Pinoy Big Brother host Bianca Gonzalez took to social media to share a throwback video of her introduction as a housemate for Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition Season 1 20 years ago.
On her personal Instagram page, Bianca posted a clip from her first-ever appearance as one of the 14 celebrities and personalities who became official housemates of the pioneering celebrity edition of the Kapamilya reality show.
“20 years ago ON THIS DAY.... I did the most out-of-my-comfort-zone thing that a shy, private, introvert like me could do. And it changed my life for good,” Bianca expressed.
She went on to express her gratitude to the people who helped make her journey possible — from being a housemate to one of the longest-standing hosts of the franchise.
“Forever grateful to Kuya and to my @pbbabscbntv family, to Tito Boy who coerced (!!!) me to be a housemate, to @direklauren and our ABS-CBN bosses who saw something in me!” she added.
Bianca ended her message with a nod to the many roles she has taken on with PBB. “From Y-Speaker of the House to Kuya's Angel to OG Boarder ni Kuya, ako po si Bianca Gonzalez 🙌🏾💙🏡⭐.’
The video she shared showed fellow PBB host Luis Manzano introducing her during the opening episode of PBB Celebrity Edition Season 1 two decades ago.
“Ang pangalawang housemate natin ay inspirasyon naman ng mga kabataan and the best way to describe her talaga is beauty and brains. She is the best that she can be. She is very intelligent and she definitely speaks her mind kaya ang tawag natin sa kanya ay Y-Speaker of the house,” Luis said, referring to Bianca’s then role as host of Y Speak.
Her close friend and former Kuya’s Angel, Toni Gonzaga, also served as the voice-over for Bianca’s introductory video, which highlighted her appearances on magazine covers and her transition into television hosting. Veteran journalists and broadcasters Bernadette Sembrano, Christine Bersola-Babao, Julius Babao, and Ryan Agoncillo were also among those who showed support for Bianca as she entered the PBB house.
In an interview prior to her entry to the house, Bianca shared her apprehensions about joining the show. “Siguro akala ng mga tao na napaka-high maintenance ko na napaka-sosyal ng ate ko pero hindi talaga. Personally, sobrang takot ako sumali. Sobra talaga. Gusto ko lang ma-prove sa sarili ko na kaya ko rin kahit na takot na takot ako pero handa ako.”
She also reflected on where life has taken her two decades later. “So much has happened in 20 years, and I will be forever grateful in this house.”
ON THIS DAY: Pinoy Big Brother launched celebrity edition 20 years ago
On February 5, Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition Season 1 marked the 20th anniversary since it aired in 2006. The season featured 14 celebrities and personalities from various fields who became the first official housemates of the franchise’s celebrity edition.
These included Bianca Gonzalez, Big Winner Keanna Reeves, Zanjoe Marudo, John Prats, Rustom Padilla (now BB Gandanghari), Rudy Fernandez, Roxanne Barcelo, Rico Robles, Mich Dulce, Gretchen Malalad, Christian Vasquez, Budoy Marabiles, Angela Calina, and Aleck Bovick.