OVER the years, Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) has introduced the country to a wide range of personalities who won the hearts of Filipinos. Among them are housemates from the Davao Region who stood out, not just inside the PBB house, but also in their careers afterward.
Here are 10 iconic housemates who proudly represented Davao:
Cass Ponti (PBB Season 1)
1. Cass Ponti (PBB Season 1)
Cassandra “Cass” Ponti became a household name in the very first season of PBB, finishing as the 3rd Big Placer. Known for her Visayan accent and natural charm, she graced the covers of Maxim and Playboy Philippines after her stint on Pinoy Big Brother (PBB), before stepping away from showbiz. She now runs her own business in Davao City and enjoys a quiet family life.
2. Ruben Gonzaga (PBB Celebrity Edition 2)
Crowned the first Mindanaoan and first male Grand Winner of PBB in 2007, Ruben—dubbed the "Komedyanteng Promdi ng Davao"—won fans with his humor and humble farming background. He went on to appear in Kapamilya shows and hosted Agri-Tayo Dito, promoting sustainable agriculture and the welfare of farmers.
3. Tricia Santos (PBB Teen Clash 2010)
The “Athletic Muse ng Davao” faced emotional challenges in the PBB house but emerged with a loyal fan base. After her stint, Tricia pursued volleyball, playing for UST in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (Uaap) and later De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). She also became a host, model, and mental health advocate, openly discussing her journey with depression.
4. Naprey Almario (PBB Unlimited)
Naprey made history as PBB’s first housemate with a disability, earning the nickname “Strong Wheeled Teacher ng Davao.” Paralyzed from the waist down due to polio, he became a symbol of resilience. After PBB, he earned a master’s degree in Information Systems in Australia. Now a college instructor, entrepreneur, and disability rights advocate, he founded Almario Ticketing Services and Hub International Education Davao to provide jobs and education access for PWDs. He also serves on the Regional Development Council XI, representing PWDs and senior citizens.
5. Clodet Loreto (PBB Teen Edition 4)
Clodet Loreto, the “Prangkang Chikateen ng Davao,” was the youngest housemate in PBB Teen Edition 4 at 13. Known for her bold personality, she was involved in a heated argument that sparked controversy and led to online bashing after her early eviction. The backlash affected her showbiz prospects, prompting her return to Davao. She later earned a Mass Communication degree from Holy Cross of Davao College and became a field reporter for PTV Davao. She now works in government service.
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At 16, Maris Racal captured hearts as the 2nd Big Placer of PBB: All In. Hailing from Tagum City, she showcased her talent in singing, songwriting, and acting. Her career took off with lead roles in hit TV series, chart-topping songs, and a strong social media presence. Despite a controversy in late 2024 involving co-star Anthony Jennings, she bounced back and continues to thrive, currently starring in ABS-CBN’s primetime action series Incognito.
Photo by ABS-CBN, Graphics by SunStar Davao
7. Lie Reposposa (PBB Otso)
Lie brought humor, vocals, and Bisaya charm to the PBB house. She later joined Tawag ng Tanghalan, released singles, and became a hit on TikTok. Now engaged to British fiancé Paul Joshua Marsden, she continues to entertain fans online while enjoying her personal life.
8. Mae Alfante (PBB Otso)
Known as "Inday Indak ng Davao," Mae entered PBB Otso in 2019 with confidence and dance talent. Though her stay was brief and marked by controversy over gender-related jokes, she later gained a strong following on TikTok and continues to perform and represent Davao on the global dance stage.
9. Maxine Trinidad (PBB Kumunity Season 10 – Teen Edition)
Maxine—“Sassy Sports Gal ng Davao”—balanced charm, wit, and athleticism in PBB Kumunity Teen Edition. A table tennis and shooting athlete, she later entered showbiz, starred in films, and was named 2024 Philippine Youth Ambassadress. She’s also a Philippine National Police Academy passer and continues to juggle acting, studies, and advocacy work.
10. Esnyr (PBB Celebrity Collab Edition)
The comedian from Digos, Davao del Sur, shot to fame with his relatable TikTok skits during the pandemic. After winning Creator of the Year at the 2022 TikTok PH Awards, he joined ABS-CBN’s Rise Artists Studio and appeared in several shows. In 2025, he entered PBB: Celebrity Collab and finished as part of the Big 4 alongside Charlie Fleming. RGL