminder: how you treat your children becomes the blueprint for how they’ll treat others — and maybe even themselves — in the future.

There will always be challenges, but listening to your children, truly listening, is one of the first steps toward healing and breaking cycles.

More on Family Trauma

Trauma Bonding: When Our Trauma Becomes The Core of Our Parenting
How To Break and Heal from Generational Trauma
Role Reversal: When Children “Raise” Their Parents