BB FANS

December 3, 2005
abs-cbnnews

With the final eviction less than 24 hours away, the battle for the final three seats left for "Pinoy Big Brother's" (PBB) Big Four has gotten even more exciting

As of Friday, a survey of PBB's fans showed no clear trend who among nominated housemates Nene, Jayson, Cass and Say would live with Uma in the final six days of the true-to-life telenovela.

In televised interviews aired over PBB primetime, people who were randomly asked to name their bets for the Big Four gave different combinations.

"I want Jason, Uma, Cass and Nene to stay in the house because they are all survivors," said one fan, whose friend, however, has another team in mind. "I think the group of Say, Cass, Jason and Uma would be more exciting."

Still, there are fans who said Uma should not be part of the Big Four because he is not pure Filipino. "Anyone among Cass, Nene, Say and Jason would be more deserving to become the ultimate housemate because they are Filipinos in and out," a group of young PBB viewers said.

The half Filipino-half Israeli Uma automatically became the first member of the Big Four since he was not nominated last Sunday.

The complete members of The Big Four will be known during the eviction hour Saturday night.

The ultimate housemate stands to bring home P6 million worth of prize package that includes P1 million in cash, a new car, a house and lot and a business franchise.

For their part, the remaining housemates said that surviving in the house for more than 100 days was enough feat for them.

While each housemate is hoping to make it to the Big Four, they are also longing to get out to grab the opportunities awaiting them outside the house.

In the meantime, they said, "let's enjoy our final hours here in the house."

As of Friday, the housemates were preparing their gift for the would-be evicted housemate. The housemate who will exit the house on Saturday will receive a stuffed toy especially accessorized by the five housemates--Uma, Jason, Cass, Nene and Say.

Meantime, PBB announced that the show's grand finals will be held on December 10 at the Clark Expo Filipino in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The grand production will also feature the previously evicted housemates: Rico, JB, Racquel, Chx, Sam, Jenny, and Franzen--and other big stars of ABS-CBN.

December 3, 2005
abs-cbnnews

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Housemate Say Alonzo ended her dream of becoming Pinoy Big Brother's (PBB) big winner as the public decided to boot her out of the house on Saturday night.

The self-confessed "kikay" became the ninth housemate to be evicted. She garnered the lowest vote of 6.9 percent among the nominated housemates. She was bested by Jason (24.1%), Cass (24.8%), and Nene (44.2 %).

Jason, Cass and Nene automatically joined Uma in PBB's "Big Four." They would fight it out to become PBB's first ever big winner." Uma became the first member of the Big Four after he escaped Sunday's nomination.

The big winner will bring home P6 million worth of prize package that includes P1 million in cash, a new car, a house and lot, and a business franchise.

Public votes made through SMS (text message) will determine who among the four housemates will emerge as the big winner.

The big winner will be known on December 10 in a grand production to be held in Clark Expo Filipino in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Say, the 27-year old stunner from Parañaque, said that having survived more than 100 days of PBB was enough feat for her.

"The experiences I had inside the house definitely made me a better person. Now, I will treat life more seriously," she said as she waved to the crowd that welcomed her outside the PBB house along Lopez Drive in Quezon City.

A few days before leaving the house, the glamour girl already felt she would be the next to hit the exit.

"I'm ready whatever happens. If it's my time to go it means that my purpose here is done," she said during her confession to Kuya.

Her fellow housemates agreed. After all, they said, with her talent and beauty Say certainly has many opportunities in the real world.

Say is the voice behind "Magmahal Muli," a song penned by Sam Milby. The song immediately became a hit after the "kikay girl" sang it with the Filipino American housemate in their concert performance inside the house a month ago.

Say said she is also longing to leave the house to be with her closest housemate and boyfriend JB Magsaysay, who left the house much ahead as the second evictee.

"Of course, I am happy to be here. I missed all of you, especially you (JB)," Say told JB upon meeting him at ABS-CBN's studio.

