If there’s one thing certain about Pinoy Big Brother, it’s that the hit reality series has become a launching pad for some of the most influential names in Filipino pop culture. As the longest-running reality TV show on Philippine airwaves — with 18 seasons since its debut on August 21, 2005 — PBB has cemented itself as a cultural institution.
Beyond its TV success, the show has also played a key role in shaping the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) landscape, producing celebrated balladeers and hit-making singer-songwriters alike. From viral sensations to artists who’ve built long-standing careers, PBB has proven to be a unique training ground where musical talent is discovered, nurtured, and introduced to the mainstream. If anything, the series’ long legacy of launching musicians and actors alike is a testament that in the Philippines, talent is hidden in every corner.
With that, let’s take a look at some of the most impactful Filipino music figures who once walked through the iconic doors of the Bahay ni Kuya.
Klarisse de Guzman
Before making her debut on the 2025 Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition as the nation’s beloved “Mowm,” Klarisse de Guzman (fondly known as Klang) was already a veteran in the reality competition scene. She first rose to prominence in the inaugural season of The Voice Philippines, where she finished as first runner-up. A familiar face on reality TV, she joined PBB and was evicted on the 98th day. Despite this, she left a lasting impression, inspiring fans with her motherly instincts and maturity toward her fellow housemates.
James Reid
Crowned the Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010, James Reid is one of the biggest names to emerge from the Bahay ni Kuya. Following his win, Reid explored various facets of entertainment — from acting to singing — but ultimately found his true passion in music. He later founded his own label, Careless Music, and continues to thrive in the Philippine music scene. His latest release is the deluxe version of his EP jgh.
Ylona Garcia
Another Filipino-Australian success story from the PBB franchise is Ylona Garcia. The first runner-up from the show’s sixth season in 2015, she was just 13 years old when she captured the hearts of fans. Since then, she has steadily built her music career, releasing her debut EP My Name Is Ylona Garcia on January 1, 2016. In 2021, she signed with 88rising under its Filipino sub-label, Paradise Rising.
Maymay Entrata
Maymay Entrata entered the public eye as an 18-year-old college student from Camiguin and left the Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7 season as the Big Winner. While still in the house, she released her first studio single “Baliw” with Edward Barber in 2016. Since then, she has delivered multiple hits – “AMAKABOGERA” and “Kakayanin,” to name a few. Having dabbled in various creative fields, Entrata shared in a previous Billboard Philippines interview that she ultimately found her true calling in music.
KD Estrada
Even before his Pinoy Big Brother stint, KD Estrada was dedicated to honing his craft. A trainee under Star Magic, he debuted his self-written single “One of Many” in 2019, gaining recognition as an emerging hitmaker. When he joined PBB two years later, his vulnerable journey resonated with many, shedding light on mental health and anxiety. Today, Estrada has expanded his reach across genres and mediums, including theater and pop music.
BINI Sheena and Gwen
Before becoming members of the nation’s girl group BINI, Sheena and Gwen first appeared on PBB as housemates in the show’s eighth season in 2018. Introduced to the spotlight during their early teens, they later joined the Star Hunt Academy, where they trained and developed their skills before officially debuting as part of the eight-piece girl group. Now, both are established performers and pop culture figures in their own right.
Maris Racal
Maris Racal wears many hats — and being the runner-up in PBB All In 2014 is just one of them. Even before the show, she had already shown signs of artistic promise by publishing her covers on SoundCloud and YouTube. After her season, she gained recognition as both an actress and a singer, releasing her first original single “Tanong Mo Sa Bituin” in 2015 and joining several girl groups. Most recently, she made waves with her January release “Perpektong Tao,” a track that resonated for its sharp commentary on double standards and feminist themes.