It was a fun and insightful reunion for Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition big winners Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca and former house guest Ivana Alawi as they explored the vibrant food spots in Quiapo, Manila.
According to Ivana, Brent and Mika were the ones who suggested the idea of going on a food trip for their guest appearance on her vlog.
“Pinatanong ko talaga sila [Mika and Brent] (kung) ano ang bet [nila]. Ang request nila (ay) street food. Napaka-simple nila,” she said.
The content creator admitted that she was initially doubtful if Brent was really into street food due to his "rich kid" appeal.
Brent verified that he is a certified street food lover, saying: “Kinalakihan ko talaga ‘yan [street food]. Lahat kinakain ko talaga — balot, mga ganon.”
READ: Sino Nga Ba Siya: Mika Salamanca and her viral song covers
It was their first time having street food again after their four-month stay inside the iconic yellow house.
The trio didn’t miss the chance to try the famous hotdog sandwich with cheese of viral sensation Neneng B, known for her iconic line “Ma, anong ulam?”
They also had grilled pusit, tanghulu, dimsum, sweet corn, dynamite, and bulaklak — all of which satisfied their taste buds.
READ: Sino Nga Ba Siya: Mika Salamanca and her viral song covers
Mika was grateful to Ivana for their food adventure which also served as their quick escape from their hectic schedules. “Alam mo buti nalang ito ‘yung vlog natin kasi hindi naman kami makakahanap ng time na gawin ‘to, tapos kasama ka pa,” she expressed.
READ: Ivana Alawi on being a star: ‘I’m still learning’
During their food trip, Ivana delved deep into the duo’s journey to victory and their experiences inside the PBB house. “Hindi (ko inexpect). Kami ang pinakamahina sa loob, ‘yun ‘yung laging sinasabi. So akala namin, ‘yun din ang nangyayari sa labas, na ‘yun ang tingin sa amin ng mga tao,” Brent said when asked about their historic win.
Meanwhile, Mika revealed the backup plan she had in mind if she failed in her PBB stint. “Before coming inside the PBB house, [ang plan ko in five years] is mag-se-settle na ako sa US, uuwi na ako. ‘Pag hindi nag-work ‘tong PBB, wala na akong plan B, plan C, plan anything. Kailangan ko nang umuwi. Tapos na ako, mabubuhay nalang ng totoo talaga na buhay, like normal,” she shared.
Now that she got the perfect redirection, she plans to focus more on music which she described as her “end game.”
Brent and Mika also shared what keeps them inspired now that they continue to navigate their respective careers in the entertainment industry.
“‘Yung mga taong sumusuporta sa amin, ate,” Mika told Ivana. “Kasi nakakagulat eh, hindi ko inexpect. Alam mo naman, out of anyone, alam na alam mo kung gaano kahirap before. Tapos lumabas ka na ang daming sumusuporta, parang gusto naming magtrabaho lalo para sa kanila, gusto naming mag-inspire para sa kanila kasi wala kami rito [kung] wala sila.”
Brent also echoed Mika’s sentiments, saying: “Sila ‘yung inspirasyon namin para mas magtrabaho nang mabuti kasi alam ko rin naman na ‘yung mga pangarap namin, pinaglalaban nila para sa amin kaya ‘yun din ang gusto naming gawin para sa kanila.”
Brent and Mika reunited with their PBB family in a sold-out fan conference titled The Big Collove at the Big Dome on Sunday, August 10.