"I have given her my support because I wanted her to make it to the Big Four and become the Big Winner, but tonight it turned out that I am the Big Winner, because I have her here," JB said.

December 4, 2005
abs-cbn news

Christmas came early to the Pinoy Big Brother house Sunday when Dolphy played Santa to the last four remaining housemates.

Shortly before 10 p.m., Big Brother roused the housemates who were already sleeping and instructed them to proceed to the garden.

The "Big Four" went to the garden and much to their surprise, Dolphy emerged on a golf cart.

The comedy king, clad in a Santa attire, brought Christmas food and gifts for Uma, Cass, Nene and Jason.

Surrounded by the housemates, Dolphy asked them of their Christmas wishes. Nene, who got a camera for her gift, said she wants her family to be together in Christmas. Cass, who loves to cook, got a dinner set toy.

After the small talk in the garden, Dolphy shared an early noche buena with the housemates.

They also showed the actor their signature "Pinoy Ako" dance. A little later, Dolphy joined in the dancing.

Day 105 was an early Christmas treat for the "Big Four" with Dolphy's visit.

They will vie for the public's vote come Saturday when the final elimination night dubbed "The Big Night" happens in Clark Expo, Pampanga.

P6 million in cash and prizes awaits the Pinoy Big Brother winner.

abs-cbnnews

Outspoken "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB) housemate Uma has denied that he is gay, ABS-CBN learned Tuesday.

"I am not gay. I know a lot of people think that I am gay but I am not. I am just soft," Uma told actress-host Kris Aquino in Tuesday's broadcast of the show.

It was the second time that Uma was confronted with the gender issue inside the PBB house. A previous visitor, Lolo Remigio, earlier commented that he thought Uma was homosexual.

In a past interview, Uma’s friend, actress Ara Mina defended the good-looking housemate from the intrigue.

"I am sure that Uma is straight," she said.

Ara Mina said her friendship with Uma started when he joined her modeling agency.

Uma was quizzed personally by Aquino, the housemates’s special visitor on Monday, after the Filipino Israeli made pointed comments about her and her "The Buzz" co-host Boy Abunda.

In one of his conversations with the housemates, Uma said that Aquino was "too kikay (self-conscious) to become the country’s President."

Aquino said Uma's statement hurt her family.

Uma, a self-confessed fan of the so-called queen of talk, said he simply meant that he did not want his favorite celebrity to enter politics.

When asked to explain why he said that Abunda’s fashion sense was sometimes "baduy (tacky)," the housemate said he meant what he said. "I’m just being honest," he said matter-of-factly.

Aquino told Uma that he should also be careful as there are people who get hurt with his frankness. "But I like you still," she told Uma.

Aquino’s visit in the PBB house delighted not only Uma but also his fellow housemates Nene, Jason and Cass.

The so-called Big Four agreed that the multi-awarded actress and host was "very charming and nice."

Jason said he appreciated Aquino’s letter expressing admiration for his talent as a comedian.

"She told me I should take care of it," Jason said, sharing Aquino’s message to Big Brother.

Nene said she felt honored to meet somebody famous like Aquino whom she just used to see on television.

Cass said seeing Aquino up close endeared her idol more to her.

Aquino brought her "Game KNB" show inside the PBB house with the four housemates as contestants.

The housemates played for corresponding letter writers who chose them as their "Big Hero." Winning meant granting their fans' Christmas wishes for their loved ones.

The game was won by Jason but Big Brother granted the wishes of the fans of all four housemates in the spirit of Christmas.

Aquino was the third show biz personality to visit the housemates after actress-politician Vilma Santos and comedy king Dolphy Quizon.

Actress Claudine Barretto will visit the PBB house next as the show nears its December 10 finale.

PBB's Big Night on Saturday marks the culmination of the hit reality show as Big Brother finally reveals who among Cass, Uma, Jason and Nene will walk away with the grand P6 million prize package.

