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Metro x Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition: Dustin Yu

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Kapuso’s Chinito housemate Dustin Yu joined Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition with two goals: to finally experience the kind of family bond he missed growing up and to show his true self beyond the roles he plays on screen. While many saw the charming heartthrob and one-half of the fan-favorite “DusBi” duo with Bianca de Vera, PBB revealed a deeper side to Dustin—one built on grit, growth, and genuine heart.Before gaining the spotlight in Pinoy Big Brother (PBB), Dustin’s journey was far from easy. He grew up as the middle child in a humble household, often feeling like the underdog. But that never stopped him from stepping up. At just 15, he took on the responsibility of being the family’s breadwinner—a role that shaped his discipline and independence. Inside Bahay ni Kuya, he reflected, “Feel ko maaga akong tumanda sa life”—and he said not with bitterness, but with pride for all he’s overcome.In college, a life-changing break came when he landed a role as Kenneth Chan in GMA’s Mano Po Legacy (2022). The project helped him support his family and marked the beginning of his acting career. He later appeared in 2023&#x27;s Shake, Rattle &amp; Roll Extreme, proving his versatility and commitment.Despite this, Dustin remained practical. Using his early savings, he started a small chicken stall that eventually led him to open Eraya, a restaurant he now co-manages. Balancing business and acting is challenging, but he stays grounded by doing what he loves.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756190285443metro exclusive pbb celeb collab dustin yu embed 1a.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Dustin Yu, as photographed by Dix Perez</div><div> </div>Still, he felt something was missing—a sense of real connection. Inside PBB, Dustin Yu finally found that missing piece. The house provided him with the space to build relationships, feel supported, and experience a sense of belonging.“What motivated me to join PBB was, siguro, &#x27;yung gusto ko makilala pa ako ng tao, not just through acting, but kung sino talaga ako in life. Kasi kung makikita nila ako, parang may ibang side si Dustin. Siguro, when it comes to leadership or decision making, hindi nila makikita kasi &#x27;yun sa pag-acting,“ Dustin told Metro.Style, sharing that the reality show format allowed him to show who he really is and what he is capable of beyond being an actor.He quickly stood out for his calm and strategic mindset. “Before coming in, medyo strong na &#x27;yung mindset ko. Sinabi ko na lang sa sarili ko, &#x27;pag iniisip ko na parang mahirap, nahihirapan ako, ginawa ko na lang talaga na parang bahala na, enjoy ko na lang. May mga adjustments, of course, pero parang kailangan mo siya i-embrace. Kailangan mo tanggapin na nandito ka na, might as well embrace it,“ he shared, talking about how he approached life inside the house and the challenges that came with that.During the “Pares Challenge,” where housemates had to run a food stall, Dustin drew from his entrepreneurial experience and guided his team through unfamiliar territory. Though many had no background in food service, Dustin’s natural leadership made it work.He also embraced a lighter, more playful side. In one of the hardest tasks, like the “Cup Tower,” paired with Bianca, he let go of his usual business-focused mindset. He was pressured to win, but he dealt with it with grace and kindness. The moment deepened his bond with her and with <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/people/2025/8/1/metro-exclusive-river-joseph-sets-the-standard-as-the-pbb-green-flag-2046" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">River Joseph</a>, his closest friend in the house. River’s calm, organized nature kept Dustin grounded and reminded him to stay present.Among the most rewarding moments in PBB were the small, everyday victories, especially receiving their weekly food budget. After long days filled with tasks and challenges, the joy of earning enough to cook and share meals reminded him of how teamwork pays off. He saw value in the little wins and never took anything for granted.<div style="text-align:center"> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1754085849294metro exclusive pbb celeb collab dustin yu embed 2.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>On Dustin: Jacket with knot collar and trousers both from Urban Revivo and pullover from Uniqlo</div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756037161406dusbia pbb celeb collab.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>DusBi: Dustin Yu and Bianca de Vera</div><div> </div>He built solid friendships beyond DusBi. He admired <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/people/2025/7/31/metro-x-pinoy-big-brother-celebrity-collab-the-most-challenging-pbb-experience-for-ralph-de-leon-0352" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ralph de Leon</a>’s consistency, looked up to River’s OC personality, and called Ate Klang [Klarisse De Guzman] the best cook,  especially for her Bicol Express. <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/people/2025/7/30/metro-x-pinoy-big-brother-celebrity-collab-mika-salamanca-on-the-power-of-redemption-1755" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mika Salamanca</a>, too, stood out in the kitchen. And through all these connections, Dustin found the emotional closeness he had longed for.More importantly, he discovered who he is beyond scripts and labels. “I’ve been in the acting industry for quite some time, but reality shows like PBB let people see the real you,” he shared. Dustin’s goal was never just to entertain—it was to connect. And in PBB, people saw his patience, leadership, empathy, and strength under pressure.His biggest lesson from Kuya wasn’t tactical. It was emotional. He learned how to work with different personalities, stay positive despite the pressure, and always choose kindness. “Smile lang” became his go-to mindset, something he now brings into the outside world, especially in a space where there’s so much noise and criticism.“Despite all the challenges that I faced inside PBB, it&#x27;s always nice if you&#x27;re positive. Ups and downs. Lagi ka lang mag-smile. Stay positive,“ he reflected. With Eraya steadily growing and his sights set on new projects ahead, Dustin is ready to embrace a new chapter—one where rom-coms are next on his list. He’s eager to try roles that let him play with humor and heart, all while staying true to himself. What&#x27;s next for him is the upcoming film Love You So Bad, in which he stars with Bianca and Will Ashley; the project is a landmark collaboration between Star Cinema, GMA Pictures, and Regal Entertainment. From breadwinner to actor, entrepreneur to Pinoy Big Brother housemate, Dustin Yu has proven that success isn’t just about recognition or milestones. It’s about staying grounded, being kind, and choosing joy even when life doesn’t make it easy.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756190314545metro exclusive pbb celeb collab dustin yu embed 2a.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"> </div>Photography by Dix PerezMetro head: Christina LopezSittings editors: Geolette Esguerra, Kate Paras-Santiago, Randz Manucom, and Grace Libero-CruzCreative director: Chookie CruzStylist: Edlene Cabral, assisted by Bullet ReyesMakeup artist: Kim Roy OpogFashion associate: Carla BuyoEditorial assistants: Iya Baring and Krystel MatiasInterviewer: Arci ClaveriaVideo producers: Giselle Interior and Tricia MatiasVideographer: Charisse Tinio&#x27;s NicePrint Photo teamArt director: Alfred AmadoShoot assistants: Danni Lagdameo, Mariana Xerez-Burgos, Sophia Ancheta, and Katrice CuasonFood sponsors:  Chowking, Bon Chon, and Illo&#x27;s Party TraysSpecial thanks to Pinoy Big Brother, Marcus Vinuya, Patch Bungubung, Charina Fernandez, Pia Laurel, and Sparkle GMA Artist Center

While many saw the charming heartthrob and one-half of the fan-favorite “DusBi” duo with Bianca de Vera, "Pinoy Big Brother" revealed a deeper side to Dustin Yu—one built on grit, growth, and genuine heart.

While many saw the charming heartthrob and one-half of the fan-favorite “DusBi” duo with Bianca de Vera, " Pinoy Big Brother" revealed a deeper side to Dustin Yu—one built on grit, growth, and genuine heart.

Metro Exclusive: Dustin Yu and How 'PBB' Sharpened His Flair for Leadership

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Metro Exclusive: Dustin Yu and How 'PBB' Sharpened His Flair for Leadership

Sophia Ancheta

Published Aug 26, 2025 05:00 PM PHT

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