They entered Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition in search of connection and opportunity. They exited as one of the season’s most talked-about tandems — Dustin Yu and Bianca De Vera, known as much for their chemistry as for the criticisms they faced inside Kuya’s house. Just days after their eviction, the two are now addressing the public conversation head-on.

Appearing on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Dustin and Bianca opened up about the backlash they received during their time in the house — ranging from accusations of manipulation and passive-aggressive behavior to questions about emotional maturity and the nature of their relationship.

Bianca, calm and direct, addressed the claims with confidence.

“I believe I’m a smart person,” she said. “And if I saw those red flags in Dustin — being a manipulator, a backstabber — I would’ve walked away. But I didn’t. Kasi wala akong nakita. What I saw was someone who took care of me from the very beginning.”

Her voice was steady. “People outside will always have opinions, but they don’t see what I see. They’re not in my body. So I’m not affected.”

Dustin, appreciative of Bianca’s support, admitted that the criticism hit hard once he left the house.

“One of the biggest reflections in my life happened right after I stepped out,” he said. “Siguro ganito lang talaga ako—very direct, very firm. But sometimes people mistake that for something else. I’m still learning how to communicate better, how to listen, and how to be heard.”

The interview also offered insight into their individual journeys. Bianca acknowledged her early struggles in the house, especially comments about her being “distracted.”

“I entered the house at a time na magulo talaga ang utak ko,” she said. “I wasn’t perfect. But I brought people with me on that journey of finding myself. And while I may have struggled, I know I grew.”

She continued, “Maybe I wasn’t like other housemates who had it all together right away, but there was improvement.”

Tito Boy also asked Dustin directly whether he ever felt jealous of Bianca’s past connection with fellow housemate Will Ashley.

“Oo, nagselos ako,” he replied. “Back then, I didn’t understand what they had before. But after I talked to Bianca and Will, I realized there was nothing to be jealous about. That honesty helped me move forward.”

Bianca also addressed her now-viral line —“What if pretty face lang ako?”—which some viewers took as arrogance. She offered a straightforward response: “Umiiyak na ako noon. Can’t I at least have that moment? If I think I’m beautiful, I’m not hurting anyone.”

Sitting beside her, Dustin added with a laugh, “She is beautiful.”

One of the toughest labels they’ve faced, they said, was being called “toxic.” Bianca answered simply.

“I don’t think we were toxic. I think we were two people trying to figure it out — just like anyone else. The only difference? Ours was broadcast on national television.”

They acknowledged the missteps and difficult moments but said their experience was grounded in honesty.

“We know what’s real and what isn’t,” Bianca said.

Their time inside the house may not have ended in a Big Four slot, but both believe it gave them something more valuable.

“We’ve heard that we’re one of the most loved and the most hated,” Bianca shared. “That’s okay. Our PBB journey taught us so much. It prepared us for bigger responsibilities. We’re okay now. We’re stronger for it.”

Dustin and Bianca were the last evictees from Bahay ni Kuya, falling short in the final Big Jump Challenge to Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca. With the final lineup set — BreKa, ChaRes, RaWi, and AzVer — the countdown to the Big Night on 5 July is underway.

Though out of the running, Dustin and Bianca leave behind a different kind of legacy: one of growth, clarity, and the reality of navigating a relationship in front of millions.

Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition airs Monday to Saturday at 9:35 PM on GMA Network.