December 7, 2005
ABS-CBNNEWS

The house of "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB) almost became an empty dwelling on Tuesday after the four remaining housemates volunteered to leave rather than submit to Kuya’s "unreasonable" orders, abs-cbnNEWS.com learned Wednesday.

Nene, Uma, Cass and Jason protested about their weekly task, not because it was impossible, but because it would hurt fellow housemates.

On Tuesday, Big Brother instructed the so-called "Big Four" to relinquish their food, toiletries and their clothes as part of his final test to them.

The housemates were told to put their clothes separately in three boxes marked with the letters "G," "S," and "T."

The four, however, were stunned when Big Brother informed them that the clothes in the boxes would either be cut, burned or thrown away.


"The letter G stands for ‘gupit’ so you have to cut all the clothes you have put inside box G. All the clothes in the box marked S, which stands for ‘sunog’ should be burned. All clothes placed inside the box marked T, which means ‘tapon,’ would have to be thrown away," Big Brother told the housemates.

Nene, Cass and Uma each turned down Kuya's order when they were asked to cut the their housemates' clothes, especially as each revealed the sentimental value of the items in question.

When it was Jason’s turn, Kuya instructed him to burn a pair of jeans belonging to Uma.

The usually cooperative Batangueño refused to follow the order and osaid he would just leave the house.

"My parents taught me that if I would be happy but hurt somebody else in the process, I’d rather not desire for happiness at all because that would be useless," an upset Jason told Big Brother. "If I have to leave the house tomorrow, so be it. I have no problem about that."

With his refusal Big Brother told Jason to pack his bags.

Jason said he was aware that by deciding to leave, he is giving up chances of winning millions of pesos in prizes to secure a good future for his family.

Big Brother later summoned Cass, Nene and Uma to the confession room to inform them of their housemate's decision to leave the house as his form of sacrifice for Uma.

The three were outraged upon hearing word of Jason's decision, especially Nene who did not help raising her voice to Kuya.

"If you allow Jason to go out, we will go with him. I agree with him, I also find burning somebody else's thing senseless. What lesson do we learn from that?" a raging Nene told Big Brother. "We follow all your orders, Big Brother, but when it is wrong we will not allow it."

Uma and Cass agreed saying that they could not think of a possible good reason to Kuya's orders.

After hearing the three, Kuya instructed the housemates to go to the storage room to get the pants he earlier instructed Jason to burn.

The three melted to shame when they saw that it was not Uma's pants. It was only then that they realized that the owner of the house was testing how much they trust him.

"You have been in my house for more than 100 days and you have not learned to trust me. How could you think that I would allow you to tear, burn or throw your housemates's valued properties?" Big Brother told the housemates.

Speaking for the housemates, Cassandra said: "We're sorry, Big Brother."

Friday, December 09, 2005

Cass, Nene, Jayson and Uma battle it out in Clark Field, Pampanga

By Terrie B. Fucanan

AFTER 109 days of limitless tasks and eight evictions, the four remaining housemates of the Pinoy Big Brother house are spending their last few hours on the ABS-CBN 2 reality show with a newfound bond. On Tuesday, Cass, Nene, Jayson and Uma were asked by Big Brother to fulfill a difficult task: To burn, cut and throw away each other’s belongings. Instead of obeying, the beleaguered housemates told Big Brother in the Confession Room that they would rather quit the show than hurt each other’s feelings.

Full report manilatimes

December 8, 2005
By TERRIE B. FUCANAN

After 109 days of limitless tasks and eight evictions, the four remaining housemates of the Pinoy Big Brother house are spending their last few hours on the ABS-CBN 2 reality show with a newfound bond.

On Tuesday, Cass, Nene, Jayson and Uma were asked by Big Brother to fulfill a difficult task: To burn, cut and throw away each other’s belongings. Instead of obeying, the beleaguered housemates told Big Brother in the Confession Room that they would rather quit the show than hurt each other’s feelings.

