Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition turned to Gen Z stars to populate its historic season, some of which we’ll definitely stan in the coming months.
Related: These 10 Pinoy Gen Z Artists and Rising Stars Are Ready To Take Over 2025
Last March 9, Pinoy pop culture had something to talk about with the premiere of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition. To celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025, PBB made history by having the season air on GMA for the first time, having hosts from both networks, and having housemates composed of talents from Star Magic and Sparkle. Interestingly, most of this season’s housemates are Gen Z actors and content creators, a break from previous seasons that took from different fields and celebrities from various age groups.
If you’re chronically online or tuned into the Filipino Gen Z celeb discourse, chances are you’ll know most of this season’s housemates. But even if you don’t, that’s ok. PBB, after all, has been known to discover new talents, boost careers, or turn young and rising personalities into household names. It seems we’ll be getting that this season. So, as we get to know the celeb housemates and follow their journeys over the next few months, here’s a primer on what you need to know about these Gen Z personalities.
KAPUSO HOUSEMATES
ASHLEY ORTEGA – Ang Independent Tis-Ice Princess ng San Juan
The athlete-turned-actor pipeline is real, and Ashley Ortega is proof of that. Her main occupation is acting, with a resume that includes appearances on GMA shows like Dormitoryo, My Destiny, Black Rider, and Pulang Araw. Aside from acting, Ashley is also a professional figure skater and has been in the sport since she was 4, hence the nickname she got on the show. Oh, and her boyfriend is Mavy Legaspi, one of this season’s co-hosts.
AZ MARTINEZ – Ang Miss Sunuring Daughter ng Cebu
Young actress AZ Martinez may have a light resume as of this writing, but PBB can serve as a great opportunity for her to showcase who she is and what she’s got. Aside from a budding acting career, AZ also dipped her toes in the pageant space when she won the title of Miss Summit International 2023. With that face card, we can see why.
WILL ASHLEY – Ang Mama’s Dreambae ng Cavite
He’s seen as one of GMA’s promising Gen Z actors, and now, Will Ashley is a PBB housemate. The multi-talented star most recently earned rave reviews in 2024’s Balota (which also starred his fellow housemate Esnyr), where he played Enzo, the son of Emmy (Marian Rivera). Also, this isn’t the first time Will has participated in a historic collab between ABS-CBN and GMA. He also appeared on Unbreak My Heart, the first series the two networks worked on together.
JOSH FORD – Ang Survivor Lad ng United Kingdom
Here’s a little fun fact about Josh Ford: when he was a kid, Josh played a young James Reid in On The Wings of Love and This Time. Aside from that, he also did commercial work for big brands before moving to the UK with his family. Now back in the Philippines, Josh is under Sparkle as part of the Sparkle Teens, hoping to make a name for himself as one of the network’s young talents.
CHARLIE FLEMING – Ang Bubbly Bread Teener ng Cagayan de Oro
The youngest housemate on Celebrity Collab Edition, Charlie Fleming is a member of Sparkle Teens and is proving her worth despite her young age, such as being part of the ensemble cast of the hit GMA series, Widows’ War, where she played Sofia Trano. It will be interesting to see her interact with her kuyas and ates inside the house.
DUSTIN YU – Ang Chinito Boss-Sikap ng Quezon City
Another rookie actor on the list, Dustin Yu has appeared in a few projects over the years, such as Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune, Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme (the same movie co-housemates Esnyr and AC Bonifacio also starred in), and Pulang Araw. A scroll on his social media accounts hints that there’s more to Dustin than his looks, and it’s something we hope to see in the show.
MIKA SALAMANCA – Ang Controversial Ca-Babe-Len ng Pampanga
The problematic fave herself. Mika Salamanca made her mark on Pinoy pop culture as a content creator, influencer, and streamer, though you may also know her for… other reasons. Regardless, she has a colorful history and personality, and you know how PBB loves to showcase that.
MICHAEL SAGER – Ang Diligent Wonder Son ng Marinduque
When it comes to next-gen stars under GMA, Filipino-Canadian actor Michael Sager is climbing that list. Over the years, the dashing Gen Z personality has been working to establish himself as a viable leading man for the new generation, as evidenced by his leading roles in recent GMA productions Shining Inheritance and My Ilonggo Girl. Also, his casting on the show is a full-circle moment as Michael auditioned for PBB years ago.
KAPAMILYA HOUSEMATES
AC BONIFACIO – Ang Dedicated Showstopper ng Canada
Over the past decade, AC Bonifacio has made a name for herself as one of the biggest Gen Z Filipino dancers. You’ve probably seen some of her many viral dance covers on social media, some of which have been shared or co-signed by global superstars. But aside from her dancing skills, AC has also been moving into acting, taking on the occasional role here and there, most famously having a small role in season 5 of Riverdale.
ESNYR – Ang Son-sational Viral Beshie ng Davao del Sur
Our next Big Winner (jk ½). Esnyr first landed on our radar with his viral school skits on TikTok back in 2021, something he continues to do today, but on a bigger scale. Also in 2021, he began his acting career, appearing in movies and shows such as Love Is Color Blind, Third World Romance, Balota, and How To Spot A Red Flag. With his fun yet deep personality, comedic skills, and online popularity, Esnyr is a top housemate to watch out for.
BRENT MANALO – Ang Gentle-Linong Heartthrob ng Tarlac
Don’t let his good looks and occasional thirst trap he posts online fool you, there’s a lot more to Brent Manalo. He’s an actor, content creator, and model who has been on the rise as one of Filipino Gen Z’s favorite male personalities. And can we just say how the producers ate with casting Esnyr and Brent on the same season given their shared history? Consider us seated.
KLARISSE DE GUZMAN – Ang Kuwela Soul Diva ng Antipolo
The only millennial housemate this season, Klarisse De Guzman first grabbed audiences’ attention as the first runner-up of The Voice Philippines season one and the winner of season three of Your Face Sounds Familiar. With vocals for days and a personality to match, don’t sleep on Klarisse because she will deliver.
RIVER JOSEPH – Ang Sporty Business Bro ng Muntinlupa City
It seems netizens have found a new fave with golden retriever energy. Meet River Joseph, a young Kapamilya actor who made his acting debut in season two of He’s Into Her. His most recent role in Pamilya Sagrado saw him work alongside other young actors like Kyle Echarri (another PBB celeb edition alumni) and industry veterans such as Piolo Pascual. The avid basketball player also holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from De La Salle University, in case you were curious.
RALPH DE LEON – Ang Dutiful Judo-Son ng Cavite
If you watched High Street, chances are you remember Ralph De Leon, who played a small but memorable role in Kevin, the doctor who tried and failed to hit on Xyriel Manabat’s character, Roxy. Now, you can catch him as a housemate on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition. Also, aside from acting, Ralph is an athlete trained in judo and was even part of the Ateneo Men’s Judo team.
KIRA BALINGER – Ang Hopeful Belle ng Cavite
Another Gen Z Kapamilya actress making moves, Kira Balinger has appeared in a variety of diverse projects, from the rom-com How to Spot a Red Flag, to the 2022 series reboot of Darna (fun fact, she auditioned for Valentina but got cast as Luna instead). She also was paired with Brent Manalo in the digital series Beach Bros.
BIANCA DE VERA – Ang Sassy Unica Hija ng Taguig
By trade, Bianca De Vera is an actress who’s appeared in projects such as 2 Good 2 Be True and Un/Happy For You. But you may know her for her viral TikTok videos and animated personality. Her and Esnyr in the same house is going to eat, with Bianca’s history with AC Bonifacio as the cherry on top.
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