Another historic collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA


EDITORS DESK

Going back to the movies

In a surprising and pleasant turn of events, the Philippines’ leading television networks, GMA Network and ABS-CBN, joined to celebrate another landmark occasion.


For the first time, the PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) House — fondly known as “Bahay ni Kuya” — opened its doors to host the special event marking the 20th anniversary of the beloved reality show, aptly titled “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition.” 


The momentous partnership was officially announced during a contract signing ceremony held inside the iconic PBB House on Jan. 28.


The event was graced by an impressive lineup of executives from GMA Network, including President and Chief Executive Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., who expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to collaborate with ABS-CBN once again – this time to jointly bring a special edition of ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ to our Kapuso and Kapamilya audiences. Let’s enjoy this unique PBB together.” 


Additionally, the gathering included Executive Committee Chairman Joel G. Jimenez, Senior Vice President for Programming and Talent Management Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, First Vice President Joy C. Marcelo, Vice President Angel Javier-Cruz, Officer-in-Charge Mitzi Garcia, and Senior Assistant Vice President Concie Agnes.


From the ABS-CBN side, key figures —  Chairman Mark Lopez, President and CEO Carlo L. Katigbak, Chief Operating Officer Cory V. Vidanes, Group Chief Financial Officer Ricardo B. Tan, Jr., Head of TV Production Laurenti Dyogi, and Vice President of Corporate Communications Kane Errol C. Choa — were in attendance. 


Vidanes emphasized the significance of this partnership, declaring, “We are very, very happy to announce that on the 20th year of PBB, we are doing this special collaboration with GMA. This is a moment that will go down in history.”


The “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” is set to air on GMA Network, featuring a dynamic mix of artists from the Sparkle GMA Artist Center and ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, who will live together in the PBB house, creating unforgettable memories and experiences. 


The show promises to blend the distinct flavors of both networks, showcasing the vibrant personalities of each housemate.


This exciting initiative builds on the successful collaborations seen in projects such as “Unbreak My Heart,” “It’s Showtime,” and “Hello, Love, Again,” paving the way for more innovative storytelling and entertainment that resonates with Filipino audiences. 


No date has been announced for the reality show’s broadcast, but fans are eagerly waiting for the announcement of the stars who will enter the famous house.


PBB is a popular reality TV show in the Philippines based on the international Big Brother franchise. It first aired on ABS-CBN in 2005 and quickly became one of the country’s most-watched reality programs.


The concept of the show is simple: a group of strangers, called “housemates,” live together in a house equipped with cameras that capture their every move. They must complete tasks and face various challenges while avoiding eviction by their fellow housemates and the public.


Each season has a different theme, and the show often features a mix of personalities from different walks of life, which leads to dramatic moments, emotional breakthroughs, and major twists. 


The person who lasts the longest, earning the most votes and completing the tasks, wins a cash prize and is crowned “Big Winner.”


Among the PBB winners through the years are Nene Tamayo (2005), Keanna Reeves (2006), Kim Chiu (2006, Teen Edition), Ejay Falcon (Teen Edition Plus), Melai Cantiveros (Double Up), James Reid (Teen Clash 2010), Slater Young (Unlimited), Myrtle Sarrosa (Teen Edition 4), Daniel Matsunaga (All-In), and Maymay Entrata (Lucky Season 7).

 

(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)