Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) officially opened its newest season on Saturday, October 24, welcoming 16 housemates composed of celebrities from Star Magic and Sparkle Artist Center, social media personalities, and ordinary netizens into the revamped Bahay ni Kuya.
The opening ceremony took place at the lobby of the ELJ Communications Center (ELJCC) Building of ABS-CBN, marking the start of another chapter for the country’s longest-running reality show.
Leading the new batch is Bela Arcal, introduced as “Ang Overseas Factory Senpai ng Cavite,” alongside Anthony Constantino, “Ang Total Dream Heartthrob ng USA”; Cianne Dominguez, “Ang Madlang Babe ng Antipolo”; and Primo Alterado, “Ang Kwelang Creator ng Taguig.”
Joining them are Shea Valerio, “Ang Miss Ma-Beauting Anak ng Rizal”; Robbie Jaworski, “Ang Dedicated Son ng Pasig”; Nicole Fortuna, “Ang Pretty Dependable Ate ng Bohol”; and Raheel Bhyria, “Ang Brusko Boksingero ng Las Piñas.”
Completing the celebrity and creator lineup are Mikee Quintos, “Ang Independent Archi-tista ng Manila”; Jeo Ong, “Ang Adventure Boy-Next-Door ng Palawan”; Gehlee Dangca, “Ang Darling K-Pop Idol ng Las Piñas”; and Ethan Benares, “Ang Sporty Palangga ng Bacolod.”
The new housemates also include Calix Esguerra, “Ang Rampanalong Apo ng Pampanga”; Winwyn Marquez, “Ang Reyna Mama ng Parañaque”; Nathan Garcia, “Ang Hustling Swag Stunner ng Cebu”; and Lans Nagal, “Ang VetMed Content Creator ng Cavite.”
As part of the season’s revamp, the facade of the iconic Pinoy Big Brother House has been relocated to the Gina Lopez Building, also known as the ABS-CBN Foundation building. The actual living quarters of the new housemates are located on the sixth floor of the ELJCC Building.
Adding to the excitement of the opening, former PBB Collab housemates Will Ashley from the first PBB Collab Edition, Heath Jornales and Carmelle Collado from PBB Collab 2.0, joined Pinoy Big Brother Lucky 7 Big Winner Maymay Entrata in performing the franchise’s iconic theme song, “Pinoy Ako” together with the Pinoy Big Brother Collab Edition 2.0 Big Winners Caprice Cayetano and Lella Ford. Pinoy Ako will serve as the theme for the newest edition.
The latest season follows the success of the first two celebrity collaborations, which brought together personalities from Star Magic and Sparkle Artist Center. Mica Salamanca and Brent Manalo emerged as the Big Duo Winners of the inaugural PBB Collab, while Caprice and Lella were named Big Winners of PBB Collab 2.0 following separate voting for Sparkle and Star Magic housemates.
Returning to lead viewers through the housemates’ journey are Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, and Gabbi Garcia, together with Enchong Dee, Melai Cantiveros Francisco, Alexa Ilacad, and Michael Sager.
