“Pinoy Big Brother” house opened its doors once again last July 14 to welcome the Kapamilya PBB Collab Big 4 and former housemates, marking their emotional reunion during a special Star Magic Spotlight press conference.
The reunion featured the Big 4 — Brent Manalo, Ralph De Leon, Esnyr Ranollo and River Joseph, along with ex-housemates Kira Balinger, Xyriel Manabat, Klarisse de Guzman and Bianca de Vera.
The event allowed the housemates to reflect on their journey inside Kuya’s house and the impact the show has had on their personal and professional lives.
Fresh from their breakout season, the Big 4 shared stories of transformation, newfound fame, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
“Parang fever dream,” said Big Winner Brent Manalo, recalling the overwhelming support from fans. “I didn’t expect na ganon karami ang mag-show up para sa aming lahat. Kasi before, kapag nagma-mall show ako, siguro may mga ilan… I guess twenty people, but now, I think hundreds talaga, if not thousands.
“Hopefully hindi matapos itong pakiramdam. I’m always gonna be grateful, and I’m sure ‘yung love nilang nabigay sa’kin, susuklian ko talaga ’yun, hindi ako titigil magtrabaho nang mabuti.”
Ralph De Leon opened up about the personal growth he experienced during his stay in the house, especially in deepening his faith. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned talaga is to trust God’s perfect timing… Mas napalapit ako to my faith here in the house,” he said. “Na-evict na ako lahat-lahat, tapos nakabalik ako and nakapasok pa ako ng Big 4, and all of that I feel is because of Him also.”
Content creator Esnyr Ranollo also emphasized how PBB became a turning point in his life: “Mas nag-open ang mga doors for opportunities para sa’kin at para sa pamilya ko… Nung pumasok ako dito parang wala pa akong strength talaga. Nung paglabas, sabi ko talaga na strong na ako since napagdaanan na namin ‘yung hamon ni Kuya.”
Meanwhile, River Joseph reacted to the social media buzz that dubbed him a “green flag” for his character during the season. “Siyempre it’s an honor to be called a green flag,” he said. “When it comes to pressure, wala masyado, kasi I guess throughout the season I was just being myself, doing what I want to do.”
ABS-CBN production head and Star Magic mentor Lauren Dyogi reminded the housemates to stay grounded amid fame. “I hope you all remain humble. Minahal kayo ng tao, and sana ‘yung pagmamahal na ‘yun, you keep that core memory,” Dyogi said. “Hinding hindi kayo makakalimutan ng sambayanan dahil sa pinakita n’yong samahan, at pagmamahal sa isa’t isa.”
The press conference also served as a preview for an even bigger event — the upcoming “Big PBB Collab Concert: PBB Collove” set to take place on August 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Kapamilya and Kapuso housemates will unite on stage.
