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ON THIS DAY: Pinoy Big Brother launched celebrity edition 20 years ago

Where are the first celebrity housemates of Pinoy Big Brother now?

🕒 2/5/2026, 7:55:14 AM931 wordsEN
Nikka Avegail Sabio

Nikka Avegail Sabio

#ON THIS DAY#Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 1#PBB#Pinoy Big Brother#Bianca Gonzalez#Zanjoe Marudo#John Prats#Keanna Reeves#PUSH

On February 5, 2006, Pinoy Big Brother made television history as it welcomed Filipino celebrities into Kuya’s house for the very first time. The season introduced audiences to a new side of familiar personalities, stripping away the glamorous spotlight and revealing their authentic selves.

 

Marking its 20th anniversary, we look back at the first celebrity housemates of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition and see where life has taken them since their groundbreaking stint in the house.

 

 

Keanna Reeves

The season’s Big Winner, Keanna Reeves captured viewers with her resilience and authenticity. After PBB, she continued acting in films and television. Last year, Keanna shared in an interview with PUSH Bets that she has been focusing on managing her businesses.

 

 

“Noong active ka pa sa showbiz, parang wala kang time mag-business so noong medyo di nagkakaroon ng mga projects, naisipan ko na mag-business ako,” Keanna shared. “Ang business ko ngayon is talent production.”

 

Aside from her food gourmet brand, she also runs a café-restaurant with her boyfriend, Scott Lomboy.

 



 

READ: Keanna Reeves on having a younger boyfriend: ‘Dun ako sa yung may collagen!’

 

John Prats

Already a familiar face as a child star, John Prats emerged from PBB with renewed career. He built a successful career as an actor, dancer, and host, eventually becoming a respected creative director.

 




 

Last month, he celebrated his 13th wedding anniversary with wife Isabel Oli. He also directed his first Kapamilya game show Rainbow Rumble, hosted by Luis Manzano. John is currently preparing to direct a concert series featuring TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan.

 




 

READ: John Prats reveals his techniques as a concert producer: ‘You can call me any time!’

 

Bianca Gonzalez

Bianca’s articulate and grounded presence inside Kuya’s house became a turning point in her career. She is currently the longest-standing host of Pinoy Big Brother, serving as one of the most familiar faces of the franchise throughout the years.

 



 

READ: Bianca Gonzalez opens up about career uncertainty, motherhood, and staying true to her passion

 

Beyond hosting, Bianca continues her work as a podcaster, writer, and advocate, while being a hands-on mom to daughters Lucia and Carmen with husband JC Intal.

 



 

READ: Bianca Gonzalez and daughters watch JC Intal play basketball again during Ateneo-La Salle Alumni game

 

Zanjoe Marudo

From housemate to leading man, Zanjoe Marudo continues to headline television dramas and films. Last year, he starred in the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Unmarry, alongside Angelica Panganiban.

 



 

READ: Zanjoe Marudo on playing a family man in UnMarry: ‘Hindi na ako nanghuhula kuno ano nararamdaman’

 

Zanjoe is now married to actress Ria Atayde, and the couple welcomed their son, Sabino, in 2024.

 



 

Budoy Marabiles

Budoy Marabiles’s candid personality made him a memorable presence in the house. After PBB, he continued pursuing his music career in Cebu. Budoy passed away last year due to cardiac arrest, and he is remembered by fans for his artistry and passion.

 

 

READ: Ex-'PBB' housemate and Junior Kilat frontman Errol 'Budoy' Marabiles passes away

 

Rustom Padilla

One of the season’s most talked-about housemates, Rustom Padilla’s PBB journey was deeply personal and transformative. Years later, she publicly came out as BB Gandanghari, becoming a powerful voice for self-identity and representation.

 

 

As for BB Gandanghari, she is now based in the United States and recently graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Entertainment Business from the Los Angeles Film School in July 2025.

 



 

READ: BB Gandanghari reveals why she pursued a second degree: ‘And now, I feel brand new!’

 

READ: LOOK: BB Gandanghari on family trip with mom in Taiwan

 

Rico Robles

After PBB, Rico Robles became an active radio host and podcaster. In his personal life, he is currently engaged to Phoebe Walker, a milestone he has shared with fans online.

 



 

Roxanne Barcelo

Roxanne reinvented herself post-PBB as an actress and singer. She later stepped back from local showbiz and is now married and based in Taiwan, embracing a private life while remaining fondly remembered for her charm and humor.

 



 

READ: LOOK: Roxanne Barcelo and husband welcome third child Leo

 

Gretchen Malalad

2005 Southeast Asian Games karate gold medalist and former beauty queen Gretchen Malalad brought discipline and sportsmanship into the house. After PBB, she continued advocating for sports and animal welfare and is now a freelance video journalist.

 


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Aleck Bovick

Aleck Bovick’s stint in PBB added depth to her public image. She later balanced acting and business and publicly affirmed that she is part of the LGBTQIA+ community with a same-gender partner. Aleck continues to appear in TV series, including FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.

 

 

READ: Aleck Bovick discovers her sexuality at 39 years old: ‘Bata pa lang kasi ako meron na kong nafefeel’

 

Christian Vasquez

Christian Vasquez continues to act in television and film. He is currently part of Kapamilya’s series Roja starring Donny Pangilinan and Kyle Echarri. He also shares his fitness journey online and often includes his kids in his activities, inspiring fans with his commitment to health and family.

 



 

Rudy Fernandez

Rodolfo “Rudy” Fernandez, Iloilo’s famed one-legged triathlete, was admired for his determination and humility inside Kuya’s house. He continued to inspire others through sports, joining triathlons, and pursuing his passion for biking. Rudy passed away on January 2, 2022, at the age of 74.

 

 

Mich Dulce 

Known for her strong personality, Mich Dulce pursued creative and entrepreneurial paths, stepping away from mainstream showbiz. She is now a milliner, corsetiere, designer, and performer.

 



 

Angela Calina 

Angela Calina worked in entertainment after voluntarily exiting PBB, before stepping away from the spotlight. She is now based in India with her two sons, while her eldest daughter Aira resides in Cebu.

 


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