MANILA, Philippines – After four months of the inaugural Celebrity Collab Edition of the Philippine reality show Pinoy Big Brother, the program begins its second season featuring Gen Z stars from the two major media powerhouses in the country.

Twenty young artists from ABS-CBN Star Magic and GMA Sparkle were officially introduced on Saturday night, October 25, as they entered the iconic blue and yellow house of Big Brother together, performing various tasks until only two artists remain.

Among the new housemates are childhood stars and rising talents, including singers, performers, and relatives of well-known personalities and acting legends. Here are some of the newest residents of Bahay ni Kuya that you might recognize:

Marco Masa: Ang Wonder Brother ng Antipolo

Famous for his role as the angel “Nathaniel” in the 2015 primetime series of the same name, Marco is among the well-known childhood stars now taking on a new challenge in PBB.

Now 18 years old, he enters the show under the Sparkle lineup with the moniker “Ang Wonder Brother ng Antipolo,” a nod to his iconic role and his loving relationship with his elder brother who has Down syndrome.

Marco has been in the limelight since he was four, appearing in commercials before landing acting projects with ABS-CBN and eventually bagging the lead role in Nathaniel, which propelled his name in the industry.

Carmelle Collado: Ang Riles Diva ng Camarines Sur

Carmelle, 18, had her major breakthrough in 2025 after being named Grand Champion of It’s Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan: School Showdown.

Born into a family of singers and raised along the railway tracks of Camarines Sur, she began joining talent competitions early on. Even before her TNT victory, Carmelle had already built a name in both local and international stages.

In 2019, she represented the Philippines at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in the United States, winning seven gold medals. That same year, she placed first runner-up in The Voice Kids Philippines Season 4 under Kamp Kawayan, coached by Bamboo Mañalac.

Sofia Pablo: Ang Strong-willed Sunshine ng QC

Sofia is known for her roles in GMA’s youth-oriented and romantic dramas. Beginning her career at a young age, the 19-year-old actress has grown into one of Sparkle’s standout young stars.

Her early appearances in commercials led to roles in Tween Hearts (2010), Because of You (2015), and Wansapanataym. She gained more attention as Lenlen in Prima Donnas (2019), a role that showcased her emotional depth.

Before joining PBB, Sofia’s name made rounds online after being linked to a former housemate, AZ Martinez, and her ex-boyfriend Larkin Castor, following leaked conversations about their involvement in the previous edition of the show.

Ashley Sarmiento: Ang Longing Sweetheart ng Las Piñas

Ashley began acting at age five and has since built an impressive career with her natural charm and talent. Now 18, she continues to shine in the acting industry and establishes herself as one of the most experienced actresses entering Kuya’s House in this edition of the show.

She is best known for her roles in Dyesebel (2014) and FlordeLiza (2015), and as part of the main cast of the children’s comedy show Goin’ Bulilit from 2013 to 2019. Ashley later transitioned into more mature roles under Sparkle, appearing in Black Rider (2023) and MAKA (2024).

Beyond acting, Ashley is also a content creator, amassing a large social media following. She creates lifestyle and behind-the-scenes content that gives fans a glimpse into her work, travels, and daily life.

Anton Vinzon: Ang Astig Anak-Tion Star ng Baguio

Son of veteran action star Roi Vinzon, 17-year-old Anton is carving his own path in the industry under GMA.

He first caught attention after a TikTok video with his sister, singer and beauty queen Lala Vinzon, went viral, landing him a contract with Cornerstone Entertainment. Later discovered by Sparkle at a Halloween event, he joined their teen roster in April 2023.

Anton has since taken on various roles, with his breakthrough coming in 2025 as Dagul in Mga Batang Riles, earning praise for his natural acting and energetic personality.

Other housemates

Other housemates with showbiz roots include Iñigo Jose (20 years old), who is the son of James Blanco and former model Tania Creighton. Heath Jornales (18 years old), son of Encantadia actor Michael Roy Jornales is also among the housemates in the season. 

Joaquin Arce (18 years old), the son of producer Niel Arce and the stepson of acting legend Angel Locsin. Lastly, Lella Ford (19 years old), daughter of Karla Estrada and the youngest sister of Daniel Padilla, is also introducing herself in the show.

Former child star Miguel Vergara (18 years old) from Antipolo also returns to the spotlight after a hiatus since the pandemic, reuniting with Krystal Mejes (18 years old) of Samar, his co-star in the 2019 drama Nang Ngumiti ang Langit.

Other familiar faces include Reich Alim (20 years old) from Makati, who began modeling and acting at three; Waynona Collings (16 years old), who appeared in several GMA shows such as Longlong (2022) and Red Sun (2024); and Caprice Cayetano (16 years old), known for her portrayal of young Criselda in the 2017 supernatural drama Kambal Karibal.

Also joining the cast are rising performers: John Clifford (16 years old) from Cebu, who has shared the stage with music icon Jose Mari Chan; Lee Victor (16 years old) from Cavite, a musician known for his upbeat energy; and Princess Aliyah (17 years old) from Bulacan, a triple-threat performer skilled in singing, dancing, and acting.

Completing the roster of new housemates are Star Magic’s fresh faces: actress Eliza Borromeo (18 years old) from Cavite, model Fred Moser, and fitness influencer Rave Victoria.

Aside from the introduction of the new cast, it was revealed that Luis Manzano is returning as one of the show’s hosts, marking his comeback since PBB Teen Edition Plus in 2008. He joins Bianca Gonzalez, Mavy Legaspi, Gabbi Garcia, Melai Cantiveros, Alexa Ilacad, Enchong Dee, Kim Chiu, and Robi Domingo.

First airing in 2005, this year’s Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 marks the 20th season of Pinoy Big Brother, with Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo being the most recent Big Winners.

The show airs nightly on GMA, Kapuso Stream, ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube Channel, iWant, and Kapamilya Online Live. – Rappler.com