Dannyka Manangan

ON THIS DAY: The Birth of Pinoy Big Brother and the Hosts Who Shaped It

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1755737451745ON THIS DAY The Birth of Pinoy Big Brother and the Hosts Who Shaped It.png" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>On August 21, 2005, Filipino audiences were first introduced to the iconic yellow house that would soon change the landscape of reality television in the country. <em>Pinoy Big Brother</em>, the Philippine version of the global Big Brother franchise, premiered on ABS-CBN and immediately became a cultural phenomenon.</p><p> For the next two decades, the show captured the pulse of Filipino viewers with its mix of unforgettable evictions, heartwarming friendships, and dramatic twists. Its influence went far beyond reality TV, spawning celebrity and teen editions and launching the careers of some of the country’s brightest stars.</p><p> But while housemates came and went, one element remained constant: the hosts. They guided viewers through the emotional rollercoaster of every season, through welcoming housemates,  nominations, evictions, challenges, reunions, and finales. Their voices and presence became just as iconic as Kuya’s booming words inside the confession room</p><div> </div><div><strong>Willie Revillame</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Willie Revillame was part of the original team of hosts in 2005. Known for his humor and natural connection with the masses, Willie brought a lively energy to eviction nights and live shows. Though his stint lasted only during the first season, his presence helped introduce Filipino audiences to a new kind of program and gave the show its early spark.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xqjfHF3ulco" title="PBB Balikbahay: First Eviction Night sa Pinoy Big Brother House! (Part 1)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Toni Gonzaga </strong></div><div><br/></div><p><strong></strong>Toni Gonzaga soon became the unmistakable face of <em>Pinoy Big Brother. </em>With her iconic greeting, “Hello Philippines, Hello World!”, she anchored the show for 16 years, earning the title of “Ultimate PBB Host.” Toni’s polished presence, charm, and ability to balance high-energy events with emotional goodbyes made her synonymous with the franchise until her exit in 2022.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CueKndiw85U" title="Pinoy Big Brother Season 7 Day 64: Toni, naluha sa kanyang pamamaalam sa Teen Housemates" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Mariel Rodriguez</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Mariel Rodriguez, one of the original “Kuya’s Angels” alongside Toni and Bianca Gonzalez, charmed audiences with her warmth and playful spirit. Hosting <em>PBB: Uplate</em>, she gave fans late-night updates and behind-the-scenes moments that viewers looked forward to. Mariel even became the first house guest among the hosts during PBB Celebrity Edition 2.</p><div> </div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y6tESE7ODGI" title="Mariel, naluha sa mensahe ni Kuya" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Luis Manzano</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Luis Manzano added his signature wit and relatability when he joined PBB Celebrity Edition 1 as an alternate host. He later returned in PBB Teen Edition Plus in 2008, further cementing his versatility as a host able to connect with both celebrity contestants and young dreamers.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ysf_2HYLkJU" title="PBB Balikbahay: Teen Edition 4 Housemates, may sorpresa para kay Luiz Manzano!" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Bianca Gonzalez</strong></div><div><br/></div><p><strong></strong>Bianca Gonzalez joined t<strong></strong>he hosting team in 2006 during <em>PBB Teen Edition 1 </em>and quickly became one of its longest-serving anchors. A former celebrity housemate herself, Bianca brought empathy, calmness, and sincerity to her hosting duties. Over the years, she became the “heart” of PBB, guiding the show through some of its biggest transitions and remaining with the franchise up until now.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j67uz7Vh11Y" title="PBB OTSO Teen Finale: Bianca Gonzalez returns as Kuya&#x27;s Angel" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Robi Domingo</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Robi Domingo, who first stepped inside Kuya’s house as a teen housemate in<em> PBB Teen Edition Plus,</em> eventually transitioned into one of the show’s main hosts. Starting as a co-presenter in 2011, Robi’s intelligence, quick wit, and deep understanding of the housemate experience made him a part of the hosting team.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8J3KUb0JcK4" title="Robi, ipinaalam ang unang challenge ng girls | Day 2 | PBB OTSO" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>John Prats</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>John Prats, also a former celebrity housemate and runner-up in PBB Celebrity Edition 1, later took on hosting duties in <em>PBB Teen Edition 4.