The final pair of housemates has been revealed ahead of the much-awaited premiere of ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0′!
On the Friday edition of GMA Network’s ’24 Oras’, it was officially announced that former child actor Marco Masa and ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ School Showdown Grand Champion Carmelle Collado will join the reality show’s star-studded lineup of Gen Z celebrities from ABS-CBN’s Star Magic and GMA’s Sparkle.
Now 18, Marco Masa—fondly remembered by viewers as ‘Nathaniel’, the angelic boy from ABS-CBN’s 2015 primetime hit—returns to the spotlight in a new and more personal way.
After years of growing up in front of the camera, from ‘Goin’ Bulilit’ to his recent Sparkle dramas ‘Akusada’ and ‘Maka’, Marco said joining ‘PBB’ feels like a refreshing new beginning.
“I would take each day inside as an opportunity to show who I am, to show my best self, to explore myself, to get to know myself better… I’m just really immersed sa idea of self-improvement,” he told 24 Oras’ Nelson Canlas.
“This is gonna be a detox for me. I’m so curious about what’s to come.”
Marco also shared how grateful he is for the opportunity, seeing it as divine timing.
“I’ve been in the industry since I was four. Hindi ko po naisip na nabibigyan ako ng opportunity para sa PBB. It’s God’s way, God’s move—and inaalay ko po ito sa Kanya.”
Now known as the “Wonder Brother ng Antipolo,” Marco dedicated his journey to his family: “Mommy, Daddy, Kuya… I know napapanood niyo lang ako ngayon, pero my heart, mind, and soul are always praying for you. Ginagawa ko po ito lahat para sa inyo, para masuklian ko ang support niyo ever since I was a kid.”
Representing Bicolandia, 18-year-old Carmelle Collado—dubbed “Ang Singing Kontesera ng Camsur”—is no stranger to the stage.
After finishing as first runner-up in ‘The Voice Kids’ Season 4 (2019) and later becoming the grand champion of ‘It’s Showtime’s’ ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan: School Showdown’, Carmelle has captivated audiences with her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances.
But PBB, she said, is unlike any competition she’s ever joined.
“’Yung mga competitions po na sinalihan ko, mga singing competitions po talaga ‘yun. Pero itong PBB, ibang-iba po siya,” Carmelle shared.
“Talagang matetest kung sino ka. Mas makikilala mo ang sarili mo hindi lang bilang artist kundi bilang isang tao.”
Carmelle also admitted she had hesitations about joining because she values her privacy: “I’m a private person po talaga. Pero this time, 24/7 po makikita ako. So very challenging. I’m hoping na makabuo kami ng good and positive relationships sa loob ng bahay ni Kuya.”
The Star Magic artist revealed she’s bringing her faith with her inside the house — including a bracelet and holy water gifted by a priest.
“Ito po ‘yung bracelet na bigay ng pari nung birthday ko. May dala din po akong holy water… ‘Yun po talaga yung feeling kong baon-baon ko—‘yung protection at faith na dala ko sa loob.”
Marco and Carmelle complete the official roster of ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0’ housemates, joining Sofia Pablo, Joaquin Arce, Princess Aliyah, Miguel Vergara, Heath Jornales, and Krystal Mejes.
This marks the second ABS-CBN–GMA Network collaboration, continuing the historic partnership between the country’s top rival networks.
‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0’ premieres Saturday, October 25, at 6:05 p.m. on GMA Network, with replays and live streams on Kapuso Stream, GMA Pinoy TV, Kapamilya Online Live, and iWantTFC. Viewers can tune in weeknights at 9:40 p.m., Saturdays at 6:15 p.m., and Sundays at 10:05 p.m. to follow the housemates’ 100-day journey inside Bahay ni Kuya.
