My PBB Diary: Auditioned To The Most Viewed Reality Show In The Philippines' National TV

I was just a little kid thirteen years ago who enjoyed watching the intriguing set of housemates in the Pinoy Big Brother Reality Show, which had been the most viewed program on national TV since 2005. I adored not the housemates themselves but the concept behind the show—how the housemates were isolated from reality, given house rules and tasks, all while being monitored 24/7. It was subtly a social experiment, and though only a few in the audience realized that, even at a young age I understood how the show operated. I even noticed how they were watched by cameras scattered in all rooms and spaces, even in the comfort rooms. It was a weird idea, but also very intriguing, wasn’t it?  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.