The air of apprehension at Big Brother’s house today has grown thicker, and the four "captives" -- who, several times in the previous weeks, have quarreled and backstabbed each other -- have surprisingly found comfort from each other’s company. The Tuesday incident apparently made them closer, besides their anxiety over the next day’s events.

On Saturday night, the controversial Pinoy Big Brother, closes its first season with the announcement of the Big Winner -- the housemate who had braved and surpassed all of Big Brother’s daunting, and most often, embarrassing tasks; he or she who rose above the physical, emotional and mental challenges of being confined in a house for more than 100 days, living with strangers and with no communication from the outside world.

As always, the final four have no inkling of what is to happen in the next few hours. According to a reliable source, the Big Night will not take place at the Pinoy Big Brother house, which is right in front of the ABS-CBN 2 compound in Quezon City. Instead, the network will follow the custom of other Big Brother installments in other countries and hold the event elsewhere -- in this case, Clark Field, Pampanga -- in a venue complete with a stage, performers and hundreds of the reality show’s followers present.

Wearing blindfolds, Cass, Nene, Jayson and Uma will be taken to the venue where a mock-up model of the house is built. No one knows if they are to perform a final task for Big Brother, or if the program will proceed to the announcement of the winner.

Full story abs-cbnnews

December 10, 2005

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Anticipation hangs thick in the air Saturday inside and outside the "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB) house -- inarguably the most famous residence in the country these days.

In a matter of hours, one the four remaining housemates -- Cassandra Ponti, 22, from Davao; Jennivev "Nene" Santillan Tamayo, 24, from Romblon; Jayson Gainza, 25, from Batangas; and Uma Khouny, 24, from Israel -- will make history as the hit reality show's first ever winner.

The grand battle of the Big Four will take place at Clark Expo at the Clark Zone in Pampanga, which the "captives" reached wearing blindfolds.

A whopping P6 million prize package await the winning housemate. The bonanza, said to be the biggest on Philippine television, includes P1 million in cash, a brand new car, house and lot and a business franchise.

ABS-CBN, which invested millions in bringing the wordwide hit reality series to the country, has prepared the biggest musical show of the year to welcome the luckiest housemate.

Dubbed as "The Big Night," the grand production will also feature PBB ex-housemates and the Kapamilya network's shining stars.

Laurenti Dyogi, director of the series, said the finale's biggest surprise is not to be missed.

"We have built a mock-up model of the PBB house at Clark Expo where the Big Winner will emerge in a grand manner that you should not miss," he said.

Dyogi said the Big Four are clueless about what's in store Saturday night.

Tight contest

It's the hot topic in households, schools, offices, coffee shops, message boards and blogs: Who will emerge victorious from Kuya's house?

Among celebrities, the PBB contest remains a tight four-cornered fight.

News personality Christine Bersola-Babao and entertainment reporter Ogie Diaz said Tamayo is their top bet.

"Nene is certainly the epitome of today's Filipino -- hard-working, diligent and a leader in her own right," Babao said.

Comedian Dennis Padilla said he goes for Gainza, the doting father whose natural knack for comedy entertained his fellow housemates and the multitude of PBB fans.

Entertainment writer and TV host Cristy Fermin agreed with sexy actress Ara Mina that Khouny deserves to win for giving color and life to the house by being true to himself.

Actor Carlo Maceda and show biz writer Rey Pumaloy said they were rooting for Ponti.

"Cass is beautiful inside and out. She has proven many times that she can sacrifice even her own dreams for others," Maceda said.

ABS-CBN executive and host Charo Santos-Concio, who visited the PBB house in Quezon City on Friday, said that the Big Four are winners in their own right.

She said that lasting in the house that required daunting tasks for more than 100 days is a feat the housemates and their families must take pride in.

She said the Big Four can expect a great future that begins on Saturday as they go out to the real world.

