7 things to know about Mika Salamanca, Brent Manalo's 'Pinoy Big Brother' journey
With the monikers Ang Gentle-linong Heartthrob ng Tarlac and Ang Controversial Ca-babe-len ng Pampanga, the duo displayed quiet strength and resilience inside the house, facing challenges and breakthroughs together.
As they return to the outside world with the title of Big Winners, here are seven things to know about Brent and Mika's journey inside Bahay ni Kuya.
1. Duos for the first time
Brent and Mika first went with the duo name MEnt when they were randomly paired as duos during the earlier days of the show.
As a duo, they were assigned to lead their second weekly task titled "One Shot Wonder," where housemates were challenged to develop and produce a short film featuring Esnyr's nine characters—each appearing in distinct scenes and settings.
Although they failed to complete the task, it highlighted their teamwork and their dynamic as both leaders and partners.
2. The MikBrent fan ship
After their first duo pairing, the bond between Mika and Brent grew even stronger, so much so that netizens couldn't help but ship them, giving rise to their fan ship name: MikBrent.
Interestingly, fans had already been shipping them as far back as 2020, following a brief interaction on X (formerly Twitter).
3. Mika's red flag moment
Perhaps one of Mika's highlights in PBB was when she received a red flag in their "Nagpapakatotoo Challenge."
Mika got a red flag for receiving the lowest average of two points from the housemates' evaluation where they assess each other's authenticity.
Despite being at the bottom of the ranking, Mika accepted the result with grace, saying she didn't take the outcome personally.
"Sorry if meron man sa inyo na naka-feel na nakukulangan sa pagpapakatotoo ko. I just wanna assure you guys na it's OK na ako 'yung nakakuha ng red flag and I believe na you guys don't mean anything bad. Thank you guys," Mika told the housemates.
4. Brent giving his Golden seat to Mika
When Brent secured one of the four golden seats for their moms in "The Big Carnival Concert," the Kapamilya star decided to give it Mika after Kuya told him that he can transfer it to someone else.
Brent said it was not a sacrifice for him but a self-serving decision, because he could not pass on the opportunity to do something for a friend.
Because of Brent's selfless move, Mika got the opportunity to talk to her mom via video call.
Mika and her mom were both thankful to Brent for giving her the opportunity to watch the concert.
5. Mika choosing Brent as her final duo
After ranking sixth in their last duo formation task, Mika chose Brent as her final duo with BreKa as their duo name.
According to Mika, she chose Brent because he has been a big part of her growth and journey inside Bahay Ni Kuya.
6. BreKa deciding to give up slot for ShuKla
Brent and Mika faced the Big Tapatan alongside the house challengers, where they expressed their willingness to give up their slots for Shuvee Etrata and Klarisse de Guzman (ShuKla), the last housemates to be evicted by public vote.
During the Big Tapatan, the duo defended their decision, saying they didn't do it to appear like heroes, but simply because it was something they genuinely wanted to do.
Although Kuya didn't agree and they were allowed to keep their slots, their selfless decision stood as a testament to their genuine hearts and willingness to sacrifice for their fellow housemates.
7. Big Jump Challenge
BreKa, along with the duos Ralph De Leon-Will Ashley (RaWi), AZ Martinez-River Joseph (AzVer), and Dustin Yu-Bianca De Vera (DusBi), faced the Big Jump Challenge, where they had to win one of three challenges to advance to the Big Four.
With RaWi and AzVer successfully completing the first and second Big Jump Challenges, BreKa went head-to-head with DusBi in the final challenge. The task required both pairs to navigate red cups through a maze and then build the tallest tower possible within the time limit.
