“Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0” Kapamilya 4th Big Placer Miguel Vergara took a trip down memory lane in a one-on-one interview with veteran entertainment columnist Ogie Diaz, who has been co-managing him since he was five.
As he fondly recalled his time inside Big Brother’s house, Miguel told Ogie that one of the things he missed most after returning to the outside world was the voice of Kuya. He warmly remembered how Kuya would make him sing and dance in the confession room, cherishing each of the life lessons he learned from him.
Being shut off from the rest of the world inside Bahay ni Kuya for months was no easy experience. Understandably, Miguel had a tough time readjusting to life outside. His struggle even extended to looking for his lapel microphone when he woke up after his first night sleeping in his own room.
He also missed the atmosphere inside the boys’ bedroom — even when he woke up in his own bed, he would still wait for the wake-up call before getting up. He admitted, “For the past few days po na nandito ako sa bahay, hindi pa po ako nakakatulog nang more than 3 hours po.”
Though he never reached a point where he wanted to leave voluntarily, there were moments when he longed for his family’s presence — especially during the Christmas season. “Hindi ako iiyak sa ‘PBB’ gan’yan,” Miguel promised his family. “Kaya kong hindi umiyak sa ‘PBB.’”
Yet, as we now know, his heart was too soft to endure such a challenge completely. The absence of his family made him truly realize how much they mattered to him and how much he had taken for granted. “Du’n ko po na-realize kung gaano po kaimportante ‘yung mga bagay na dati hindi ko pinapansin,” Miguel opened up.
Miguel’s stay inside the “PBB” house taught him to appreciate spending time with others. It was only then that he experienced the magical energy, bonds, and playful moments he shared with his fellow housemates.
He took Big Brother’s words to heart when he encouraged him to find himself inside the house. “While people were getting to know me, nakilala ko rin po ‘yung sarili ko doon sa bahay po,” Miguel thoughtfully explained. “Kung sino po ‘yung nakilala nilang Miguel, nakilala ko lang din po ‘yun du’n sa loob ng Bahay.”
The quiet and reserved Miguel seemed to be gone for good. His bubbly and playful personality now made him shine brighter than ever, and hopefully, it’s here to stay. “Kapag hindi ako nahiya, nilabas ko lang kung ano ‘yung talagang nararamdaman ko, mas masarap sa pakiramdam,” he shared with contentment.
While some baby birds need a push from their mother to leave the nest, Miguel took the leap of faith himself inside Big Brother’s house. He embraced the mantra of paglipad (flight), which became the guiding theme of his journey in “PBB” — and even beyond.
Now that he’s older, he wants to learn how to fly on his own. “Ang goal ko po is lumipad mag-isa,” Miguel shared. “Kasi I’ve been flying with my parents my whole life. They’ve been supporting my wings all along.”
However, when he was announced as one of the Ultimate 8 changed his perspective on paglipad. Paglipad came to represent not only his ambitions but also the hopes of everyone who supported him. His mantra was no longer just his own. He learned to share it with everyone he loves and everyone who loves him.
“I’m happy na ‘yun ‘yung naging conclusion,” Miguel recounted with a smile. “Kasi masaya po ako na na-realize ko na yes, I learned how to fly by myself, pero mas masarap po pa lang lumipad nang may kasama.”
With his newfound wisdom and experience, Miguel vowed never to take anything for granted. Over time, he learned the value of both time and relationships, cherishing every moment spent with the most important people in his life.
One such relationship is his friendship with “PBB Collab 2.0” Kapuso 2nd Big Placer Heath Jornales. More popularly known as HeaGuel, Miguel and Heath share a deep bond because their closeness was built on remarkable similarities — from their personalities to the paths they followed inside the “PBB” house.
Another remarkable relationship Miguel formed inside Bahay ni Kuya was his budding romance with fellow Kapamilya housemate Eliza Borromeo. Known affectionately as LizGuel, Miguel and Eliza’s more-than-friends relationship quickly became one of the main highlights of the reality show.
Though some viewers questioned their connection, suggesting it was staged, Miguel firmly denied all accusations about the authenticity of their feelings. “It was never fanservice po,” he insisted. “‘Yun po talaga ‘yung naramdaman ko po nu’ng time na ‘yun.”
Moreover, Miguel told Ogie that, not too long ago, he visited the “PBB” house again. Overwhelmed by everything, he needed time to process all that had happened. He sat on his favorite couch, traveled back in time, and immersed himself in the memories of Bahay ni Kuya. After reflecting, he knew it was time to move forward. Miguel told himself, “Hindi ko na ‘to pwede gawin, kailangan ko na harapin kung ano ‘yung mga na-o-overwhelm ako.”
Even with all the challenges and pressures, Miguel never forgot to thank his supporters. “Kung sino po ako ngayon, it’s because of them,” he gratefully told his fans. “I can say that wholeheartedly.” Miguel was happy not only to have flown on his own, but also to have flown with his loved ones by his side.