As the intense grilling with Boy “Tito Boy” Abunda continued in the July 2 episode of "Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition," the Big Four duos were able to redeem themselves from the negative opinions thrown at them by the outside world, pouring out their thoughts and hearts in answers that showcased their personal growth and the strength of their bond as duos.
The housemates faced the “Defend Your Duo” segment, where each duo had to address harsh comments from netizens, but the partner of the housemate being criticized would be the one to respond on their behalf.
Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca defended each other from the negative comments of netizens. To recall, the evictees, including Kira Balinger, returned to the house as Duo Challengers and were given the task of interrogating the remaining housemates. Kira questioned Brent’s authenticity by bluntly asking him, “Who are you?” Brent was clearly taken aback by the question and retorted, “Who are you to say that to me? Nobody cares about Kira Balinger, that’s why you’re evicted.” His response drew criticism online, with many netizens disapproving of how he answered.
But defending her duo, Mika explained that they were both shocked by the challengers’ confrontational questions. “I understand na we could have chosen better words, pero nung time kasi na ‘yon, sobrang na-bombastic kami sa lahat ng salita ng housemates na nasa harapan namin. And I think ‘yun din ang bubog ni Brent and naging vocal naman siya about doon sa loob ng bahay and nagulat lang din kami sa tanong na ‘yon.”
Meanwhile, Mika received comments that labeled her as playing safe, boring, or even fake—criticisms that questioned her authenticity. Responding on behalf of his duo, Brent explained, “Having gone through so much way before PBB pa, ang dami niyang pinagdaanan, and yung pagpasok niya dito is the opportunity to redeem herself. Siyempre, noong una, natakot siya na ipakita yung totoong sarili niya. Pero I would say ngayon, napapakita na talaga niya. At yung pagiging playing safe na tingin nila, I would say now, nagpapakita na siya ng galit, ng inis, ng lungkot.”
Brent added that if people still see Mika as playing safe despite how much she’s opened up, there’s nothing more he can do to change their minds.
The question Tito Boy posed to Brent and Mika as a duo also revolved around authenticity. He read out comments asking, “Bakit may nagsi-ship sa inyo? Love team ba kayo? Where is the chemistry? Hindi ba planado at orchestrated lang ito?”
The two exchanged confused, almost amused looks. Mika responded, “Dito sa loob ng bahay, never namin pinush o pinilit ‘yung chemistry, kung meron man. It’s all platonically and friendship talaga yung nabuo namin dito sa bahay.” Brent added with candor,“Honestly, Tito Boy, may mga times nga na nagki-cringe kami sa isa’t isa ‘pag nagiging sweet kami o kailangan namin magsabi ng words of affirmation sa mga ka-duo namin.”
As the Big Night draws closer, fans now have deeper insight into what drives their favorite duos, who they’ve become through the journey, and what kind of Big Winners they hope to be.
Catch "PBB Collab" weeknights at 10:15 PM and Saturdays at 6:15 PM on Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).