After nearly six hours of intense effort, BreKa succeeded in constructing the higher tower, securing the last spot in the Big Four and eliminating DusBi from the competition. —MGP, GMA Integrated News
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GMA Network
25 minutes ago
- GMA Network
Jessica Soho gets the 'Pinoy Big Brother' experience during her visit to Bahay ni Kuya: 'Curious talaga ako'
The 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho' team visiting 'Pinoy Big Brother's' Bahay ni Kuya was yet another unexpected but fun collab! Award-winning host Jessica Soho paid a visit to get to know the housemates more, and to try out iconic show experiences, such as conversing with Kuya at the Confession Room. 'In anything, there is always a first time. Pero isa ho ito siguro sa mga hindi ko maisip na mangyayari pala. Posible pala 'yung ABS-CBN at ang aming home network, ang GMA, magko-collab. Nagkasama ang GMA at ang ABS para rito sa collab ng PBB, 'Pinoy Big Brother.' Who would have thought, 'di ba?' Soho said. ["In anything, there's always a first time. But this is probably one thing I never imagined would happen– that it's actually possible for ABS-CBN and our home network, GMA, to collaborate. GMA and ABS came together for this 'Pinoy Big Brother' (PBB) collaboration. Who would've thought, right?] Before entering, Soho learned about the Bahay ni Kuya house rules, like not talking about the outside world. Her first task was to meet with Kuya in the Confession Room. Asked about her purpose inside the Big Brother House, Soho said, 'Kasi, Kuya, pasensya ka na, hindi ko ito natututukan. Alam ko lang na nag-collab na with ABS ang GMA. So, na-curious din ako. Lalo na closer to the finals, 'di 'ba? Diyan nagbu-build up 'yung excitement. So, tsaka na-curious talaga ako.' ['Sorry, Kuya, I haven't really been able to keep up with this. All I knew was that GMA had already collaborated with ABS. I got curious too. Especially as it got closer to the finals. That's when the excitement really builds up. So, yeah, I was genuinely curious.'] Meeting the Big Four Following Kuya's go signal, Soho was able to meet with the Big Four duos. The housemates had no idea that Soho would be visiting, so they were all in for a surprise. After introducing themselves, the housemates toured Soho around the garden and swimming pool. Soho even cooked sopas for the housemates and they got to learn more about 'KMJS.' After their meal, Soho spoke with each housemate. Brent introduced himself as the Gentle-Linong Heartthrob ng Tarlac, and said his moniker came from being a student achiever, from graduating high school as valedictorian and cum laude with an Advertising degree in De La Salle University. After graduating, he became a model, which led to him being a 'PBB' housemate. Asked about his experience inside Bahay ni Kuya, Brent said, 'Siguro po sa akin, ang pinakanaging importanteng lesson is 'yung pakikisama po talaga. Kasi po ako, nasanay po talaga ako most of the time mag-isa.' ["For me, I guess the most important lesson was really about camaraderie and learning how to get along. That's because I've mostly been used to doing things on my own."] Brent's duo partner is Kapuso social media personality Mika Salamanca. 'Ako po Mika Salamanca po," Mika said. "Controversial Ca-babe-len ng Pampanga po. Bunso po sa magkakapatid. Lahat po ng buong pamilya ko po nasa abroad. Ako lang po 'yung nasa Pilipinas para po i-pursue yung showbiz po.' ['I'm Mika Salamanca, the Controversial Ca-babe-len of Pampanga. I'm the youngest among my siblings, and my entire family is abroad. I'm the only one who stayed here in the Philippines to pursue a career in showbiz."] It was not Mika's first time on 'KMJS,' as she previously told her story on her rhinoplasty, and said that she is not ashamed of it. Next up is River Joseph, the Sporty Business Bro ng Muntinlupa City. He said, 'Kasi mahilig ako mag-basketball. At business kasi tumutulong rin ako sa family business namin. Nag-mo-model ako, commercials. Tapos na-in love ako sa acting.' ['I love playing basketball, and I'm involved in our family business. I also do modeling and commercials. Then, I just fell in love with acting."] Soho said that River is always smiling and is called the Pambansang Green Flag. She then met AZ Martinez, the Masunuring Daughter ng Cebu. 'Nag-i-study pa ako. I'm in college studying Marketing Management and balancing it with work,' AZ said, and added that she stopped studying for a term. ["I'm still studying. I'm in college, taking up Marketing Management and balancing that with work."] Soho noted that while inside the house, AZ broke up with her boyfriend. 