After nearly four transformative months inside the iconic Pinoy Big Brother house, the housemates of PBB Celebrity Collab Edition have returned to the outside world — wiser, braver, and more grateful than ever.

Now back in the spotlight after the season finale, several housemates opened up about the lessons they gained during their stay inside Kuya’s house—experiences that continue to shape their lives beyond the show.

For River Joseph, the biggest takeaway was the power of presence and gratitude.

“Appreciate the little things — even appreciating the time we have together. Our time here was once in a lifetime. We’ll never get to experience this again, so we have to be grateful talaga for every moment,” he shared.

Actress Kira Balinger, meanwhile, reflected on how PBB helped her grow both emotionally and artistically.

“It’s my first time to be surrounded by so many people my age. Before PBB, my life was very isolated. I didn’t really have a lot of friends,” she said. “Being with different personalities — so many colors — it taught me how to understand people deeply, which helps me now in creating characters as an actress.”

Comedian and content creator Esnyr Ranollo, alongside singer Klarisse de Guzman, emphasized the importance of representation and authenticity during their journey.

“Mabuhay ang mga bakla at patuloy ang laban natin,” Esnyr declared. “Maraming salamat sa mga sumuporta.”

For Klarisse, her time inside the house allowed her to finally embrace and express her truth.

“Hinihintay ko lang ‘yung tamang panahon para sabihin ‘yun,” she said of her coming out moment. “Wala akong iniisip kung ano ang reaksyon ng tao sa labas. Ang mahalaga sa akin, masaya ako sa present namin that time.”

Even with the show wrapped, the journey isn’t over. The housemates are gearing up for their next big stage — PBB Collove: The Concert — set to take place at the Araneta Coliseum on 10 August.

“Marami kayong dapat abangan,” promised Big Winner Brent Manalo. “Ngayon lang ulit kami magsasama-sama—all 20 housemates. Kakanta, sasayaw, aarte… lahat ipapakita namin!”

Also set to perform are AC Bonifacio, Bianca de Vera, Xyriel Manabat, Ralph de Leon, and Emilio Daez — bringing the PBB spirit from the house to the concert stage.

More than just a reality show, PBB Celebrity Collab Edition became a space for healing, discovery, and human connection — and for these housemates, that journey continues, louder and prouder than ever.