For ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ Big Winner Brent Manalo, stepping into Kuya’s house wasn’t just another showbiz gig — it was his make-or-break moment.
“Sa pagsali ko sa PBB, ito na ‘yung last straw ko for showbiz. If hindi pa mag-work sa’kin ‘yung PBB, baka mag-quit na ako,” Manalo confessed during a recent Star Magic Spotlight press conference.
“Nakailang rejections na ako. May time nang naniwala na ako that it wasn’t possible for me to really make it big in showbiz.”
Throughout his journey inside the ‘PBB’ house, Brent remained quiet yet intentional — a trait that left a subtle yet strong impression on viewers and fellow housemates alike.
“My presence sa loob ng bahay has always been intentional,” he said. “If may sasabihin or gagawin ako, malaki ang [consideration] ko sa kapwa kong housemates. Even before coming to the [PBB House], I’ve always been quiet. Pero when it mattered most, that’s when I became louder.”
Paired with internet personality Mika Salamanca, Brent emerged as one-half of the winning duo of this season’s PBB edition. Their chemistry and authenticity drew admiration from fans, cementing their place in the show’s growing legacy.
Post-‘PBB’, Brent is still adjusting to his newfound fame. Recalling the overwhelming support they received after their win, he said: “I didn’t expect na gan’un karami ang mag-show up hindi lang sa’kin pero para sa’ming lahat. Kasi dati, kapag nag-mall show ako, siguro may iilan lang who would show up. Ngayon, there are hundreds, if not thousands… Sana hindi matapos ang gan’ung pakiramdam.”
From being on the brink of giving up to standing under the limelight as a Big Winner, Brent Manalo’s story is one of quiet perseverance and ultimate breakthrough.