'Before coming in here, hindi kami okay. We were both toxic. Two years na kami. And, most of the time sa relationship namin, on and off na. And, that was one of the realizations I had inside this house na parang it was bound to happen. Sa labas, I never had the guts to let go. Lagi ko na lang pinipilit,' she said. ["Before coming in here, my boyfriend and I weren't okay. We were both toxic. We'd been together for two years, and for most of our relationship, it was on and off. One of the realizations I had inside this house was that it was bound to happen. Outside, I never had the guts to let go– I just kept forcing it.'] AZ said fellow housemate Ralph De Leon is a 'good friend' and that she is 'happy with his presence.' Soho then met Will Ashley, who she watched in 'Balota.' According to Will, he has the longest showbiz career with 12 years. 'Ang moniker ko po is Mama's Dream Boy ng Cavite. Kaya po nasabing Mama's Dream Boy kasi simula six years old pa lang po ako, 'yung mommy ko na lang po 'yung naging kasama ko, kasi namatay po 'yung dad ko noong 2008,' Will said. ["My moniker is Mama's Dream Boy of Cavite. They call me Mama's Dream Boy because my mom has been my only companion since I was six years old, after my dad passed away in 2008.'] 'And since then po, nu'ng nag-start ako ng showbiz, talagang walang sawang support po 'yung ginawa ng mom ko. Parang baby pa rin po talaga 'yung turing sa akin,' he added. 'Grabe rin naman po talaga 'yung naging samahan namin ng mommy ko. And siya po talaga 'yung sumuporta sa akin simula nu'ng bata po ako.' ['When I started in showbiz, my mom gave me nothing but tireless support. She still treats me like a baby. My mom and I have such an incredible bond. She's really been my supporter ever since I was a child."] Soho met Ralph, the Dutiful Judo Son ng Cavite. 'Nag-judo po ako for almost half my life po. So bina-balance ko po 'yung sports ko with my academics for siguro mga since Grade 6 hanggang mag-graduate po ako ng college,' Ralph said. ['I did judo for almost half my life. I balanced the sport with my academics from around Grade 6 until I graduated college."] After school, he started modeling, acting in commercials, and then entered showbiz. Ralph said he maintains his athleticism inside Bahay ni Kuya. He was previously evicted but is grateful to be brought back to the house. 'Grabe po. Sobrang grateful ko po talaga na nakabalik po ako rito sa bahay na hindi pa po tapos 'yung kuwento ko rito. It just, syempre, gives me more, siguro, more strength to keep going kasi alam ko po naman na these 116 days were no joke.' ['I'm just so incredibly grateful to be back in this house, especially since my story here isn't finished yet. Of course, it just gives me more strength to keep going because I know these 116 days were no joke."] Finally, Soho met the duo of CharEs, or Charlie Fleming and Esnyr Ranollo. Charlie introduced herself as the Bubbly Bread-Teener ng Cagayan de Oro City. She also shared that her father is full Scottish, but has lost contact with him two years ago. 'Medyo nasanay na din po kasi ako na wala 'yung dad ko around. Kasi ever since I was a kid po, nagtatrabaho na po talaga siya abroad. And, nag-divorce na po talaga 'yung parents ko at a very early age,' Charlie said. ['I've actually gotten quite used to not having my dad around. Ever since I was a kid, he's been working abroad. My parents also got divorced when I was very young.'] Now that they don't talk, Charlie said she still wants to be in touch with him. She added that her father has 'a 75% chance' of knowing she is inside the PBB House. Esnyr then introduced himself as Viral Sensational Bestie ng Digos City in Davao del Sur. Esnyr started content creating in the pandemic and this was when his videos became a hit. 'Du'n na po nagsimula 'yung kuwento ko rito sa Manila po for four years na po. Ayun po. Independent po ako rito. At breadwinner po ako ng family po namin,' he said. ["That's when my story here in Manila started, four years ago. I've been independent here ever since, and I'm also the breadwinner for our family."] Esnyr said that right before entering Bahay ni Kuya, he settled his family's expenses. 'Para somehow habang kinakayod ko po 'yung pamilya namin dito at sariling pangarap, eh mabubuhay po naman po sila sa labas. Hopefully. At feeling ko naman nabuhay naman po sila kasi 'yung papa ko recently lang po dumating dito. At happy po ako na nalaman kong healthy sila lahat po.' ['While I'm working hard to support our family and pursue my own dreams, they're able to live comfortably back home–hopefully. And I feel like they've managed to thrive, because my father just recently arrived here. I'm happy knowing they're all healthy.' He added that the most valuable lesson he learned in 'PBB' is the value of family and friends. Lessons learned As 'Pinoy Big Brother' is often dubbed a social experiment, the housemates learned that they had to be true to themselves. The housemates also agreed that there are times for showing skills, for tasks, and for being together as a community. Soho left Bahay ni Kuya with learnings of her own. 'Ganu'n pala 'yung experience. Nakakapanibago. Mabuti na lang nakalabas na ako. Akala ko hindi ako makakalabas,' Jessica said. ["So that's what the experience was like. It was all so new. Good thing I'm out now– I thought I'd never get out.'] 