As the original “Pinoy Big Brother” house prepares to shut its doors for good, the Kapuso housemates of “Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” said they are stepping back into the outside world with mixed emotions after their historic stay inside the iconic Quezon City address.The housemates said the weight of their experience as the final batch to enter the original house only fully sank in after learning that a new “PBB” house is already being planned and built to give future seasons a “fresh feel,” although its location has yet to be revealed.
“Being able to stay at Kuya’s OG house, it’s really an honor because that’s where I started, and I’m really happy that I was able to stay there for the last time,” said Heath Jornales in a press conference.
John Clifford described the moment “bittersweet” saying, “Maybe I’m both happy and sad. Of course, we were grateful that we were the last batch to experience Kuya’s OG house, but at the same time, I’m sure a lot of people wanted to experience it also. But I’m really excited for the next batch. Of course, it’s a new experience. It’s really exciting,” he said.
Actor Marco Masa, who started in the industry as a child star, said entering the house was something he never expected.
“I’m really blessed with all the housemates that I’ve met because we were the last batch. Me personally, I never expected that I would be able to enter Kuya’s house since I was already in the industry. So I’m just very grateful that I was able to experience it because it’s an experience that you only experience once in a blue moon, and you learn a lot inside the house,” he said.
Big winner Caprice Cayetano said being part of the final batch allowed her to appreciate both the legacy of the show and her own personal growth.
“I’m happy because I became part of a very iconic house. And it’s sad because we don’t get to point to people the house we used to live at and say, ‘you know, we used to live there before.’ So it’s sad. But we’re happy and excited for the next housemates of Kuya,” she said.
Lee Victor, meanwhile, said it would become something they would look back on with pride.
“What a privilege. What an honor. But yeah, it’s sad because imagine, fast forward to the future, the term ‘housemate’ is a great way to talk to future generations. It’s a great way to tell them what it’s like to be an OG housemate in the old house of Kuya. So it’s gonna be a nostalgic feeling. And it’s an experience you can’t relive, honestly,” he said.
As they move forward, the housemates are adjusting to life beyond the show, riding a surge in visibility and new opportunities following their “Pinoy Big Brother” stint.
Cayetano wasted no time making her mark, securing an endorsement with Wendy’s and visiting the Little Ark Foundation, where she shared her success with the community.
She said her time inside the house allowed her to achieve personal goals beyond the competition.
“I achieved my main goal when I entered Kuya’s house — to build friendships, grow as a person and learn more about myself,” she said.
Third Big Placer Ashley Sarmiento said the overwhelming support from fans has strengthened her sense of responsibility as a public figure.
“When I left the house, I was filled with love from my friends, my family and my fans. I know it’s a big responsibility as a role model, and I want to keep improving because we have a strong influence on those who watch us,” she said.
Fourth Big Placer Princess Aliyah, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of staying grounded despite her growing fan base.
“Nothing really changed. I’m still me. But more people got to know me, and I gained more supporters, which I’m very grateful for. My family reminds me to stay humble and appreciative,” she said.
Beyond endorsements and public appearances, several housemates are expanding their careers across different fields.
Jornales has begun building his acting portfolio, appearing in “Never Say Die” and preparing for his fan event, “Heath Wave: The Ultimate Fan Jam,” set April 19 at SM North EDSA.
Sarmiento and Aliyah continue to gain traction through guestings and television appearances, with more projects expected in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Sofia Pablo and Marco Masa are set to appear in the upcoming film “Huwag Kang Titingin,” which premieres April 15. Masa also received the Anak TV Makabata 2025 Star Award.
Anton Vinzon is stepping into leading-man roles, set to headline the GMA Afternoon Prime series “Kamao” while landing his first major commercial with Mang Inasal.
Clifford has shown versatility through a guest appearance on “Unwrapped with Thea Astley” while participating in outreach efforts with the GMA Kapuso Foundation.
In music, Lee Victor has debuted his single “Nagkakahiyaan,” marking a milestone with his first performance on the Wish Bus, while Waynona Collings is making waves in fashion, attending events for Burberry and Calvin Klein and landing a solo magazine cover.
With projects continuing to line up, the Kapuso housemates are proving that their journey inside the “Pinoy Big Brother” house was only the beginning, as they step into a broader stage in the entertainment industry.