"Enjoy the moment, but don't be carried away by the noise and applause," Concio said.

She added: "Don't ever think that the world owes you everything. Instead, show to every Filipino that you can return all the support that he gave you by working harder in your craft."

abs-cbnnews

December 10, 2005
abs-cbnnews

Jennivev "Nene" Santillan Tamayo on late Saturday night emerged as the first winner of the country's biggest reality show "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB).

Tamayo, 24, garnered 554,906 text votes or 48.9 percent of the total votes, besting three other housemates Jayson Gainza of Batangas who got 312,258 votes (27.5%); Davaoeña Cassandra Ponti who got 214,188 votes (18.9%); and Filipino Israeli Uma Khouny with 52,833 votes (4.7%).

As the first Pinoy Big Brother winner, Tamayo brought home a whopping P6 million prize package that includes P1 million in cash, a brand new car, a house and lot and a business franchise.

Gainza, Ponti and Khouny each received P200,000, an appliance showcase and gift packages. As the second big winner, Gainza got an additional P100,000.

The crowd roared in delight as the winner was announced and the mock-up model of the PBB house on the stage folded up to reveal Tamayo.

Tamayo was ecstatic as she waved to thousands of fans who trooped to Clark Expo, Pampanga to witness the star-studded "Big Night." She broke into tears as her family went up the stage to join her in celebration.

"Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Tagumpay po natin itong lahat (Thank you so much. This is our victory)," a teary-eyed Tamayo said.

Her fellow housemates, who have become her family for 111 days, congratulated her.

Khouny, Gainza and Ponti—who have considered Tamayo their tough rival for the people’s approval—rushed to the stage to embrace her.

The rest of the housemates—Say Alonzo, Franzen Fajardo, Jenny Suico, Sam Milby, Chx Alcala, Bob de la Cruz, Racquel Reyes, JB Magsaysay and Rico Barrera—joined the group as the whole arena exploded in cheers when the people danced and sang PBB's hit song "Pinoy Ako."

Epitome of modern Pinay

Supporters of Tamayo, who apparently dominate the crowd, celebrated their idol’s triumph as they yelled: "Nene, Nene."

Fans interviewed have a common reason for voting Tamayo: she epitomizes the modern Filipina.

"Not only that we can relate to her, but we look up to her as how every Filipina should be in the modern age—simple, disciplined, resourceful, family-oriented and one who always rises up to the occasion," said TV host Christine Bersola-Babao, a self-confessed supporter of Tamayo.

Her fellow housemates also have kind words for Tamayo. She was only nominated for eviction when Khouny and Ponti gave her two nomination points each during the ninth and last eviction night. They said they did so because they believe Tamayo was a tough contender.

Tamayo’s strong character and never-say-die spirit earned her the moniker "Kumander Nene." Aside from being the resident artist of PBB, she was also referred as "Nenergizer." The housemates said Tamayo accomplished tasks like a piece of cake. She has also mazed the public when she climbed a coconut tree inside the PBB yard to get Cass’s stuff toy.

Tamayo had her emotional moments inside the house, one of which was when she poured her heart out to fellow housemates about her unresolved conflict with her mother.

In a rare occasion, Tamayo fumed as she led the other housemates in protesting their final assignment inside the house, which involved tearing, burning and disposing of their clothes. They said Big Brother's assignment was so unreasonable.

Tamayo and her three housemates later apologized for the incident after learning that Big Brother was only testing their trust and loyalty. Tamayo even used her artistry to win Big Brother’s attention as she painted a banner that read: "Sorry, Big Brother."

"[Nene, you] are a genuine 'Kumander' [leader], you stand your ground, you are principle, and you fight for your fellows," PBB told Tamayo before the jampacked crowd. "

"You deserve it, you have become a good housemate and we thank you for being part of our lives. You are our Pinoy Big Brother."

