Actress-singer Maymay Entrata opened up about her personal struggles during the “Star Magic Spotlight” press conference held last Friday, April 11. Speaking candidly, the 27-year-old revealed that both her mother and grandmother are currently facing serious health issues.
In an interview with DJ JhaiHo, Maymay shared that her mother, who resides in Japan, is battling cancer, while her grandmother — whom she lovingly calls Nanay — is also facing health problems and was recently rushed to the hospital in Cagayan.
“Mama Ludy (her grandmother) nasa Cagayan siya. Tuloy tuloy ang treatment nya. Tsaka yung Nanay ko. Sabay sila… ‘Yung totoo galing lang ako sa hospital. Pabalik balik lang kami. Please kapag sasabihin ko to sasabihin ko ito, huwag nyo akong kaawaan. I just need your prayers… Ayoko mag open up kasi ayoko ‘yung may awa kayo sa akin… ‘Yung nanay ko po matagal na may cancer. Almost two years na. Kaya pabalik balik ako ng Japan. Isa sa pinapasalamatan ko nakauwi siya two months ago. Everyday tine take time ko hangga’t maaari kasama siya. Kagabi lang, sinugod na naman namin siya sa ospital.” Despite the emotional and physical toll, Maymay expressed her unwavering dedication to being there for her both.
“Andito ako sa point na hangga’t may oras ako na makapiling ko ‘yung dalawang nanay ko, gagawin ko — palipad-lipad man ako sa Cagayan de Oro o Japan, paulit-ulit gagawin ko po. Sobrang mahal na mahal ko po sila. Sobrang hirap kasi sabay yung dalawang nanay ko na nagkasakit. Pero praise God talaga dahil sa support ng friends ko,” she said in tears.
These personal challenges, she admitted, are the reason she has been less visible in the public eye over the past few years. However, there’s a bright spot amidst the hardship: Maymay was recently chosen to perform the Filipino version of Disney’s iconic “Snow White” theme song, titled “Nasaan ang Hiling?”
“Una, nung sinabi sa’kin, talagang hindi ako makapaniwala. Hindi nagsi-sink in sa’kin. Tapos pangalawa, sabi ko, ‘Magiging princess ako?!’ And knowing Disney, alam natin lahat ‘yan — lahat ng mga Disney princesses, very timeless ‘yung story nila. And for me to be a part of it… talagang dream come true talaga sa’kin,” she recalled.
Maymay also shared a message of support and hope for the “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” housemates, encouraging understanding and compassion.
“Sino ba naman po tayo para hindi bigyan ng chance ‘yung mga taong nagkakasala? Hindi rin tayo perpekto. Sa madaling salita, sana instead of pulling people down, why not just help each other up to be better?”
Alongside her music and acting career, Maymay has several upcoming projects in the pipeline. She is set to star in Netflix’ “Happy Crush,” directed by Carlo Catu. She’s also preparing to release her new album “Reborn,” which includes the single “Paradise” and an original track she wrote during a recent international music camp.
The album, she explained, is deeply personal.
“Yung ‘Reborn’ hindi lang siya title — parang ‘remember me’ ba doon sa darkest moments na pinagdaanan ko, na kaya ko pa rin pala bumangon despite all of that, kaya ko pa rin pala mabuo ulit ‘yung sarili ko,” she said.
Maymay rose to fame as the Big Winner of “Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7” in 2016, and has since built a successful career as a recording artist, actress, host and model. Known for her breakout hit “Amakabogera,” she continues to prove her resilience and strength off-screen.
“May limitation yung patience natin, may limitation ‘yung kasiyahan natin… hindi laging ok lahat… And wish ko kahit ano trials sa buhay ko, I will choose to be happy. I will always choose to be hopeful, I will always choose to hindi susuko,” she said.
