Melai Troubled by Her Poor English Grammar

MANILA, Philippines – It may not be too obvious to viewers, but Melisa “Melai” Cantiveros, Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Double Up Big Winner, is also bothered by her poor grasp of the English language.

The 21-year-old undergrad student from General Santos City took up Bachelor of Education major in English at the Mindanao State University to perfect her skill. But a lot still needs to be done for her to speak the language fluently, she said.

She said she is nervous that her professors might get infuriated every time they see her on television bungling her English.

"Magaling talagang magturo ang mga teacher doon kaya nga ako nag-aral ng major in English para matuto ako. Kaya lang ngayon hindi pa ako natututo kaya kailangan ko ng matuto," Cantiveros said.

Cantiveros, the "Inday Kengkay of GenSan," has often been ridiculed by her inability to speak straight English.

"Alam niyo sa written okay lang pero pag-iisipan ko pa talaga. Pero kapag tanungan na talaga doon ako nara-rattle sa English," Cantiveros added.

Cantiveros was named PBB’s Big Winner during the show's finale at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on February 13.

Garnering the highest text votes of 32.08%, Melai took home P1 million cash prize, P2.5 million worth of house and lot, a water refilling station franchise, and a 40-inch LCD TV screen among other prizes. Her chosen charity group also received P1 million.

Pokwang loves to work with Melai

Meanwhile, host-comedienne Pokwang said she is willing to work with Cantiveros, who is perceived by many as her rival in the comedy department.

"Sa tingin ko mukhang masarap siyang kasama at mukhang masayahing bata naman siya. Looking forward to work with her kung anuman ang trabahong yon," Pokwang told “SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon.”

Pokwang, one of “Wowowee’s” female hosts, said Cantiveros reminds her of herself when she was still starting in show business. "’Yong napaka-hyper na magsalita. Dati ganyan ako na sobrang bilis kong magsalita.”

On Monday Cantiveros downplayed persistent talk that she will eventually outshine comedianne Pokwang.

Cantiveros, whose loud and bubbly personality earned her the moniker “Inday Kengkay ng GenSan,” pointed out that Pokwang is already an established comedienne in the industry. Thus, she said, it is impossible for her to become a threat to Pokwang’s career.

"Ano parang bomb threat? Hindi naman ako bomb threat? Siyempre ibang level naman si Pokwang. Nahihiya naman ako. Bakit naman ako ang threat? I can't believe it,” Cantiveros told abs-cbnNEWS.com.