Lance Joseph Martinez

Get to Know the ‘Ultimate 8’ of ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab 2.0’

Article (news)

The Pinoy Big Brother fever is reaching an all-time high as the much-awaited “Ultimate 8” housemates were officially revealed last weekend, securing their spots for the Big Night of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab 2.0 on February 28, 2026.These eight finalists earned their positions through intense competition and public support. Kapamilya artists Lella Ford and Krystal Mejes, along with Kapuso artists Caprice Cayetano and Ashley Sarmiento, clinched their spots by winning the season’s two major jump challenges.Meanwhile, the four remaining spots went to Miguel Vergara, Heath Jornales, Joaquin Arce, and Princess Aliyah, who won over viewers through public voting following the eviction of Marco Masa and Carmelle Collado.As the Ultimate 8 battle it out, the spotlight now turns to who will be crowned the Kapamilya and Kapuso Big Winner. Public voting will ultimately decide their fates ahead of the season’s grand finale.As fans gear up for the thrilling conclusion of the reality show, let’s first get to know the “Ultimate 8” housemates who are competing for the title of Kapamilya and Kapuso Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab 2.0.<div> </div><div>Kapamilya Housemates</div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Lella Ford</div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771815357105[image] - 8437197.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @pbbabscbntv</div><div> </div>Dubbed “Ang Blooming Bunso ng Tacloban,” Lella Ford is the daughter of singer and TV host Karla Estrada and the younger sister of Kapamilya superstar Daniel Padilla.Accompanied by her mother, Lella officially signed with Star Magic on July 25, 2025, marking the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry, a path that clearly runs in their family.Beyond showbiz, Lella also shows a strong passion for sports, particularly volleyball. She showcased her athletic skills during last year’s Star Magic All-Star Games, where she even earned a spot in the Mythical Six.<div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Krystal Mejes</div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771815385707[image] - 7131152.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @pbbabscbntv</div><div> </div>Known as “Ang Wishful Waray ng Samar,” Krystal Mejes proudly traces her roots to Leyte, Biliran, and Samar. Her journey in showbiz began as a child star, a dream sparked by watching Kapamilya teleseryes like Mutya.After moving to Manila to pursue acting, Krystal quickly made her mark, portraying Becca, the daughter of Julia Montes’ character, in the hit Kapamilya series Doble Kara.She soon followed up with notable roles in series like A Love to Last and Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit, playing Crystal and Amber, respectively.As she grew older, Krystal steadily built her career, landing roles in Kapamilya dramas such as Lavender Fields and What Lies Beneath before making her mark on PBB.<div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Miguel Vergara</div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771815401748[image] - 58211.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @pbbabscbntv</div><div> </div>Dubbed “Ang Adorable Smasher ng Antipolo City,” Miguel Vergara has long been a familiar face in the PBB house, having made his mark in showbiz even as a child through various Kapamilya TV series and films.One of his standout roles came at just five years old, when he played the son of Angel Locsin and Dingdong Dantes in the 2012 film One More Try, a performance that earned him Best Child Actor honors at both the Metro Manila Film Festival and the FAMAS Awards.Before joining PBB, Miguel continued to impress on the small screen, appearing in the Kapamilya series Lavender Fields as John Paul Madrigal.Off-screen, Miguel is also a sports enthusiast, showing his skills in both tennis and swimming.<div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Joaquin Arce</div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771815417925[image] - 7802862.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @pbbabscbntv</div><div> </div>Known as “Ang Rising Dreamer ng Muntinlupa City,” Joaquin Arce, son of film and TV producer Neil Arce and stepson of actress Angel Locsin, has been turning heads online with his striking visuals.Joaquin first made a name for himself in the entertainment world as a fashion and runway model, strutting for Bench Fashion Week 2024 for both the brand and designer Anthony Ramirez, and later at Bang Pineda’s “State of Bang” show.Together with his on-screen partner Lella Ford, Joaquin officially signed with Star Magic on July 25, 2025. Prior to this, he was with Cornerstone Entertainment, where he began building his presence through online interviews and guest appearances.<div> </div><div> </div><div>Kapuso Housemates</div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Caprice Cayetano</div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771815432766[image] - 7577438.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @pbbabscbntv</div><div> </div>Dubbed “Ang Demure Daughter ng Quezon City,” Caprice Cayetano has been a familiar face for Kapuso fans since her days as a child star, notably gaining attention for her role as young Criselda in the hit GMA series Kambal, Karibal.She continued to build her resume with roles in series like Mulawin vs. Ravena, Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko, and Prima Donnas. Before joining PBB, she portrayed Jessica in the GMA Afternoon Prime series Cruz vs. Cruz.Outside showbiz, Caprice comes from a culinary family. She is the daughter of renowned chef Jorge Mendez, the Executive Chef and Creative Director behind Cibo, and he is the owner of Mōdan, a Michelin Selected restaurant in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide, and Some Thai, which earned a spot among the 25 recipients of the 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand Award.<div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Ashley Sarmiento</div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771815447369[image] - 5883397.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @pbbabscbntv</div><div> </div>Known as “Ang Longing Sweetheart ng Las Piñas,” Ashley Sarmiento is among the standout child stars alongside Miguel Vergara and Krystal Mejes, making waves on ABS-CBN before transferring to the Kapuso network.She made her TV debut as the young version of Anne Curtis’ titular character in Dyesebel, and later took on her first lead role as Flor in the ABS-CBN drama series FlordeLiza.In 2020, Ashley moved to GMA, appearing in series such as Black Rider, Maka, and Akusada.Among the PBB housemates, Ashley stands out for her extensive acting experience, having appeared in numerous films, series, and anthology shows, including Maalaala Mo Kaya, Wansapanataym, and Magpakailanman.<div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Heath Jornales</div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771815460268[image] - 6438559.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @pbbabscbntv</div><div> </div>Dubbed “Ang Fighting Prince ng Taguig,” Heath Jornales is a rising Kapuso actor who inherits his skills from his father, actor and martial artist Michael Roy Jornales.Heath was introduced to the spotlight early, appearing in branded commercials, TV ads, and online videos shared by his parents. Following in his father’s footsteps, he trains in taekwondo, boxing, and arnis, and also enjoys skateboarding and motorbike riding.He showcased his action chops as Gelo in Mga Batang Riles, and most recently took on the role of Caleb, son of Gov. Emil (played by the late Ricky Davao), in Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre.<div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align:center">Princess Aliyah</div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771815474269[image] - 4262854.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/>Photo from @pbbabscbntv</div><div> </div>Known as &quot;Ang Royal Songstress ng Bulacan,” Princess Aliyah is a rising Kapuso talent who first stepped into showbiz around 2017, making her debut as young Jenny in Sherlock Jr.After her appearance in Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, she went on to play young Nathalie in Onanay and Bebang in My Special Tatay, proving her acting chops early on.A true biritera at heart, Princess has also showcased her singing talent in multiple competitions and took on the role of Marta in the 2017 Manila production of &quot;The Sound of Music.&quot; Before joining PBB, she even competed in the dance contest Indak ng Tagumpay, highlighting her versatility as a performer.<div> </div>Lead photos from @capcaprice and @miguelvergara26

Curious about who made it to the top? Meet the “Ultimate 8” of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab 2.0 and discover these essential facts about them!

Curious about who made it to the top? Meet the “Ultimate 8” of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab 2.0 and discover these essential facts about them!