From her Waray roots to her flourishing showbiz career, “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” Kapamilya 2nd Big Placer Krystal Mejes has let us into her world—from her childhood to her growing-up years—a true testament to her hard work and perseverance, which continue to make her admirable today.
Krystal also talked about her time inside Bahay ni Kuya on the March 17 episode of "Kuan on One" with Kuantie Melai Cantiveros-Francisco. She remembered her audition days, the highs of Big Night, and thanked the fans who stood by her all throughout the season.
On discovering herself through “PBB”
Joining “PBB” was not part of Krystal's dreams. However, she decided to audition when she learned that another season was coming up. “Ako kasi, sabi ko na gusto ko marami akong experience sa life,” she shared, adding that it helped her discover more about herself—what she could do, and what else she could bring out of her own potential.
Melai was impressed by Krystal’s mindset, pointing out how lucky her mother must feel to have a daughter like her. “Walang batang papasok doon para makilala ang sarili. Pero pumasok siya para makilala ang sarili because humble ka kasi. Alam mo sa sarili mo na hindi mo pa masyadong kilala,” she said, applauding Krystal for her humility and outlook in life.
Krystal remembered how the opportunity of joining the reality show came to her, and how her mom’s unwavering support pushed her to go for it. “Pagka-audition ko, natanggap ako. Hanggang sa na-realize ko baka para sa akin ito kasi excited ako,” she mentioned. Though nervous at first, she also felt a sense of peace, taking it as a sign that she was on the right track. When the news finally broke that she was officially a housemate, Krystal admitted she instantly screamed and called her family, who were also crying during that time.
As one of the hosts of “PBB Collab 2.0,” Melai had the chance to observe Krystal throughout the show. She talked about Krystal's role as a "wisdomer," or someone who has a lot of inspiring words to share, especially when it comes to dealing with fights and disagreements. “Hindi talaga ako nakikipag-away, pinapaintindi ko lang. Ipapaintindi ko sa’yo kung saan ako nanggagaling, ide-defend ko lang kung ano sa tingin ko ang tama,” Krystal explained.
Melai recalled one memorable moment when Krystal offered advice to fellow housemate Miguel Vergara, who found himself in a love triangle with Marco Masa and Eliza Borromeo. Krystal shared that her insights came simply from observing others, and from the life stories passed on by her family or the books she had read. “Mahilig lang talaga akong umintindi. Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling,” she confessed.
When asked what lessons she learned from her “PBB” experience, it was the importance of acknowledging your emotions. In reality, Krystal often kept a strong and fierce façade, but in “PBB,” she realized that showing emotions does not make one weak. “Doon ka pa nga mamahalin kung magpakita ka ng vulnerability,” she reflected. She added that she has come to embrace her sensitivity as a gift—one that allows her to empathize and build deeper connections with others.
Krystal on ‘CapKrys,’ talks friendship with Carmelle and Eliza
Krystal also looked back on her friendship with housemates Eliza Borromeo and Carmelle Collado, such as the heartbreak when Eliza was evicted, “Mag-cry-cry talaga. Ang sakit ng dibdib ko noon.” The pain grew even heavier when Carmelle followed, “Mas malungkot kasi may promise kami na sabay naming haharapin ang outside world,” she said, proving how genuine their sisterhood inside the house had become.
Aside from Carmelle and Eliza, Krystal also formed a bond with housemate Caprice Cayetano, especially during the last few weeks leading up to the end. What started as small chats eventually grew into a deeper talks—ones that carried over even outside the “PBB” house. Supporters loved their closeness so much that they began shipping them together as “CapKrys.”
Krystal described Caprice as one of the kindest among them. “Very humble. Mai-inspire ka ring maging mabait kasi may kaharap kang mabait,” she said. She also shared her surprise at being shipped with Caprice, especially when fans gifted them twinning cellphones. “Hindi ko ’yon in-expect. Na-appreciate ko na binigyan nila kami ng regalo. Ibig sabihin, mahal talaga nila kami,” she added, touched by the gesture. Krystal also reminisced the moment she gave her 130,000 points to Caprice during Big Night, telling her that she was her bet for Big Winner. To her surprise, Caprice gave Krystal 200,000 points, affirming that she deserved it as well.
From Big Night tears to Missing Big Brother
When the Big Night came, Krystal admitted she was overwhelmed with nerves. “Hindi na ako makahinga noon! Tapos hinahanap ko si Mama. Tapos may nakita akong [banner] ‘Krystal, you are seen and loved,’” she recalled. That moment made her emotional, as she expressed deep gratitude to her fans. “Kasi sa loob ng Bahay ni Kuya, hindi ko nafi-feel na may fans ako sa labas.” Even her family’s first words to her were that many people had been rooting for her, which moved her to tears.
WATCH: Big Night: Heath and Krystal are the 2nd Big Placers! | PBB Collab 2.0
Later, she opened up about experiencing separation anxiety with Kuya, something Melai herself could relate to. “Miss ko na si Big Brother. ‘Yung mga words of wisdom, mga advice niya sa akin,” Krystal conveyed how he validated her feelings and understood her struggles. For her, those moments of guidance are among the things she will miss most now that “PBB” has ended.
Enjoy new episodes of "Kuan on One" every Tuesday on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and on iWant.