Aside from winning in Pinoy Big Brother Double Up, Melisa "Melai" Cantiveros also managed to win the heart of her fellow housemate Jason Francisco. Melai recalled that she and Jason officially became a couple on February 8, 2010. Viewers were enamored by the couple and even dubbed them as the "Melason" love team.
During the press conference of the Big Five held last night, February 15, at the PBB house in Quezon City, Melai and Jason were seated together as the media interviewed them about their romance that blossomed under the watchful eyes of Big Brother and the viewing public.
Joining them that night were runners-up Paul Jake Castillo, Johan Santos, and Tibo Jumalon.
PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked the couple to reveal their Valentine's gifts to each other. Melai replied that her gift was the bracelet that Jason was wearing on his right arm.
"Hindi pa po kasi kami nakakalabas talaga so ang ibinigay sa akin ng friends ko, yun yung binigay ko sa kanya. Boyfriend ko na siya, so member na rin siya ng women empowerment [group]. Gawa po ito ng group ko sa Gen San," said Melai.
Jason said that his gift for Melai is a Spongebob stuffed toy because it is her favorite. "Plano ko rin po puntahan siya sa [General Santos City] sa birthday niya."
There have been rumors circulating that the two will appear in Ai-Ai delas Alas's movie under Star Cinema but Melai and Jason were quick to point out that they have not yet been informed about it. But they would be more than happy to take part in the project if it were offered to them.
SCRIPTED LOVE TEAM? Some people are skeptical about their love team, prompting a member of the press to ask if anyone instructed Melai and Jason to become a love team while inside the PBB house.
"Wala pong nag-utos sa amin," said Melai. "Hindi naman kami scripted. Ang hirap naman kung scripted."
Jason explained, "Bakit naman magkakaganun, e, hindi nga po namin alam na kami'y nagiging love team na pala? Ako, suporta lang ako sa kanya. Naging best friend kami hanggang sa naging kami... Apat na buwan, matagal na rin yun para mapakita kung ano ka talaga."
Did Melai intend to look for a boyfriend while inside the PBB house?
"Hindi ko po intention yun pero kasi ang daming guwapong housemate naman talaga sa loob. Ang una kong crush ay si Kenny [Ortega, one of the twins]. Ang naging second crush ko ay si Paul Jake kasi para siyang si Sir Carlo [of Lovers in Paris]. Pero nalaman ko na three years na pala sila ng girlfriend niya kaya nalugmok ako. Hindi ko talaga naging crush si Jason kasi maliit lang siyang lalaki," she said.
But Melai had a boyfriend before entering the PBB house. Melai's boyfriend Roy was allowed to talk to Melai inside the PBB house to put an end to their relationship, but there was no formal breakup between the two.
VIRGINITY. During the general press conference, the topic of Melai's virginity came up and the PBB Big Winner did not shy away from answering the question.
Is she still a virgin?
"Noon po, pero ngayon hindi na!" she said without batting an eyelash. "Second year college po yun, binigay ko na ang aking kabuaan, pero hindi naman talaga ako easy girl. I think 19 years old ako nun."
How many boyfriends did she have in the past?
"Seven po, pang-eight si Jason," Melai said.
Is Jason shocked by Melai's public declaration that she is no longer a virgin?
"Ganito po kasi yun, bago pa kami naging kami, ang dami na niyang naikuwento sa akin. Kahit mga kaibigan niya, naikuwento na niya sa akin. Kaya marami na akong alam sa kanya kasi madaldal nga po siya," he said.
Does he get jealous when he sees male fans who admire Melai?
"Hindi naman po sa pagmamayabang, pero alam ko na sa akin na talaga sa akin si Isay," Jason confidently said.
JEALOUSY TURNS TO LOVE. PEP later asked Jason, when did he realize that he was in love with Melai?
"Nung pumasok ako sa kabilang bahay at nakilala ko si Mariel [Sorino]. Paglipat ko sa kabila, sabi niya sa akin, 'Ang ganda ni Mariel.' Sabi ko, 'Oo, ang ganda ni Mariel.' Naging crush ko si Mariel tapos nung nagkukuwento na ako tungkol kay Mariel, naiba na siya [Melai] ng salita. Nagseselos, a!. Tapos nilalambing ko... Pero ako kasi, ayoko talaga ng magaganda kasi baka ako ay lokohin.
"Maganda naman si Isay, kulang lang sa pag-aayos 'yan! Pero minsan pag nagme-makeup siya, sinasabi ko, 'Isay, hindi ikaw 'yan. Sobrang kapal.' Gusto ko simple lang, parang kay Maja Salvador," Jason said.
Does he want to change anything about Melai or does he accept everything about her?
"Sa ugali...di ko tanggap lahat po," he admitted. "Kasi may mga bagay na di dapat sinasabi pero sinasabi niya. Yung mga maselan at dapat kayong dalawa lang nakakaalam, naku si Isay, talagang pag nakakuwentuhan mo, naku masasabi na niya lahat, e. Lagi ko siyang pinagsasabihan, pero di naman nakikinig."
Would it be okay with him if Melai undergoes some changes in her body?
"Sabi niya [ipapayos raw niya ang] ngipin saka gusto niya magpaputi. Okay lang sa akin basta huwag lang mag-iba ang mukha niya, baka hindi ko na makilala," Jason answered.
Does he get tired of her motor mouth?
"Minsan po. Nalayo na lang ako. Parang armalite, e," said Jason with a smile.
But the Boy Astig ng Mindoro also had sweet words for his beloved: "Ang pangako ko po sa kanya, lagi niyang isipin na pagkatiwalaan niya ako kasi ako malaki ang tiwala ko sa kanya. Yun ang importante."
