Ruru Madrid exits PBB with birthday surprise and message from father

Ruru Madrid’s stay inside the “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab 2.0” house may have been brief, but it left a strong emotional imprint on housemates, Kuya, and viewers.

In the 28 November episode, Madrid bid farewell after joining the housemates’ fifth weekly task, “The PBB Network,” where he served as an anchor figure for the first two live shows. His exit became a highlight of the season after an unexpected tribute doubled as an early celebration of his 28th birthday on 4 December.

A birthday send-off

Ahead of his departure, housemates prepared a surprise to thank Madrid for his contribution to the task. Following the show’s format, Madrid received a cassette tape message — this time from his father, Bong Madrid. The emotional audio triggered a raw and vulnerable reaction from the actor as Bong expressed pride in the man his son has become and shared how fulfilled he felt seeing him finally step inside Kuya’s house.

Housemates then surprised Madrid with a birthday cake, prompting the actor to thank them tearfully before the group took a celebratory groufie.

Inside the confession room, Madrid reflected on the experience.

“Iba ‘tong experience na naranasan ko rito,” he told Kuya. “Ito pong naging experience ko rito sa loob po ng bahay mo, ito po ang magsisilbing alaala sa akin na meron akong naaambag at meron po akong nagagawa.”

He later added:

“Magsisilbi po akong gabay, Kuya, sa kabataang Pinoy. I will do everything para po magsilbing inspirasyon sa kanila. Hindi po ako titigil sa mga pangarap ko.”

Kuya assured him that his short stay made a meaningful impact — a sentiment that once again moved the actor.

Lessons exchanged

Before leaving the house, Madrid addressed the housemates, saying the experience taught him more than he expected.

“Akala ko ako ‘yong magtuturo sa inyo dahil ako ‘yong mas nakakatanda. Pero sa totoo lang, ako ‘yong natuto sa inyong lahat. Iba ‘yong pinakita n’yong teamwork. Nakaka-proud kayo. Itong naging experience n’yo rito sa loob ng bahay, sana dalhin n’yo habang buhay.”

Spotlight shifts to Krystal Mejes and Marco Masa

The housemates resumed their weekly challenge, where each nominated housemate must mount a 20-minute live show revealing untold personal stories.

Day two focused on former child stars Krystal Mejes and Marco Masa.

Rehearsals intensified inside the house — Krystal prepared scenes with Heath Jornales, Rave Victoria, and Carmelle Collado, while Marco worked with Joaquin Arce and Iñigo Jose on a deeply personal story involving his brother with Down Syndrome.

Joaquin shared that taking on the role of Marco’s father didn’t require heavy character-building as he personally relates to families caring for persons with disabilities.

Marco admitted he was initially hesitant to open up about his brother but felt safe knowing his castmates approached the story with sincerity.

A double showcase of truth and vulnerability

Krystal’s live show “Pangarap” portrayed her mother’s resilience in raising her children after being abandoned. Playing herself, she revisited formative moments in her life.

“Whenever I act, Kuya, I feel free… like I have my own wings,” she said in the confession room.

Marco then performed “Kuya Justin,” a tribute to his brother that depicted love, sacrifice, and the everyday challenges families face while caring for individuals with special needs. Joaquin and Iñigo’s performances helped anchor the scene, drawing praise for its honesty and emotional depth.