Carol Batay: PBB's 'conservative pharmacist' turned Chinese interpreter in Senate POGO hearings

"During that time, I was a bit pressured and was pressuring myself to be on top of my class," she said. "We believe that as long as you have a successful education, you'll be successful in life."

Her PBB Wiki entry states that she "strived hard to please her family by graduating with honors and topping the board exam, but she failed in both."

Looking back with a chuckle, Carol believes it wasn't a "total fail" on her part.

"Feeling ko OA (overacting) ang description ko na I failed in both," she said. "The results were good, but maybe not just as high as what I expected."

Why she joined PBB

Carol's reasons for joining PBB were mostly pragmatic. She wanted to fund her medical school right after taking up pharmacy.

"I had a conversation with my father at the time, and he told me won't be able to support my education," she said. "I had to think of a way to support myself."

As she was thinking of ways to earn money, Carol said she saw an ad for the reality show, which stated that the winner would receive P1 million cash, as well as a house and lot, a business package, an Asian tour package, and an LCD television set.

"This will be perfect for my med school," Carol said with a laugh. "I was very idealistic na, 'Mananalo ako, makakapagmedical school ako.'"

But her PBB dreams were dashed, as she got evicted on Day 77 following weeks of getting nominated for eviction.

Upon leaving Bahay ni Kuya, Carol practiced her profession at a pharmaceutical firm for a year.

Language career

As she was busy dealing with medical prescriptions toward the tens, Carol noted that there had been a demand for the Chinese language, so she became a language instructor to Chinese kids as a sideline on weekends.

She noted that in the Chinese community, there are organizations that provide scholars with language courses.

"As it grew and developed, doon ako napunta," she said, adding it wasn't really her career choice but more of a chance encounter.

"Nagmatch lang ang kinakailangan nila sa maiooffer ko," she said, adding she had no "clear defined path" yet at the time.

While most PBB housemates enter showbiz, Carol said she never expected to do the same, especially since she didn't end up as part of the Big Four.

"I couldn't recall why I didn't pursue it though, basta, there were just a lot of things going on," she said. "Maybe I was feeling depressed because I didn't win. I avoided interviews and guesting on television."

Interpreter job

It's only a matter of time before Carol's Chinese language stint would expand.

She recalled someone asking her if she could do interpreter work for a wedding. Her task was to translate English statements for Chinese guests.

"I said I haven't tried it, but I'm willing to try," she said.

More importantly, Carol welcomed the prospect of earning more.

Once she attended the wedding, she got an overview of what it was like to host—another opportunity she'd eventually pursue.

"May nagtanong din sa akin, 'Can you do hosting?'" she said.

From doing wedding events monthly, the demand grew and Carol had to do up to two events per weekend.

"Every weekdays, my tutorials, dumami rin. Di ko na kaya after working hours," she said.

Since she embraced working as a tutor and wedding host, mostly for Chinese weddings, she came up with a strategy to teach on weekdays and host on weekends.

Her career took a shift. From being a pharmacist by profession, she was already accepting events, including corporate ones, even on weekdays. Her interpreter job for businesses also carried on.

More interpreter jobs

As the COVID-19 pandemic put the world to a standstill and suspended all public events, Carol said she found remote interpreter jobs for clients in the United States and the United Kingdom, noting people there needed someone who speaks Chinese, English, and Filipino.

She also did written translation jobs, too.

At the height of the lockdowns, she noted that there were a lot of Chinese getting arrested.

"They need an interpreter for their cases," she said, adding that there are lawyers who are getting her services.

As the restrictions eased and events returned, Carol's clientele grew not only in the Philippines but also abroad.

Last year, she became the live interpreter for mixed martial arts organization ONE Championship.

"Lumaki nang lumaki. That was 15 years," she said. "Mahabang journey siya. Nakakaloka."

Senate hearing

Amid the POGO investigation, Carol said the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality invited her upon the recommendation of a Chinese churchmate and fellow pharmacist.

"'Di ko rin alam bakit ako ang naisip niya," she said. "'Di ako available noong una. Tapos noong nag-reschedule, naging available ako. Parang God's plan talaga."

As a matter of fact, it wasn't her first rodeo for civil service. She was also hired as an interpreter during the Pharmally hearings by one of the resource persons.

Carol said she wasn't expecting the Senate invitation this time around, noting it "is too big for someone small like me."

But she tried anyway.

Ready for any opportunity

Asked about her future plans, Carol said she's also asking the same question.

"It really depends where God will lead me," she said. "We're not really sure kung ano mangyayari in the future. Noong una, plan ko mag-med school. Ang layo, 'di ba."

Though there's nothing specific yet, Carol said she'd be ready for any opportunity that arises.

"Instead of planning, I have to prepare. I have to be equipped with the necessary skills," she said, adding she continues studying Chinese used in different areas of expertise. She also watches world news a lot and immerses herself in World Englishes.

Additionally, she's on the lookout for opportunities in interpreter groups of different countries.

"There's a lot of preparation that I'm doing and I'm not sure where it will lead me," Carol said. "But I'm sure it will be a good one."