My love for PBB grew stronger as they changed concepts every season, and little did I know that my admiration would one day lead me to the very stage of the PBB Audition last year. Hence, for this blog, I just want to share my journey during the Pinoy Big Brother audition last May 25, 2024. For those who are not familiar, Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) is a reality competition show broadcast by ABS-CBN, Kapamilya Channel, TV5, and GMA Network. A group of housemates live together under one roof, isolated from the outside world, and are filmed 24/7 while competing for a cash prize.
First of all, I honestly wasn’t sure if I should audition. The venue was so far away, held at Pacific Mall in Mandaue—around a 4-hour trip from my place. I also didn’t have anyone to travel with. But I kept thinking, what if I just try? Maybe this is the time to showcase my talent. Maybe this could be my time to shine. So, just a day before the audition, I decided to go for it. I asked permission from my guardian, and luckily, they said yes. I left early at 4 AM and reached Pacific Mall around 8 AM.
The moment I arrived, I felt nervous right away. The place was so crowded—thousands of people were lining up. Since I was alone, I had no choice but to stand on my own and prove my independence. Before I entered, I prayed and asked Father God for guidance. I told myself, whether I make it or not, at least I tried, and nothing would be lost if I did.
The first thing I did was ask around how the process worked. I filled out a form and received my audition number—17,885. That moment I felt mixed emotions: nervousness, excitement, exhaustion, and hunger (since I hadn’t eaten when I got there). I also couldn’t leave the line because I might lose my spot to the many people auditioning.
Eventually, I reached Level 1 of the audition. We introduced ourselves and answered some questions from the director. By God’s grace, I got into Level 2, and I felt so happy because not everyone made it that far. Somehow my tiredness faded because I knew I was moving forward.
At Level 2, we had to showcase our talents. We were just outside waiting for our numbers to be called. I met new friends there, and they were so approachable—some of whom I’m still connected with up to now. When it was my turn, I sang, and even though I felt nervous, thankfully I was chosen to proceed to Level 3. I was very happy at that time because many were eliminated at that stage.
In Level 3, the director asked us more questions and required us to dance and sing. Again, I was fortunate enough to be chosen for Level 4, the final stage. But since it was already 7 PM, the director announced that the auditions were paused and would continue the next day. Those whose numbers got called were asked to return.
I was honestly a little upset because I was already very tired and kept thinking how I would get back there when I didn’t have enough money to return. But I knew in my heart that I couldn’t waste this chance. So I went home and traveled back the next day. Thankfully, my guardian gave me money for expenses, and before leaving, I prayed in church. This time, my sister and cousin came with me to support me and to take photos and videos of my audition.
When I got back to the venue, we went through another round of questions and talent performances. Sadly, I wasn’t chosen in the final level. Of course, I felt a bit down and thought maybe this just wasn’t meant for me. But when I went home, my guardian told me, “At least you tried, and you experienced that kind of journey.”
And that’s true. Even though I didn’t make it, I gained something more valuable—experience, courage, and even new friends. Sometimes the real prize is not just winning, but the story you bring home with you. I might not have secured the final spot, but the ending is indeed one for the books.