Wishful Waray Krystal Mejes shines as 'PBB Collab 2.0' star

Inside Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0, one housemate has captured viewers’ attention not just with her beauty, but with her words—sharp, soulful, and wise beyond her years. Krystal Mejes, dubbed the “Wishful Waray ng Samar,” has been dropping unforgettable lines that reveal a mind both confident and compassionate.

“Ako, kahit ayaw ko sa tao, I will still talk to them with respect. If you talk to me, kakausapin kita with respect. I will respect them, hindi dapat mawawala ’yon.” (“Even if I don’t like someone, I will still talk to them with respect. If you talk to me, I will talk to you with respect. I will respect them; that shouldn’t be lost.”)

“Parang okay, you hate me, but I don’t hate you." (“It's like, okay, you hate me, but I don't hate you.”) And just because you hate me, that doesn’t give me permission to hate you too. So even if you hate me, I will respect that kasi tao ka lang din." ("I will respect that because you're human too.") "But you know, people who hate others, hate themselves.”

Her take on love and relationships also impressed viewers:

“Men are natural hunters. They are born hunters. They’re predators. Kung may gusto sila ("If they want something"), they will do anything. They will get out of their way to get the girl. So if the person is not pursuing you, it just means one thing—he doesn’t want you that much or not enough.”

No wonder netizens are calling her “the diva philosopher of PBB.”

The Girl Behind the Quotes

At first glance, Krystal Mejes looks like she stepped straight out of a fairytale—glowing skin, soft-spoken, and elegant in every movement. But behind that poise lies a small-town girl with big dreams.

Born and raised in Samar, Krystal proudly carries her Waray roots, a culture known for resilience and warmth. “Waray ako, and proud ako doon,” she once shared. (“I am Waray, and I am proud of it.”) “Yung strength ng mga Waray, dala ko ‘yun kahit saan.” (“I carry the strength of the Waray wherever I go.”)

Now, she brings that strength to Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0—a historic season where Kapamilya and Kapuso artists share one roof, one journey, and one chance to show the nation their truest selves.

A Waray Who Dreamed Big—And Made It

Krystal’s love for acting began when she was just a kid watching the fantasy-drama Mutya. It sparked a dream that took her from Samar to the big city, where she soon found herself playing Becca, the daughter of Julia Montes in Doble Kara (2015).

Her next big role came in Nang Ngumiti ang Langit, where she broke her sweet-girl image by portraying the fierce Amber—a role that proved her range and confidence. Among her co-stars then was Miguel Vergara, who is now her fellow housemate in PBB Collab 2.0.

When the pandemic paused her projects, Krystal used the time to grow personally and artistically. She returned stronger than ever as part of the Star Magic Freshies, starring in the award-winning short film Matapang, which earned her Best Actress at the 2023 Paris Film Awards.

Her momentum continued in 2024 when she joined the star-studded cast of Lavender Fields alongside Jodi Sta. Maria, Albert Martinez, Edu Manzano, and Maricel Soriano. She now stars in the hit mystery series What Lies Beneath, proving she’s more than just a pretty face—she’s a force in the making.

A Waray Who Loves With Loyalty

At 17, Krystal describes herself as a “family girl through and through.” In Manila, she lives with her older brother and cousin, while her mother and younger sibling remain in Catbalogan, Samar. “I’m the princess at home,” she admits with a laugh. “Hindi ako masyado gumagawa ng chores—but maybe that will change sa PBB house!” (“I don’t do much chores—but maybe that will change in the PBB house!”)

Romance takes a backseat for now. With a mom who’s “super strict” about dating, Krystal says her love life is “career first, boys later.” She’s never been courted but knows her type: “tall, God-fearing, family-oriented, and insightful.” As for celebrity crushes, she admires Theo James and Coco Martin.

Her friendships are few but deep. From her Nang Ngumiti ang Langit days to her Star Magic circle, she’s closest to Mutya Orquia, Lance Lucido, Ashley Sarmiento, and Marco Masa. She admits she used to be shy and introverted, but showbiz taught her to open up. “I learned how to vibe with people—pero pili pa rin ako ng circle,” she said. (“But I still choose my circle.”)

A Waray Who Makes Smart Look Stylish

Krystal may be a working actress, but she hasn’t let her studies take a backseat. The incoming Grade 12 student still attends face-to-face classes, balancing schoolwork with shoots and press events. Her favorite subject is English—though she admits it took some adjustment since Waray is her first language.

She dreams of taking up Psychology or Law in college, combining her emotional intelligence with her desire to help others. Outside of acting, she’s a certified “notebook girl,” keeping three journals for devotions, daily thoughts, and creative ideas.

When not studying or shooting, Krystal loves reading, playing guitar, and escaping to quiet, nature-filled places. Fashion, skincare, and makeup are other passions—proof that intellect and glamour can coexist beautifully.

Inside the House, Out to Inspire

During her first media day, Krystal reflected on how music, art, and family shaped who she is today. “Madalas nagpe-perform kami sa school pero individual, di kami magkakasama. Minsan sumasama kami sa performance ni Tita Regine. I remember ginagaya ko siya when she performs—nakita namin yung magic when she’s onstage,” she shared. (“We often performed individually at school, but sometimes joined Tita Regine’s performance. I remember imitating her on stage—we saw the magic.”)

When asked about her biggest critic, she laughed: “Ang biggest basher namin ang mom namin!” (“Our biggest basher is our mom!”)

Krystal also admitted she’s a Donny Pangilinan fan. “Pinanood ko talaga ‘yung He’s Into Her,” she gushed. (“I really watched He’s Into Her.”) “Na-meet ko pa siya sa dressing room sa ABS!” (“I even met him in the ABS dressing room!”)

The Wishful Waray Rises

From a dreamer in Samar to one of the most talked-about housemates in PBB Collab 2.0, Krystal Mejes is proof that authenticity shines brighter than any spotlight. She’s fearless, grounded, and full of heart—a rare blend of wisdom, wit, and warmth.

If her viral quotes are any indication, this Wishful Waray is here not just to play the game, but to redefine what it means to be a strong young woman in the spotlight.

Catch Krystal Mejes on Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0, hosted by Bianca Gonzales, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, Enchong Dee, Alexa Ilacad, Gabbi Garcia, and Mavy Legaspi—airing on ABS-CBN and GMA Network.

Inside Bahay ni Kuya, the girl with the big heart and bold mind is ready to show the world that kindness and confidence never go out of style.