IN celebration of “Pinoy Big Brother’s” 20th anniversary this 2025, the collaboration with Kapuso network will be definitely highlighted as “PBB” airs on GMA Network for the first time.

For one, young actress Gabbi Garcia will be the first Kapuso artist to join as host of the “PBB Celebrity Edition Collab.”

The major announcement was made during “All-Out Sundays” episode on February 9. Gabbi joins Kapamilya hosts Robi Domingo and Bianca Gonzalez on the reality show.

“I’m super excited,” said Gabbi. “Biruin niyo, magkakaroon ng collab ang ‘PBB.’ Grabe, this is history and I’m happy to be part of history. Alam niyo ba, story time, nag-audition ako sa ‘PBB’ way back 2012?”

Gabbi tried her luck to join “PBB Teen Edition Season 4” 13 years ago. She lined up as one of the hopefuls in the reality show. However, luck was not on her side then.

“Fast forward to 2025 – looks like I was meant to host it, instead,” said the 26-year-old “Encantadia” star. “Or who knows? Maybe there’s still more in store.”

The “PBB” teen edition housemates included the twins Joi and Jai Agpangan, Karen Reyes, Kit Thompson and Myrtle Sarrosa, who eventually won the competition.

It has been a tradition in “PBB” that its hosts are former housemates in the house of Kuya. Robi, in fact, was the runner-up in “PBB Teen Edition Plus” in 2008.

Bianca, meanwhile, was a third placer in the first “PBB Celebrity Edition” back in 2006.

If the former housemate did not become a host of “PBB,” he or she was given a chance to enter Bahay ni Kuya to experience becoming a houseguest for a few days. That happened to Toni Gonzaga, Mariel Rodriguez and Alex Gonzaga.

“PBB” fans are expecting Gabbi to also enter Bahay ni Kuya and become a houseguest to experience the life inside the house, even briefly.

In her Facebook account, Gabbi expressed her excitement in her recent post for the new show. She was not meant to be a housemate. Instead, she will host the historic edition of “PBB.” She considers her hosting gig a “huge milestone” in her career.

“I’m beyond excited to announce that I’ll be one of your hosts for the upcoming ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition,” Gabbi said. “See you all sa Bahay ni Kuya.”

Gabbi is no stranger to the Kapamilya Network. She is the girlfriend of Kapamilya actor Khalil Ramos and they have been together since 2017.

Of late, Gabbi has been appearing as guest on Kapamilya Channel’s daily noontime variety fare, “It’s Showtime.”

The upcoming edition of “Pinoy Big Brother” will bring Kapamilya and Kapuso artists from Star Magic and Sparkle under one roof as housemates for this special season.

“PBB” has served as the launch pad for many of its housemates-turned-celebrities, including Sam Milby, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Melai Cantiveros, Maris Racal, Loisa Andalio, Barbie Imperial.

Other housemates who became celebrities are Beauty Gonzalez, Tom Rodriguez, Sam Pinto, Luis Hontiveros, Nikko Natividad, Ejay Falcon, James Reid, Maymay Entrata, Heaven Peralejo, Marco Gallo and even Korean national Ryan Bang.

The major collaboration on “PBB” will happen for the first time this 2025, with “PBB” opening its doors to welcome GMA Sparkle artists. They are set to create unforgettable memories inside Bahay ni Kuya.

The show will expectedly audition talents to become housemates who will give up their respective lives outside and reside inside the iconic Bahay ni Kuya for weeks.

One housemate will get evicted every week until the Final Four will remain to compete for the winning housemates. In the past, the big winner gets a house and lot, a car, contract with Star Magic and P1 million cash prize.

In the most recent edition of “PBB Gen 11,” Thai influencer Ashley Sofia “Fyang” Smith was declared grand winner in a historic finale that recorded an all-time high, with 2.26 million concurrent viewers on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube and Facebook channels.

Eighteen-year-old Fyang, who is also a content creator, was proclaimed winner after a 14-week, rollercoaster journey inside Bahay ni Kuya. Her playful moniker upon entering the “PBB” house was “Amakabogera influencer ng Mandaluyong.”

Back in 2017, an 11-year-old Fyang intently watched as Maymay Entrata was named “PBB Lucky Season 7” grand winner. That moment fueled Fyang to chase her dream and become a housemate, too.

Fyang is looking forward to meet her showbiz crush, Kyle Echarri.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio