Bianca Umali launches 'Simply, B' podcast, honors grandmother as her ‘superhero’

In her new podcast "Simple, B," Bianca Umali shows a more personal side of herself. The podcast is featured across YouTube and other digital platforms.

For the first episode “Wala Kayo Sa Lola Ko,” Bianca chose someone at the center of her life, someone who helped her become the woman that she is: her grandmother, Mama Vicky.

More than just a pilot, the episode became a heartfelt tribute to the woman Bianca credits for raising her, guiding her, and shaping the values she carries today.

“Finally, ito na po. We are officially launching a podcast channel called Simply B. And to be honest po sa lahat, it has been three years in the making,” Bianca began.

The 26-year-old actress revealed that creating her own platform had always been a dream, but she struggled with the confidence to open herself up publicly.

“Ang tagal-tagal ko nang gustong subukan na magkaroon ng sarili kong platform kung saan maaari akong mag-share ng mga kwento ko, ng thoughts ko, ng feelings ko. A platform where I can connect more with everyone and of course with myself. Pero hindi ako nagkaroon ng confidence para gawin ito.”

Bianca admitted that as an introvert, she feared being judged by others. However, she eventually realized that the doubts she carried were mostly coming from within.

“Hindi ko rin alam kung ano yung kinakatakutan ko because people don’t really know anything about me yet. But now that I’m here, now that we’re here, this is the right time. And I’m excited. And I’m grateful.”

Mama Vicky: Bianca’s real-life superhero

For the first episode, Bianca brought viewers to her grandmother’s home— the place where she grew up and where many of the lessons that shaped her began.

“Dito ako nahubog bilang isang tao. At hindi ako magiging kung sino ako ngayon kung hindi ako lumaki dito sa loob ng bahay na ito,” Bianca shared. Beside her was Mama Vicky, whom Bianca proudly introduced as her “superhero.”

Mama Vicky became Bianca’s guardian after she lost both of her parents at a young age. Bianca shared that she lost her mother to breast cancer when she was five years old and her father to a heart attack when she was ten.

“From then on, since I was ten, kinupkop ako ni Mama at sa kanya na ako lumaki.”

For Bianca, her grandmother’s role in her life goes far beyond being a relative. “I call her my superhero. Why my superhero? Kasi siya ang sumagip ng buhay ko.”

She explained that without Mama Vicky’s sacrifices, she would not be the person she is today.

“Kung wala siya, malamang wala rin po ako sa harap ninyo ngayon. Hindi ako magiging kung sino si Bianca ngayon.”

The lessons behind Bianca’s success

Bianca also looked back on the early years of her showbiz journey, when it was just her and Mama Vicky facing every challenge together.

“Extra man ako, talent man ako, may role man ako, mall show man iyan, taping man iyan, casting man iyan, kaming dalawa po ng lola ko ang palaging magkasama,” Bianca recalled.

Before success came, Bianca and Mama Vicky had to rely on public transportation and simple resources while pursuing her career.  She remembered wearing hand-me-downs from relatives and buying simple and cheap outfits for tapings.

“Kami ni Mama, ang dala namin ay mga pass-me-down na damit mula sa mga ate ko, mga pinsan, or magkakaroon lang ako ng bagong damit kapag bumili kami sa palengke.”

Despite having less, Bianca learned to appreciate what she had because of her grandmother’s guidance. “Kung ano iyong meron ka, iyon ‘yung meron ka. And if you want something more, you work hard for it para mabili mo,” her grandmother said.

Her grandmother taught her the value of patience and hard work, constantly reminding her not to compare herself with others.

“Dadating din iyong oras mo,” was the advice Bianca carried with her.

Mama Vicky also shared the reminder she gave Bianca during difficult moments. For Bianca, their faith also helped them overcome every challenge they faced.

“Kahit kaming dalawa lang, isang batang babae at isang lola ang talagang tumataguyod at humaharap sa buong mundo. Gaano man kalayo, mararating namin iyon basta magkasama kami,” Bianca said.

Why Mama Vicky will always be Bianca’s superhero

Bianca shared that she would not change the life she had, even if given the chance to experience being raised by her biological parents.

“Interested akong malaman kung ano yung magiging buhay kung pinalaki ako ng mom and dad ko. Pero kung nasaan ako ngayon, I wouldn’t really change anything.”

“Masaya ako at proud ako na lola ko iyong nagpalaki sa akin. She made me a strong woman.”

At 89 years old, Mama Vicky continues to inspire Bianca with her strength. Bianca revealed her grandmother raised 15 grandchildren despite facing many challenges.

For Bianca, Mama Vicky is not only her grandmother but her real-life superhero—the person who carried the responsibility of raising a family while continuing to show strength, patience, and love.

“Actually, lola ko ang totoong ‘Sang’gre.’ Isa talaga siyang superhero,” Bianca said.

She explained that she continues to be amazed by how her grandmother managed to raise and support their family despite hardships.

“She’s not the richest person. She was retired and she even lost the love of her life, our lolo. And yet, nagawa niyang mag-isa na palakihin kami, paaralin kami, and raise us the way we all are now.”

Bianca said she sees Mama Vicky’s influence in the way she lives and treats others. “Sometimes I would catch myself saying the words that Mama used to tell us before.”

She added that recognizing that she also has her grandmother’s traits is something she deeply treasures. “She was the one who watered me and helped me grow and blossom into the person that I am now.”

When Bianca asked her grandmother how she saw her as a granddaughter, Mama Vicky shared her hopes and prayers for her granddaughter.

“Bilang apo ay inaasahan kong magiging matagumpay ka sa iyong mga hinaharap. Kaya dinadasal ko na sana lagi kang masaya, maligaya, at nananalangin palagi para hindi mo makalimutan ang Diyos na nag-aalaga sa ating lahat,” Mama Vicky said.

Bianca said her grandmother’s faith, patience, and unconditional love are among the greatest lessons she inherited. “She will not show you if she’s hurt. She will not show you kung nahihirapan siya,” Bianca said.

Above all, Bianca said what she admires most about her grandmother is her patience and selflessness. “She’s not just strong for herself, but she remains strong for everyone.”