'Ang dami kong violation sabi ni Kuya. Kasi nga ang hirap. Ang daming bawal. Pero it was a wonderful experience para maka-interact 'yung housemates, makilala sila. Ibang klase siya. Nakakatuwa 'yung housemates kasi may kanya-kanyang personality,' the journalist added. ['Big Brother said I had so many violations. Because it's really hard; there are so many rules. But it was a wonderful experience to interact with the housemates and get to know them. It's such a unique experience. The housemates are so delightful because each of them has their own personality."] This Saturday, Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo emerged as the big winners of 'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition held at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City. After the announcement, Mika shared 'Sa totoo lang po, hindi ko alam ang sasabihin kasi hindi po sapat 'yung salitang masaya at mahal ko kayo at salamat po kasi hindi po 'yun ma-e-explain ang nararamdaman ko ngayon.' ["Honestly, I don't know what to say because the words 'happy,' 'I love you,' and 'thank you' aren't enough; they can't explain what I'm feeling right now."] "Para sa inyo pong lahat 'to. Para sa pamilya ko, para sa mga nagmamahal, at para sa aming dalawa ni Brent,' Mika added. ['This is for all of you. For my family, for those who love me, and for Brent and me.'] Brent added, "Gusto ko lang po sabihin na basta puso 'yung panlaban, anything is possible. God is good. Thank you po. Marami pong salamat." ['I just want to say that as long as your heart is your weapon, anything is possible. God is good. Thank you. Thank you very much.'] —JCB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 hours ago
- GMA Network
Charlie Fleming finally meets Donny Pangilinan
Charlie Fleming has finally met Donny Pangilinan! On TikTok, the former PBB housemate shared some snaps of herself with the Kapamilya actor during the Big Night of "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition." To make things funnier, Charlie used the audio of her reaction when Donny entered Bahay ni Kuya as a house guest after she got evicted. "Kuya pinasok mo si Donny na wala na ako?! Bruhhh! I wanted to see him. Tapos parinig ako nang parinig Kuya, 'Donny lang po, ipasok niyo na.' Pinalabas ako tapos pinasok siya?!" she can be heard saying in the audio. Charlie got evicted in the show's second eviction night with her duo Kira Balinger. Charlie then made a big comeback to the show after winning one of the two wildcard slots alongside Ralph De Leon. Charlie and her final duo Esnyr (CharEs) were hailed as the third big placers of the season with the pair of Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca (BreKa) winning the big winner title. Meanwhile, Ralph and his duo partner Will Ashley (RaWi) were named the Second Big Placers, while the duo of AZ Martinez and River Joseph (AZVer) took the title of Fourth Big Placers. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
7 hours ago
- GMA Network
Will Ashley bids emotional farewell to 'Pinoy Big Brother': 'I'm grateful for y'all!'
After more than four months of challenges, growth, and heartfelt moments inside the "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition," Will Ashley has officially stepped back into the outside world as the second Big Placer, alongside his duo, Ralph De Leon. In his first Instagram post back into the outside world, the Sparkle star thanked everyone who stood by him during his journey inside the PBB house. "My journey inside the house was rough. I went through a lot of ups and downs. But thank God, I managed to get through everything," he wrote. Will said he owes much of his strength to the other 19 housemates with whom he shared the experience. "Sobrang pasasalamat sa mga housemates na talagang minahal at sinuportahan ako. I'm grateful for y'all!" he said. He also expressed his deep gratitude to the PBB fans who supported him throughout, even though he couldn't see or hear them while inside the house. "Napakalaking parte ninyo sa aking journey. Kayo ang dahilan bakit nilaban ko ang hamon na ito," he said. "Maraming salamat din po sa pagmamahal n'yo sa amin ni [Ralph], ang laban po na ito ay para sa inyo," he added. Though his PBB journey has ended, Will made it clear that this is just the beginning of a new chapter. "Umpisa pa lang po ito. Lalaban tayo," he concluded. Meanwhile, Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo emerged as the big winner of "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition," the first duo to share the title in the show's history. "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition" is getting a second season later this year. The 20 housemates of the first edition are also set to reunite at an event titled "The Big ColLOVE" happening on August 10, 8 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. More details, including ticket prices, will be revealed soon. —Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News
