'Pinoy Big Brother' celebrity edition kicks off

The celebrity edition of the reality-based show "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB) opened Sunday night at Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard in Manila, with 14 housemates of various personalities bared to the public.

The new batch of housemates, selected from various fields such as music, sports, fashion and entertainment, said it would be hard to leave their families once they go inside Big Brother's house.

First to be introduced was the so-called iron man of Asia, Rudy Fernandez. The triathlete said he is both nervous and happy to enter the house.

"Gusto kong masabi na ang binibigyan ng karangalan ay isang taong nagbibigay dahil ang kayamanan ay hindi nabibili ng ng pera at ginto (Those are given the honor are people who give back because fortune cannot be bought)," the one-legged triathlete said.

Aside from Fernandez, all the other housemates chose a particular charity that they would support from points earned inside the Big Brother house.

Next to be introduced was cool "y-speaker of the house" Bianca Gonzales.

"In general masaya akong tao pag kasama ko ang pamilya ko, mga kaibigan ko, minamahal sa buhay ( I am happy when in the company of family and friends)," said the beauty and brains Gonzales, adding that being away from them would give her the blues.

Like Gonzales, family is also what keeps sexy mom Angela Calina going through life's curves.

The host-reporter from Cebu said she is willing to do anything for her loved ones. "Ano mang sacrifice ay gagawin ko para sa pamilya ko dahil mahal ko sila (I am willing to do sacrifices for my family)," Calina said.

For new housemate John Pratts, life is a dance. "Ang sayaw ay dapat sinasabayan ng ritmo. Dapat 'wag kang papatalo (Life is like a dance, you just need to go with the rhythm)," the young hearthrob said.

Disc-jockey Rico Robles of RX radio is just as excited as the other housemates to be in the Big Brother house. The popular DJ said he is happy being single.

Roxanne Barcelo is another single who is just as loving to her family as the other housemates. Barcelo is graduating this March and rushed submitting all her school requirements before joining the celebrity edition of PBB.

Christian Vasquez came next. He is another housemate who would sacrifice his life for loved ones. "The biggest achievement is sa lahat ng dumadating na trabaho, I can send my kids to school and provide for my kids," said the sexy actor and father of two.

Keana Reeves, the sexy star who hogged headlines after exposing the "escort service" before Congress, said she will miss her children. She, however, would no longer shed tears because of controversies. "Ayoko nang umiyak, sawa na 'kong umiyak."

Reggae singer Buboy Maradilles, who sang a Visayan rendition of "Pinoy Ako," is one natural joker who is also excited to be part of the reality TV series.

Avant-garde designer Mich Dulce is one fashion stylist oozing with creative ideas. She said she loves to look different from everyone else.

Coverboy Zanjoe Marudo is a new model oozing with sex appeal who is joining the famous bunch.

Karatedo champion Gretchen Malalad, three-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games, said her values would make her adapt to changes inside the house.

Sexy star Aleck Bovic said she is ready to fight until she lasts the show's end. "Kasi fighter ako...wag mo lang ako gagawan ng masama, lalabanan kita (I am a fighter and if you turn against me, I'll fight you)," she said.

Rustom Padilla was the last housemate to be welcomed to the Big Brother house. He said he had been searching for some meaning in his life. The loveless former actor said he is ready to fall in love again.

All celebrity housemates will live under one roof for 57 days.

-horcrux-