A look back on the PBB journeys of “Celebrity Collab” Big Winners Brent Manalo, Mika Salamanca, Caprice Cayetano, and Lella Ford

The long wait is almost over for avid fans of “Pinoy Big Brother,” as the hit reality show is set to return on October 24 with its “PBB Collab 3.0” edition—the third installment of the monumental partnership between ABS-CBN and GMA. 

Before meeting the newest batch of housemates and discovering the new house where they will share their authentic selves, inspiring stories and life lessons, and meaningful connections, let us revisit the remarkable journeys of the Big Winners from the back-to-back “PBB Celebrity Collab” editions in this special feature!

From the struggles they faced and challenges they overcame to the bonds they formed and triumphs they achieved, let us look back at the defining moments that made Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca of the first “PBB Collab,” as well as Caprice Cayetano and Lella Ford of “PBB Collab 2.0,” stand out during their respective journeys inside Bahay ni Kuya. 

They may have had different reasons for joining the reality show and entered Bahay ni Kuya representing different networks, but these differences did not stop Mika and Brent from building a solid friendship and sharing the same goal of making it to the end of the competition. 

Despite already scoring several acting and modelling projects in the early in his showbiz career, the “Gentle-linong Heartthrob ng Tarlac” admitted that he still questioned whether he was truly meant for the industry after facing numerous rejections. Moreover, despite gaining popularity and receiving widespread admiration on social media, Brent continued to struggle with self-doubt because of his introverted personality. Thus, joining “PBB” became both a potential last shot at his showbiz career and an opportunity for personal growth. 

On the other hand, the “Controversial Ca-babe-len ng Pampanga” revealed that she had auditioned for “PBB” multiple times in the past but failed to make the cut, which made her even more determined to earn a spot as one of the Kapuso housemates when she was invited to audition.  

Aside from the fulfillment of her longtime dream, she also saw “PBB” as a perfect venue for her to re-introduce herself to the public after becoming embroiled in controversies that drew online criticism.  Although some housemates initially perceived her as “playing safe,” introverted, or not fully showing her true self (or “hindi nagpapakatotoo”), Mika persevered throughout the season and proved that there was more to her than their initial impressions suggested.

Prior to becoming the first-ever Big Winner Duo, BreKa—the tandem name of Brent and Mika— had already shared several memorable moments together that hinted at their strong connection. These included leading their fellow housemates in creating a one-shot film for their second weekly task, “One Shot Wonder,” and Brent’s decision to give Mika the “golden seat” he won during the “Big Carnival Concert” task. This allowed her to talk to her mother and watch their performance, allowing her to talk to her mother and watch their performance. 

Thus, when Mika was given the chance to choose her final duo partner, Brent seemed to be the natural choice. According to Mika, she chose him because he had played a significant role in her growth and journey inside the house and was one of the kindest, most hardworking, and most selfless people she had ever met. Together, they won the final Big Jump Challenge against Dustin Yu and Bianca de Vera, securing BreKa’s spot as the last pair to enter the Big 4. 

Widely labeled by viewers as the “dark horse” duo of “PBB Celebrity Collab,” for entering the finale as underdogs, claiming the fourth and final slot of the Big 4, and overcoming powerhouse fanbases, Brent and Mika were ultimately announced as Big Winners during the Big Night, after garnering the highest percentage of the total combined votes of 33.03%.  

BreKa further demonstrated their selflessness and kindness by donating P1 million cash prize each of them had received to an orphanage in Mabalacat, Pampanga, which they also supported during their time inside Bahay Ni Kuya 

Unlike the inaugural edition, which had a single winning duo share the Big Winner title, “PBB Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” named two individual Big Winners: Lella Ford for Kapamilya and Caprice Cayetano for Kapuso.

Throughout her “PBB” journey, Caprice indeed lived up to her “Demure Daughter ng Quezon City” moniker. As she had consistently displayed delicacy, sophistication, and eloquence, while also impressing everyone with her determination, courage, confidence, leadership, and fastidiousness. She may be the youngest among the girls, but Caprice didn’t let herself be intimidated by her housemates. 

It can be recalled that she was assigned by Kuya to lead the season’s first-ever weekly task, alongside the eldest of the boys, Kapamilya housemate Iñigo Jose. With the two of them at the helm, the housemates succeeded in completing the challenge, marking Caprice’s first major win in her “PBB” journey and asserting her ability to lead the charge and handle pressure.

Caprice was then designated by Big Brother to become one of the four cleaning warriors and house stewards after being voted by the housemates as one of the cleanest, most organized, and most disciplined. Besides, she was also voted as one of the four “pinaka mabuti” (or kindest) in the Kapuso bracket, giving her the chance to compete for the “gift of immunity” in the fourth nomination round. 

Other highlights of her stay inside Kuya’s house were successfully completing the “Human Cake Topper” special task with her fellow housemates as part of her birthday celebration; being crowned “Kislap Queen” at The Sparkling Magical New Year Ball, alongside her partner and fellow Kapuso housemate, Heath Jornales; and winning the first Big Jump Challenge that paved the way for her to make it to the Ultimate 8. In the end, Caprice was hailed as the Kapuso Big Winner after garnering 61.78% of the total combined votes. 

Lella, on the other hand, proved her “Blooming Bunso ng Tacloban” moniker true by showing that she was indeed more than just being the daughter of Karla Estrada and sister of Daniel Padilla. As Big Brother had the housemates talk about the “multos” or ghosts of their lives, she related that it was studying abroad just like her Ate Magui did. She went on to share that joining “PBB” was actually her first move toward breaking out of her comfort zone, getting to know herself better, and stepping out of her family’s shadows. 

Her pursuit of finding her own identity and carving her own path unfolded into one of the most captivating narratives of “PBB Collab 2.0.” From being named the number 1 violator in their first month inside Bahay ni Kuya after committing the greatest number of violations, Lella turned out to become one of the most well-loved by her housemates. In fact, she was never nominated for eviction and was even voted as one of the “pinakamabuti” inside the house and the most deserving to make it to the Ultimate 8. 

Like Caprice, Lella was also the first one to land a spot in the Ultimate 8 among the Kapamilya lineup after winning the first Big Jump challenge. In the end, she raked in the highest percentage of the total combined Kapamilya votes, or 53.63%, making her the Kapamilya Big Winner.

Are you ready to meet the newest batch of housemates as they embark on their own journey of “pagpapakatotoo”? Get ready for more inspiring stories, meaningful connections, and unforgettable moments as “PBB” returns with its “Collab 3.0” edition beginning October 24! Watch the stream on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel.