"It has been my greatest honor to host PBB for 16 years."
The words form part of the message actress-singer-TV host Toni Gonzaga issued on Instagram announcing her departure as host of reality show "Pinoy Big Brother (PBB)," today, Feb. 9.
Sending her followers "love," she noted, "From witnessing all my co-hosts transition from housemates to PBB hosts are just some of the best moments in my life sa bahay ni Kuya."
She then endorsed her job as host of the show to Bianca Gonzalez.
"I know Bianca and the rest of the hosts will continue the PBB legacy," she related.
"It has been my privilege to greet you all with "Hello Philippines" and "Hello World!" for the last 16 years. I will forever cherish the memories, big nights and moments in my heart. Thank you Kuya for everything!"
"This is your angel, now signing off..."
Several of her colleagues commented on the post.
Alex Gonzaga: "You’re a queen forever! nobody does it like you do sissszzz"
Maja Salvador: "(heart emojis)"
Mariel Padilla: "I love you toni. You are a friend and a sister FOREVER (heart emoji) welcome to the outside world, toni."
Melai Cantiveros: "(pensive face emoji)."
Note that prior to Toni's confirmation, Kapamilya reporter MJ Felipe already revealed the news.
He wrote on Twitter: “THIS JUST IN: According to a reliable source, Toni Gonzaga will no longer host Pinoy Big Brother. No formal resignation but source said Toni has voluntarily endorsed the main hosting job to Bianca Gonzalez.”
“Pinoy Big Brother,” more popularly known by its abbreviated title “PBB,” is the Philippine version of the “Big Brother” reality game show franchise. The show first aired in 2005 and Toni was among the original hosts alongside Willie Revillame and Mariel Rodriguez.
Some believe Toni’s departure from the show has something to do with her appearance as host of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and Sara Duterte’s proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena, Tuesday.
Several ABS-CBN executives expressed disappointment about it.
Meanwhile,"PBB" management has also released their own statement.
They wrote: "We respect the decision of Toni Gonzaga-Soriano to step down as main host of "Pinoy Big Brother."
"Toni has been part of our reality show for 16 years and we thank her for helping bring the stories of our housemates to our viewers."