</em> With his youthful energy and showbiz experience, he provided fun and relatability for the teen audience.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tcd09OU9hwE" title="PBB Balikbahay: Robi Domingo at John Prats. nakatanggap ng balita mula kay Kuya!" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Slater Young, Joj and Jai Agpangan</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Over the years, the franchise continued to evolve with new faces joining the lineup. Slater Young, the <em>PBB Unlimited</em> Big Winner, returned to host <em>PBB All In</em>’s online show alongside twins Joj and Jai Agpangan, both beloved alumnae of Teen Edition 4.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AP_69hBi5kA" title="PINOY BIG BROTHER ALL IN: UBERTIME Online" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Alex Gonzaga</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>In 2014, Alex Gonzaga injected humor and candor into <em>PBB All In. </em>Initially introduced as a host, she later surprised viewers when Kuya revealed her as a celebrity houseguest. After her stint inside the house, Alex resumed her hosting duties for<em> PBB Über</em> and reprised her role in <em>PBB Otso</em>, bringing comedic relief to eviction nights.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E2GZwHMzLO8" title="PBB Balikbahay: Ang pagpasok ni Fourth, Fifth, Vickie, at Alex Gonzaga sa bahay ni Kuya!" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Enchong Dee</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Introduced as a host in <em>PBB 737</em> (2015), Enchong Dee was asked to live briefly as a house guest before resuming his role as Kuya’s “Homeboy,” updating fans with his warm, easygoing style.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPmy0UYTy-s" title="PBB 737: Meet Enchong Dee ang Swabeng Swimmer ng QC" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Melai Cantiveros and Kim Chiu</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Some of PBB’s brightest stars also came full circle. Melai Cantiveros, the Double Up Big Winner in 2009, became one of its most beloved hosts, winning over audiences again with her humor and relatability. Kim Chiu, the very first Teen Edition Big Winner in 2006, likewise returned as a host, a fitting reminder of how the show nurtured ordinary dreamers into stars.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VL1Cp1LD_WM" title="Bianca, Kim, Melai, Robi &amp; Enchong introduce as &quot;Pamilya ni Kuya&quot; in PBB Kumunity eviction night" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Richard Juan and Sky Quizon</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Newer voices later joined the lineup. Richard Juan, a <em>PBB 737</em> alum, lent his multilingual skills and global perspective, while Sky Quizon of <em>PBB Otso</em> became a host celebrated for his articulate and insightful style. Their addition brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the program on its online show.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xAwXUrLfbQQ" title="PBB Kumulitan | October 31, 2021 with Sky Quizon &amp; Richard Juan" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Alexa Ilacad</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Representing Gen Z, Alexa Ilacad entered the <em>PBB Kumunity Season 10</em> family as an online host and continued her role in <em>PBB Gen 11.</em> As both an actress and singer, Alexa connected with a younger audience and brought a fresh approach to the show’s storytelling.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TzpFxcZZI_0" title="Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 | Day 1 | July 20, 2024 Full Episode" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Gabbi Garcia and Mavy Legaspi</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>History was also made when Kapuso stars Gabbi Garcia and Mavy Legaspi joined the hosting lineup for <em>Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition</em>. Their inclusion marked the first time GMA talents officially co-hosted the show, symbolizing a groundbreaking network collaboration and highlighting PBB’s enduring influence on Philippine entertainment.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong></strong><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2FKapamilyaTFC%2Fvideos%2F1316516046342509%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><strong></strong></div><div> </div><p>Now, as Pinoy Big Brother celebrates its 20th year, its roster of hosts mirrors the evolution of the show itself. From a pioneering trio in 2005 to a diverse group spanning generations and networks in 2025, these hosts have stood alongside Kuya as narrators of dreams of the beloved housemates. Together, they have shaped not only the journey of housemates but also the memories of millions of Filipinos who grew up watching the yellow house on their screens.</p>

<p>Two decades after its debut, Pinoy Big Brother’s legacy lives on not just through its housemates, but also through the hosts.</p>

Two decades after its debut, Pinoy Big Brother’s legacy lives on not just through its housemates, but also through the hosts.