Why AzVer deserves to be the winning duo, according to AZ's mom

As part of the first batch of Kapuso housemates in “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab” Edition, the perception of AZ Martinez, dubbed “Ang Miss Sunuring Daughter ng Cebu,” has constantly shifted during her stay inside the PBB house.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

At one point, viewers felt sympathy for Martinez, who had to deal with complicated, unresolved feelings toward her ex and fellow Sparkle talent Larkin Castor. Some also “shipped” Martinez and Kapamilya housemate Ralph De Leon after the two showed mutual interest.

Other times, Martinez and her final duo partner, River Joseph (dubbed AZVer) made a controversial decision to give their three nomination points to the ShuKla duo of fellow Cebuana housemate Shuvee Etrata and her partner Klarisse De Guzman.

Initially leading in public votes, ShuKla was pushed behind AZVer following a sudden shift in support from fans of the DusBi duo of Dustin Yu and Bianca De Vera, resulting in ShuKla’s last-minute eviction. It became a controversial moment in this edition, with animosity continuing to brew between AZVer and Shukla fans over the former’s decision to nominate the latter. Anti-AZVer posts frequently go viral, particularly on X.

“It was incredibly difficult to witness the harsh online reactions, seeing people blame AZ and River for Shukla’s eviction even though that was part of the game,” AZ’s mother Bing told The FREEMAN in a Messenger chat interview. “I know AZ never had bad intentions. She just had to make a game decision like everyone else. But the backlash reminded me how exposed these housemates are — not just as contestants, but as young people learning and growing in front of the nation watching them.”

She added, “As her mother, it was never easy to watch AZ go through those emotional highs and lows - being celebrated one day and then misunderstood the next. It was like riding a rollercoaster without a seatbelt. But I knew this was part of the journey she chose. I had to remind myself that growth often comes through fire, and public perception doesn’t define her worth.”