How Alexa Ilacad manifested her hosting ‘task’ on PBB Gen 11

Only those who’ve experienced life as a “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate can truly understand how transformative the journey is. Kuya’s tasks and the unique environment inside push housemates to their limits, challenging them to grow and uncover the best versions of themselves. By the time they step out, they’re armed with newfound courage, ready to thrust themselves into the unknown.

Alexa Ilacad is one of those whose life and career took a new turn after becoming a housemate. More than a year later, she remains grateful for the experiences and lessons she gained in the iconic yellow house. So, when Kuya came calling, looking for a Gen Z representative to join his crew for the show’s 11th season, Alexa didn’t hesitate. As a natural go-getter, she was all in for this new task.

From being a housemate to now a host, Alexa couldn’t help but feel thrilled and happy. It’s heartwarming for her, as hosting was something she had always wanted to try, and now it’s finally happening. She fondly recalls her time in “PBB Kumunity Season 10” when the housemates had a weekly live show on Kumu, and she would always volunteer and ask Kuya for the chance to host.

During her guest appearance on Kapamilya Chat, Alexa shared that she also once attended a one-session hosting workshop with Star Magic, which she certainly enjoyed. Besides, she loves chatting with people, making hosting a natural fit for her.

We could say Alexa is now living her “hosting” era—a dream she manifested herself. “Dati, wini-wish ko lang na, ‘What if maging host ako?’ Pero hindi ko naisip na PBB agad. Sabi ko lang, ‘What if try ko lang mag-host ‘pag may opportunity?’”

What started as a small ‘what if’ turned into landing one of the biggest hosting gigs she could imagine—"PBB” itself! “I’m very honored na naging parte ako ng pamilya ni Kuya,” she smiled. “I feel legit.” Alexa, thrilled to be one of Kuya’s newest ‘boarders,’ said she immediately agreed when she had a meeting with the management, and they told her PBB was aiming for a Gen Z representation through her. “Hindi ko na naisip kung kaya ko ba ‘to. Wala. Oo na agad,” she laughed. “Aayaw pa ba ako?”

However, she wouldn’t deny the jitters she felt on the opening night of “PBB Gen 11” “Hindi ako normally nadadala ng kaba; nako-conquer ko siya. Pero no’ng gabing ‘yon, grabe, pawis lahat, nanginginig, nagba-buckle pa ako sa sobrang kaba,” she revealed. But she quickly felt at home, loved, and guided by the more senior hosts like Bianca Gonzalez and Robi Domingo.

One of the things she enjoys most about hosting “PBB Gen 11” is getting to know the colorful stories of housemates from all walks of life. This has made her realize that no two narratives are the same in Kuya’s house, as everyone brings unique experiences and perspectives.

“Pero ang common denominator lang naming lahat ay kami lang ang makakaintindi kung ano ang pakiramdam o ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging isang housemate,” she explained. “The viewers, hindi talaga nila ma-fully grasp kung ano ‘yung mga pinagdadaanan sa loob—kung bakit gano’n kami mag-react o bakit gano’n na lang kami umiyak nu’n. Kahit ako, nagulat ako sa sarili ko na ganu’n ang behavior ko inside. It really does something to you.”

It’s been more than a year since Alexa’s PBB stint, but she still treasures the conversations she had with Big Brother in the confession room. During a weekly task where the housemates were creating a musical play, she had a heart-to-heart discussion with Kuya about her passion for performing and opened up about her doubts and how she sometimes considered giving up. That conversation ignited a bigger fire within her, as Big Brother gave her a piece of advice that she still holds close to her heart: “Keep shining.”

And that’s exactly what she is doing today.

Keep tuning in to “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11.” It airs weeknights at 10:15 PM and Saturdays at 8:30 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5, and A2Z. On Sundays, catch it at 8:30 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z, and at 9:30 PM on TV5.