Their final duo team-up was definitely unexpected, but the pairing of AZ Martinez and River Joseph, now popularly known as AzVer, has continued to prove they’re much more than just visuals.
Here are big four qualities that have endeared the duo to many of their supporters and casual viewers of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition:
1. Emotionally Honest
Both AZ and River have never shied away from showing their emotions and never saw crying as a weakness.
It even got them labeled by critics as “beg winners” instead of big winner-material — but the two stood tall and kept showing why they earned their place.
“If being emotional affects other people, that's us being us. That's our true selves and if people don't accept it then that's okay. As long as alam namin naging totoo talaga kami at nasa puso talaga namin yung totoo,” AZ said during the Defend Your Duo episode.
River echoed this, sharing that it's okay to be open and honest about what you feel.
“If we were emotional, if we were weak... that's just us being real, that's us not hiding whatever we felt. It's okay to be weak, it's okay to be emotional,” he expressed.
2. Gentle but firm
Though often emotional, River and AZ won’t stay silent when it matters — they speak up, stand tall, and show up during crucial moments.
Who could forget River’s iconic “Shuvee, stop!” during a secret weekly task, where the nominees had to capture a photo of River’s angry side?
Despite the other housemates trying to annoy and provoke River, he never got mad. He only reacted when he felt Shuvee was being mean to Xyriel — which led to that iconic, even meme-worthy moment.
Speaking up is something AZ never hesitates to do. During the Big Tapatan against the house challengers, she bravely defended herself against ex-housemate Ashley Ortega, who was also trying to bring out the real AZ.
“Siguro ganun yung naramdaman ko sa’yo kasi hindi ko rin nakita na naging totoo ka,” AZ rebutted when Ashley questioned her authenticity.
3. Playful and bubbly
The AzVer duo has never failed to bring out their bright personalities throughout their stay as housemates.
Both the PBB livestream watchers and main episode viewers have always loved River’s playful side, even enjoying his cheeky, sometimes slightly naughty jokes.
AZ stans, meanwhile, couldn’t help but feel kilig and amused by her bubbly side — especially during her interaction with Ralph De Leon’s father, Raffy.
“I was so poised, ganon talaga. Tapos yung pagkain ko ng hipon, very demure,” AZ admitted during the episode.
4. Underdogs who never lose heart
Both River and AZ were considered one of the “least desirable duo” partners during the formation of the final team-ups, but that didn’t stop them from proving everyone wrong.
Their duo won ₱100,000 for their chosen charity, the Cancer Treatment and Support Foundation, Inc. — a cause close to their hearts, as both of their fathers suffered from cancer.
“We have a reason. We are fighting for something. That’s what motivated us, that's what pushed us to keep fighting and to keep trying and trying again even if we keep falling,” River shared during the challenge.
During the endurance challenge for the third slot in the Big 4, River and AZ showed competitiveness and relentless spirit, which helped them secure the coveted spot.
“Ito yung pangarap namin, Kuya. Ito yung pinagdarasal namin,” AZ said upon securing their Big 4 slot.
It was also a huge moment for River, who earlier said that although he didn’t expect to stay long or even make it to the Big 4, he eventually found a reason to keep going.
“I’m fighting for my family. I’m fighting for my dad, for my brother. I was so scared to share their stories but then I did because I know it can help so many people with it and that’s what I’m fighting for. I’m not fighting for myself honestly. I’m fighting for my family, for the people who can relate to me, who are inspired by me, and I’m also fighting for AZ because I also know she deserves this spot,” he shared during the Big Tapatan episode.
River added that he’s used to letting others take the spotlight but is always happy to see everyone succeed.
“Throughout my whole journey here in this house, I know I never thought about myself. I was always stepped on, always last, never first pick. But that’s okay I wasn’t super competitive cause I would always be happy whenever other people would shine,” River expressed.
Will River and AZ shine the brightest on the PBB Big Night and be announced as the big winners? Don’t miss it this coming Saturday, July 5.
• This article is part of a series focusing on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab as we get ready for the Big Night. Tell us who you think is a winner on X @push_alerts, Instagram @pushalerts, and Threads @pushalerts