Luis Manzano (third from the left) returns as host of 'Pinoy Big Brother.' Photo from the X account of 'Pinoy Big Brother'
MANILA (UPDATE) — "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0" premiered Saturday with the return of Luis Manzano as host and the introduction of new housemates.
During a chat with "Kuya" (Big Brother) in the famed confession room of the Quezon City house, Manzano recalled that he last hosted the program around 2008.
"May kaunting kaba," he admitted when his co-hosts asked how he felt about returning to the show.
"Kahit nagawa ko na ito dati, hindi mawawala ang excitement at kaba," he said.
Manzano joins Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Melai Cantiveros, Enchong Dee, Alexa Ilacad, Gabbi Garcia and Mavy Legaspi in hosting the program.
Apart from Manzano's comeback, the premiere also introduced 12 new housemates.
They include Eliza Borromeo, Rave Victoria, Iñigo Jose, Lella Ford, Reich Alim and Fred Moser from Star Magic, as well as Anton Vinzon, Waynona Collings, Caprice Cayetano, Lee Victor, John Clifford and Ashley Sarmiento from Sparkle.
They join the eight housemates who were revealed ahead of the premiere: Joaquin Arce, Sofia Pablo, Miguel Vergara, Princess Aliyah, Heath Jornales, Krystal Mejes, Carmelle Collado and Marco Masa.
Earlier this year, ABS-CBN and GMA joined forces for the first-ever "Celebrity Collab Edition" — a historic crossover that brought together stars from both companies for the reality show.
In the inaugural collaboration, housemates competed in pairs composed of a Star Magic and Sparkle artist, with Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca ultimately becoming the season's winners.
After the premiere, "Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0" will air weeknights at 9:40 p.m., Saturdays at 6:15 p.m. and Sundays at 10:05 p.m.
First airing in 2005, "Pinoy Big Brother" has become a launchpad for celebrities, with several former housemates eventually pursuing careers in show business.