Allyzza Kay Trinidad

Jas and Argel share how their friendship started—way before “PBB Gen 11”

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

Argel Saycon and Jas Dudley-Scales weren’t even “Pinoy Big Brother” batchmates—Argel entered the house in 2018 (PBB Otso), while Jas joined in 2024 (PBB Gen 11). However, netizens have definitely noticed their chemistry after seeing them together a few times.Interestingly, this “connection” between Argel and Jas actually traces back to 2018, though not directly between them. Instead, it’s through Jas&#x27; brother, who happens to be Argel’s friend. Back then, Jas wasn’t part of the picture yet, as her brother had his own all-boys squad, while she had her own world.Fast forward to 2023, Jas moves to Manila, and that’s when things started to change. Argel casually replied to her Instagram story, which led to a friendly exchange. At that point, they weren’t exactly close—just acquaintances. Jas was working at a fashion magazine, while Argel was already active in showbiz. They felt like they had different paths and different worlds.Argel didn’t even know that Jas had auditioned for “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pbbgen112024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11</a>,” let alone made it s a housemate. Just two days before Jas entered the &quot;hotel arrest&quot; (the pre-entry lockdown for housemates), he randomly messaged her to check in. Jas didn’t mention anything about PBB—partly because she wasn’t allowed to, and partly because, as she says, “Bakit ko naman siya sasabihan?&quot;So when he eventually saw her walk into the PBB house on television, he was just as surprised as everyone else. On Day 64, Jas was evicted from the house, and Argel didn’t hesitate to reach out again. He wanted to know how she was doing after all the challenges and controversies she faced during her stay. For Jas, his message came at just the right time. She felt that Argel was someone who could truly understand her, since he had also experienced life inside Bahay ni Kuya.After Jas&#x27; eviction, they kept in touch with casual messages. But it wasn’t until three months later, at the Star Magical Christmas event, that they finally saw each other in person again. Like most friends catching up, they chatted and took a quick selfie outside the venue. Naturally, their dynamic seemed close and familiar, as Jas’ brother, who’s part of Argel’s original barkada, was also there.What they didn’t expect was for a fan to capture that brief interaction and upload it on TikTok. The video quickly made the rounds online, with netizens wondering why they seemed so close. Suddenly, people began shipping them as ArJas.Argel admitted he was caught off guard by the sudden attention, since he’d been gradually stepping back from the spotlight. Suddenly, his name was all over social media again, thanks to Jas and her rising popularity. &quot;Iba talag &#x27;yung influence ng ‘<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pbbgen112024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PBB Gen 11</a>,’&quot; he said.While many fans were excited, others were quick to raise eyebrows, claiming that Argel was only showing up now for clout. They pointed out that he hadn’t shown support or defended Jas during her tough times in the PBB house. When told about this, Argel brushed it off and simply responded, “Kung saan kayo masaya, kaligayahan n’yo ’yan, eh. Suportado ko naman sila.”Jas spoke up to clear things as well, explaining that Argel didn’t just randomly appear in her life. She’s known him as her brother’s friend since 2018 but she also didn’t felt the need to broadcast the fact that she has a celebrity friend like him. However, she understands the importance of addressing these things and explaining slowly to people in order to debunk the negative assumptions.One of the biggest reasons why they clicked, according to both of them, is their shared roots. They’re both from Dumaguete, and as they say, Bisaya people always find a connection with each other, especially when you&#x27;re away from home and family. That kind of bond just feels different.“Steady lang,” Argel said when asked about the current level of their friendship. They&#x27;ve grown closer over time, mainly because they can now relate to each other&#x27;s lives. Both of them are the eldest in their families, which means they share that same pressure and responsibility as well. “Before, I felt like it was superficial,” Jas admitted. “Kasi magkaiba ’yung mundo namin. I didn’t think he understands my world, just as I didn’t understand his world. Totally different. Now, parang, we don&#x27;t need words to describe sometimes how we feel. Automatic na siya.&quot;Argel is also Jas&#x27; fitness coach, and she describes him as strict but kind. They both have a lot of admiration for each other—Argel is amazed by how Jas handles every challenge and the negative things thrown her way, while Jas admires Argel’s relentless drive and how he never seems to tire from the grind of life.Recently, they had a blast attending the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/4/5/abs-cbn-ball-2025-red-carpet-lights-up-as-kapamilya-stars-special-guests-gather-anew-0907" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Ball 2025</a>. As a first-timer, Jas made sure to prepare for her red carpet look, and she really enjoyed the break from work, catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones. She was especially happy to see her “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pbbgen112024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PBB Gen 11</a>” batchmates, as well as housemates from the current “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pinoy-big-brother-collab" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PBB Celebrity Collab edition</a>,” AC Bonifacio, Ashley Ortega, and former houseguest Ivana Alawi. The same goes for Argel, who enjoyed catching up with his old pals. Once again, they were spotted together leaving the venue, and they couldn’t help but smile at how people are so invested in their updates. While there are always bashers, they’re also grateful for the supporters who notice their chemistry. Maybe it’s just different when two Bisaya are together—it feels easy and natural.

Jas and Argel open up about how their friendship began long before Jas joined PBB Gen 11.

Jas and Argel open up about how their friendship began long before Jas joined PBB Gen 11.