December 11, 2005

Along with P6 million in winnings from ABS-CBN's "Pinoy Big Brother" came instant fame for big winner Jennivev "Nene" Santillan Tamayo.

In an interview aired Sunday at TV Patrol World, the housemate who earned the monicker "Kumander" Nene said winning the reality television show changed her life plans.

"Sa ngayon wala na akong balak magsundalo...Malaking pagbabago...ine-enjoy ko pa 'yung chance na binibigay sa akin ng ABS (At the moment I've ditched my plans of becoming a soldier. It's a big leap and I'm enjoying the chance given by ABS)," she said.

The 24-year-old lass from Romblon became PBB's first winner on Saturday in a star-studded finale at Clark Expo in Pampanga.

Nene bagged the PBB title after garnering 554,906 text votes or 48.9 percent of the total votes. She bested three other housemates: Jayson Gainza of Batangas who got 312,258 votes (27.5%); Davaoeña Cassandra Ponti (214,188 votes or 18.9%); and Filipino Israeli Uma Khouny (52,833 votes or 4.7%).

Nene brought home a whopping P6 million prize package that includes P1 million in cash, a brand new car, a house and lot and a business franchise.

Continued friendship

Meanwhile, housemates Cassandra, Jayson, Uma, Say Alonzo, Franzen Fajardo, Jenny Suico, Sam Milby, Chx Alcala, Bob de la Cruz, Racquel Reyes, JB Magsaysay and Rico Barrera said they are all happy for Nene.

The housemates also said that after leaving Big Brother's house, they want their friendship to last despite the breakup of Say and JB.

"We were able to understand each other although may hurt pa rin (It still hurts)," JB said in an interview in reference to his recent breakup.

Say agreed with JB. "Ayaw naming may mangyari sa friendship namin ng housemates so kahit hindi kami [magkasintahan ni JB], ime-maintain namin ang friendship namin (We wouldn't want our friendship to end so even if me and JB are not together anymore, we'll maintain our friendship)."

From ABC-CBN

December 12, 2005

Jennivev "Nene" Santillan Tamayo, the grand prize winner of ABS-CBN's "Pinoy Big Brother", said she became close to fellow housemate and first runner-up Jayson Gainza but was irritated by the antics of Franzen Fajardo.

"I loved a lot of them but the one person that was with me up to the end was Kuya Jayson," she said in Filipino in a DZMM interview.

She added that had she not won the title, she would have wanted Gainza to win. "Mas gugustuhin ko pa na siya kasi may pamilya din siya at saka pangalawa ang turing ko talaga sa kanya ay kuya. Kahit saan kami magpunta kuya talaga ang turing ko sa kanya (I would rather that he win because he has a family and secondly, I always treated him like an older brother. Everywhere we went, I always treated him like that)," she said.

She added that while she did not hate Fajardo, she was often irritated when the incorrigible housemate kept breaking the rules of the PBB house.

"Hindi ko naman po siya hate talaga. Hate ko lang yung ginagawa niya kasi ina-advise-an ko siya tapos hindi niya sinusunod ayaw ko po sa ginagawa niya, kay Franzen, 'yung pag-break sa rules. Hindi sumusunod sa utos (I don't really hate him. I just hated what he did when I tried to advise him but he wouldn't listen. I didn't like what Franzen did, that he kept breaking the rules)," she said.

Fajardo was considered the frontrunner in the PBB house until he was automatically evicted by Big Brother for violating several house rules.

Full story fom ABS-CBN News

December 13, 2005

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Jennivev "Nene" Tamayo, the "Pinoy Big Brother" big winner, has admitted fondness for Bob de la Cruz, the housemate who had to be evicted due to health problems.

Nene, however, denied that romance was in the air.

"Gusto ko [si Bob]. Marami kaming similarities at sa mga housemates sa kanya talaga ako pinakamalapit (I like Bob. We have many similarities and among the housemates, I'm really closest to him)," she said.

