Joaquin Arce, 3rd Big Placer of "Pinoy Big Brother: Collab 2.0" during his appearance on "Oh My Gan." ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Learning Filipino Sign Language (FSL) during his stint in "Pinoy Big Brother: Collab 2.0" was special for rising star Joaquin Arce, who revealed that he is deaf in his right ear.
"Deaf people and the deaf community have a special place in my heart because I, too, am deaf in my right ear," Arce revealed during an appearance on "Oh My Gan."
According to Arce, he has been deaf in his right ear since birth, though his parents only discovered it when he was around four years old.
"Since I was born, bingi ako sa kanan kong tenga," he said. "Nalaman lang ng magulang ko no'ng napansin nila na lagi akong lumilingon kapag nandito sila."
READ: Joaquin Arce reveals why he’s learning sign language
He recalled how his mother noticed that he would consistently turn in a certain direction whenever she called him, eventually leading them to have his hearing checked by doctors.
Arce said his condition is "unfixable," but he stressed that he has long embraced this part of himself and does not see it as a negative.
He has also not worn hearing aids. "And honestly, I embrace my impairment, if I would even call it that," he said.
For Arce, his deafness is simply part of what makes him who he is.
"You asked me a while ago, what makes me unique? And what makes me unique is me," he said. "And part of me is this. And I embrace it. And I like it."
He also shared that he is comfortable enough with the topic that he can joke about it with friends.
"It's not really a sensitive topic to me," he said. "I embrace it as well."
Inside the PBB house, Arce and the other housemates learned FLS -- an experience that resonated with him. Not only did he learn a new language, he also developed a stronger connection to the deaf community in the Philippines.
Arce also prefers FSL to American Sign Language, because it is rooted in Filipino communication and identity.
"Filipino siya. Filipino na sign language," Joaquin said. "Kasi meron 'yung ASL, which is like English. 'Yung FSL, kasi dito ako sa Pilipinas."
In his appearance on "Oh My Gan," Arce demonstrated several signs, including "yes," "goodbye," "thank you," "birthday," "colors," and "inspire," while explaining how precise hand movement matters in sign language.
"You have to be super specific," he said.
Although he describes his current knowledge as basic, Joaquin said he hopes to use what he has learned in more meaningful ways moving forward. He also revealed that he is interested in getting involved in charities and advocacy work connected to the community.
"I want to get into 'yung mga charities. And like, I'm actively trying to find a way," he said.
Arce also shared the significance of having a sign name, which he described as something "honored" to a person by members of the signing community.
"It's like a medal," he said.
As he opens up more about his life and his journey, Arce's candor has given fans a fuller picture of the young actor beyond his PBB stint.
"I want to be remembered as being myself," he said. "But the fact that people will remember me, that's a blessing."
WATCH the full interview: