Bianca Gonzalez admits pressure in first PBB season without Toni Gonzaga

(From left) Bianca Gonzalez, Enchong Dee, Alexa Ilacad, Kim Chiu, Melai Cantiveros, and Robi Domingo in “Pinoy Big Brother” behind-the-scenes photos. Images: Instagram/@iamsuperbianca

Bianca Gonzalez looked back at the recently concluded “Gen 11” edition of “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB),” which marks the reality show’s first season without Toni Gonzaga as one of the main hosts.

Gonzalez admitted on her Instagram page on Sunday, November 3 that she felt “massive pressure” to take charge as “PBB’s” main host, saying Gonzaga was the face of the reality show.

“I didn’t tell anyone, but I felt the most massive pressure this season — who wouldn’t? To do our first season without Toni, who is the face of the show and [the] only one who can do it the way she does, is no easy task,” she said. “I did the best I could to host in a way that’s most authentically me, that honors the housemates’ lives and does justice to everyone’s tireless work behind the scenes.”

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Despite her initial doubts, Gonzalez thanked her co-hosts Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Melai Cantiveros, Enchong Dee, and Alexa Ilacad, whom she addressed as her “younger siblings,” for making the task more meaningful. She thanked the show’s crew for “putting up with her” as well.

“They are some of the BEST in the industry and I learn so much and are so inspired by just watching them shine. I also would not be able to survive the daily grind without the support of my team and I am very grateful to them,” she said.

The TV host also confessed that PBB’s “Gen 11” season was “the most challenging” edition for her, as it had fewer staff members and lesser air time per episode, and was the first season to be held post-ABS-CBN shutdown on TV.

Gonzalez then thanked “Gen 11’s” housemates for sharing their stories to the public, while noting that the season’s big four was one of her “favorites.”

“We always say it depends on the magic of when the housemates come together. And truly, it was magical. Thank you to our 20 housemates for trusting us with your stories. A huge congratulations, to personally, one of my favorite Big 4s in PBB history—Kai, Kolette, Rain, and our Big Winner Fyang,” she said.

“Thank you God for the *leGENdary* success of this season and for making me a part of this cultural juggernaut of a program that never ceases to inspire people and change lives,” she continued.

Gonzalez’s post earned the support of Cantiveros and Dee in the comments section.

Images: Screenshot from Instagram/@iamsuperbianca

Sofia “Fyang” Smith was named the season’s big winner after taking 30.66% of votes last October.

Gonzaga served as the main host of “Pinoy Big Brother” from its first season in 2005 until midway through its “Kumunity Season 10” in February 2022. Meanwhile, Gonzalez first hosted the show in its “Teen Edition 1” edition in April 2006.