She added: "Pero nagsisimula pa lang ulit kaming i-discover ang isa't isa (But we just started rediscovering each other)."

When asked what she dislikes about the housemate from Bulacan, 24-year-old Nene said it was Bob's childishness.

Fellow housemates have teased Nene and Bob inside the PBB house after sensing the chemistry between the two.

When confronted by Big Brother about their feelings, Nene and Bob said they were not in-love but they admire each other.

Nene had been the most emotional of the housemates when Big Brother was forced to ask Bob to leave the house over health concerns. The 27-year-old physical therapy graduate woke up one morning complaining of pain in his hand. What followed was a fainting spell that led to his being rushed to hospital.

When Bob returned to get his things and say his farewell to the housemates, he gave Nene a "SpongeBob" stuffed toy that the latter treated as a prized possession inside the house.

The same Nene

Nene remains on cloud nine after besting three other finalists for a whopping P6 million prize package in the grand finale of PBB at Clark Expo in Pampanga on Saturday.

The artistic woman from Romblon has earned the nickname "Kumander Nene" from her fellow PBB "captives" for her remarkable courage and leadership during the 111-day PBB challenge.

After leaving Big Brother's house and winning millions of pesos in prizes, Nene vowed to keep her feet on the ground amid the applause and adulation of her fans.

The legal researcher-turned-instant celebrity said she is still the simple Nene even if she could no longer do some of the things she used to do as a regular person.

Nene said she would make the most out of the opportunities that ABS-CBN gave her. The woman who wanted to become a military officer said she would like to try her hand at newscasting.

"Ang pag-aartista ginawa ko lang 'yan dahil kailangan. Pero 'yung puso ko nasa pagtulong. Gusto kong magsulat, gusto kong mag-discover (I became a celebrity out of necessity. But my heart is into helping people. I want to write about and discover things)," she said.

abs-cbn news

December 15, 2005

From the moment Filipino Israeli housemate Uma Khouny left the "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB) house, it seems he's been eating humble pie.

At a recent press conference, Uma publicly apologized to celebrities who may have been offended with his statements while inside the PBB house.

"I was so embarrassed [when I learned that my comments hurt some people]. I apologize [for what I said.] I would like to meet each of them and personally apologize," he said.

Uma, known as the brutally frank housemate, said he did not expect many people would be offended by his opinions about celebrities like Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino and Joe D' Mango.

During PBB's pilot series, Uma called Abunda "tacky." He also said Aquino was "too kikay" (self-conscious) to be [Philippine] president."

The Filipino Israeli housemate liked Joe D' Mango's voice but upon seeing the disk jockey's face, he thought it resembled a worm.

But outside the PBB house, Uma said the three were in fact his favorites, especially Aquino whom he adores "for her beauty, wit and honesty."

He said that most of his so-called nasty remarks were made in jest. "I didn't mean to cause them pain.Who am I to hurt them?" he said.

In retrospect, Uma said his people-bashing may have been the reason he got the least votes among the PBB finalists, the so-called Big Four.

He said the viewers may have misunderstood him because he is still adapting to the Filipino culture. Uma, who has a Filipino mother, was born and raised in Israel.

"[Because of PBB], I realized that I like the Filipino values and I am Filipino. In fact, I have changed a lot," he said.

He came to the Philippines last year to be with his sister, Rose, and to prove that he can live on his own. He was into modeling before auditioning for PBB.

When asked if he is gay, Uma said: "No, I'm not gay. I'm just soft. But if you think I am gay it's all right with me."

An aspiring actor, Uma admitted that he likes fellow PBB finalist Cassandra Ponti. He said the sexy Ponti has been his closest friend inside the PBB house.

"I have feelings for her and she knows that," Uma said, adding that he is serious about planning to court the pretty Davaoeña.

abs-cbnnews

December 15, 2005

Production staff and waiters at the posh 14th floor restaurant at the ABS-CBN compound asked for autographs and had their photos taken with Nene, Jayson, Cass and Uma.

That’s how famous those four unevicted housemates of the recently concluded reality show "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB) have become, so famous that one can rattle off their first names alone, leave out their surnames and people know who are being referred to.

Their real names are Nene Tamayo, Jayson Gainza and Cass Ponti; Uma Khouny is of Israeli lineage. Nene, a petite, tough and charming woman from Romblon is the biggest winner of them all. She got a cool P1-million cash and also other prizes in commodities (such as a house and lot, a Nissan Frontier Titanium 3 and Promac appliance showcase) worth P5 million.

She won by earning 554,906 text votes from the show’s viewers, representing 49 percent of the votes, which reached more than a million. The three others got at least P200,000 cash, plus another P100,000 for Jayson from the makers of the health drink Rogin-E.

But that’s it: when all four housemates were given a press conference by the network, even the employees found a way to sneak into the 9501 restaurant and had their photos taken with each of the four survivors through their cell phone cameras. At some point, even the waiters and waitresses could not be found at the dining room as they were all in the kitchen, cheering and comparing their photos.

Yes, the four finalists of the first season of PBB and the nine earlier evictees, have become stars as all of them are tied to a one-year management contract with ABS-CBN 2. They are all assured of guest stints in Lopez-owned networks, and may be cast in future movies of Star Cinema. Whether or not they can sing well, they get some album deal with Star Records. Evictees Sam Milby and Say Alonzo have, in fact, been signed up.

All 13 housemates will be paid for the activities they join to promote the next PBB season, which will start in February of next year, with celebrities as housemates.

From abs-cbnnews

December 19, 2005
abs-cbn

Actress Ara Mina came to Uma Khouny’s defense anew saying that the "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB) housemate "may be frank but he is certainly a good person."

In an interview with TV Patrol World aired Monday, Ara Mina also denied rumors that the Filipino Israeli is gay. "Of course not, he is not gay. He is straight."

The sexy actress said Khouny was hurt by negative comments he received for his "frankness" while he was still inside the PBB house.

"I really [feel] for him. He asked me if this is really the way show biz is," said the sexy actress, whom Khouny described as one of his closest friends.

"I can vouch that [Khouny] is a good person."

Ara Mina said she just advised the outspoken Khouny to accept the attacks against him as constructive criticism.

The actress said she also told him "to just be careful with what he would say from now on."

Khouny apparently heeded Ara Mina's words.

At a recent press conference, Khouny publicly apologized to celebrities who may have been offended with his statements while in the PBB house. He also promised to talk to them personally to say sorry.

'Gone overboard'

On Sunday, "The Buzz" hosts Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino, Cristy Fermin and Jobert Sucaldito said the PBB housemate had already spoken to each of them.

"I really do not mind [when Khouny said that I was tacky], but he was humble enough to say he's sorry," Abunda said.

The talk show hosts have been very vocal that Khouny may have gone overboard with his "people bashing."

During PBB's pilot series, Uma called Abunda "tacky" and said Aquino was "too kikay" (self-conscious) to be [Philippine] president." The Filipino Israeli housemate also said he liked Joe D' Mango's voice but upon seeing the disk jockey's face, he thought it resembled a worm.

But outside the PBB house, Uma said the three were in fact his favorites, especially Aquino whom he adores "for her beauty, wit and honesty."

Khouny also said most of his so-called nasty remarks were made in jest. "I didn't mean to cause them pain.Who am I to hurt them?" he said.

In retrospect, Khouny said his people-bashing may have been the reason he got the least votes among the PBB finalists, the so-called Big Four.

He said the viewers may have misunderstood him because he is still adapting to the Filipino culture. Khouny, who has a Filipino mother, was born and raised in Israel.

He came to the Philippines last year to be with his sister, Rose, and to prove that he can live on his own. He was also into modelling before auditioning for PBB.