Gabbi Garcia and Mavy Legaspi: From 'PBB' Fans to 'Celebrity Collab' Hosts

Since Gabbi Garcia and Mavy Legaspi are fans of "Pinoy Big Brother" and grew up watching the reality TV program, it's safe to say that they were game to host it when the opportunity presented itself.

- JERRY DONATO

Their work has already commenced with the show's premiere yesterday. It's an honor and privilege for them to be part of the groundbreaking "PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition" that features talents from GMA and ABS-CBN for its 20th year.

"I was offered this job and siyempre, nagulat talaga ako (of course, I was really surprised)," said Mavy of how the work landed in his lap in a press conference. "Lahat naman tayo fan ng 'PBB' (we're all fans of 'PBB'). I also watched 'PBB' growing up. The last season I watched actually was Alexa's season."

Mavy and Alexa Ilacad are in charge of the show's official online tambayan (hangout) where they will read comments from viewers and create a healthy space and environment for everyone, as shared by Mavy. His participation in "PBB" allows him to work with his friend Alexa and other "PBB" hosts such as Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo and Melai Cantiveros.

As for Gabbi, hosting the "PBB Updates" and some of its primetime and weekend presentations is somehow closest to her wish of being a housemate. She auditioned for the "PBB Teen" 4, where Myrtle Sarrosa won.

"I've been such a fan of 'PBB,'" said she. "When they announced on TV (the audition for new housemates at that time), I was literally a kid watching the television in my room. I saw 'PBB' audition... I asked my mommy to accompany me, telling her, 'Mommy, I wanna line up and I wanna join.'"

She and her mom went to the Mall of Asia, recalled Gabbi, and her number was 3,900-something among 5,000 auditionees who showed up that day.