Bruce leaves PBB house for Slovenia

Basketball hunk Bruce Quebral left the "Pinoy Big Brother" house Wednesday night into an unknown future. Ten sad and curious housemates watched him walk away.

Former beauty queen Wendy Valdez, the housemate being romantically linked to the erstwhile UP Maroons cager, walked Bruce to the door, her eyes red with tears.

"TV Patrol World" aired live footage showing a blindfolded Bruce being whisked off to a waiting van outside PBB house. Little did the 25-year-old housemate from Cainta, Rizal that when his blindfold is taken off, he will find himself in a Big Brother house all right, but in a different continent!

PBB director Lauren Dyogi said Bruce was handpicked to participate in the worldwide hit reality television's second "Housemate Swap."

Bruce is set to leave for Slovenia in Central Europe at 12:20 a.m. Thursday, April 19. Tina Selomic, 22, of the Slovenian "Big Brother" show will take his place at PBB on Saturday, April 21. Her arrival at the PBB house will be telecast live at 9:30 p.m.

Dyogi said he chose Tina, a former beauty queen, from among the Slovenian housemates because her "personality would fit well" with the Filipino contestants.

Dyogi said ABS-CBN management and the Slovenian show's production team agreed with his decision to pick Tina.

Earlier, Igor Bratoz, creative director of "Slovenian Big Brother," said Bruce was selected among PBB's male housemates for his character and dynamics.

"I think he will bring some competition among the men in the house because actually we don’t have such good-looking guys in the show right now," he said. "We found that Bruce, his dynamics and even his looks, will be perfect for the Slovenian Big Brother. So we are very excited to see Bruce in our Big Brother House."

The Housemate Swap, created to promote cross-cultural interaction, first took place in May 2003 between Mexico and Spain.

Bruce’s sudden departure from the PBB house, however, did not sit well with the remaining housemates.

The housemates, including Bruce, were unaware of the swap. They all took the news rather hard.

Wendy nearly went to hysterics shortly after Bruce announced that he would be leaving the house.

Big Brother calmed her down by saying: "Hindi lahat ng pag-alis ay malungkot (Not all departures are sad)."

Aside from Wendy, Bruce’s "Mr. Perfect" best buddy, Ronel "Nel" Rapiz, burst into tears upon learning that his friend would be making his exit on such short notice.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=74067

"Lover boy to!"

“I feel blessed to have been there… no regrets.” Kian Kazemi, the 21-year-old restaurant owner and ex-PBB housemate, told the press. Despite being the latest evictee from the PBB house, Kian still exudes that confident, welcoming attitude he got known for during his stint inside the house. In fact, when asked about his mahangin image, he replied: “Dating ko maangas talaga, pero pag nagsimula na ang usapan, alam na nilang hindi. Di nila alam, sanay to sa hirap!”

He has experienced his own fair share of hardships; they were financially unstable for a time, and he got kicked out of high school for his rowdy behavior. However, he pushed through and finished Hotel and Restaurant Management in the De La Salle University College of St. Benilde. He put up a restaurant he manages until today: Persia Grill in Makati, which fuses Filipino and Persian cuisine; not unlike his heritage.

He describes his stay in the PBB house as nothing short of fulfilling. Kian admits he joined out of curiosity, but soon found he more than satiated this during his stay. “My first motivation was the priceless experience,” he relates. “I thought of it as boot camp; you were told what to do at a set time, but it was still fun.”

Of course, he hasn’t lost the close friendship he has with his fellow housemates. He has nothing but praise for Gee-Ann, one of his closest friends: “Enjoy ako magluto para sa kanya kase sarap na sarap siyang kumain eh!” He then added that he was impressed with her decision to give up Pamela, saying: “Binigay niya to let go of something… I’m happy for her.”

When asked who his bet was, however, he never flinched even for a second. “My money’s on Nel… that’s my boy!” The two formed a close friendship while inside the house, and remained to be quite the comedic tandem. Kian also formed strong ties with Bruce and Mickey, and he points out: “Mas may teamwork ang lalaki, kahit may differences.”

Kian wooed the press like he did the housemates, and from this it isn’t surprising if a career in showbiz is next in line for him. “I consider myself versatile,” when asked if he preferred hosting or acting gigs. “I don’t wanna compare myself to anyone… I’m gonna be my own man.” And with his attitude and impact, what he said doesn’t seem far off at all.

http://bb2.pinoybigbrother.com/tabid/547/Article/4631/Default.aspx

Lost

The housemates, fresh from Bruce’s surprise departure, are quickly given an activity as an installment of their weekly task. They were asked to dress up and look like what can only be describes as zombies or murder victims, complete with tattered clothes, fake blood, and the occasional rags and bandages. While waiting for the activity, they had lunch in their costumes, which is, to say the least, a very weird roleplay in itself!

It was soon revealed through Bea that their roleplaying would take on a more drastic (and difficult) turn. The housemates were first given notes of how they would act, then the task was read. They were to act as survivors of a plane crash (explaining their gruesome disposition) and evacuate themselves from the crash site to a safe place, as indicated by Big Brother. They also had to gather 12 tins of sardines and corned beef, a bandaged ‘dead body’, water, biscuits, and three suitcases from the wreckage, all in an hour.

As an added twist, some of the survivors were given a specific injury, hence the notes. Gee-Ann, for example, was to act hysterical every time she hears loud noises. Nel, on the other hand, was blind, while Wendy was rendered unable to use her legs. This activity, if they succeed, would earn them 20 gold coins; however, failure would win them nothing.

So they quickly proceeded to the activity area, where they will have one hour to accomplish this task. Taking note that it was forbidden to break off character, Gee-Ann did her best not to laugh, as she gets amused easily. But it turned out to be a very serious affair, as the housemates engaged in a search and rescue operation with an odd sense of genuine urgency. Mickey, Robert, Bodie, and the other ‘unharmed’ survivors continued to ward off Gee-Ann hysterics as they devised plans to transport the injured ones.

Will they succeed and win 20 gold coins, or will it be a crash-and-burn affair? We’ll keep you posted!

http://bb2.pinoybigbrother.com/tabid/547/Article/4624/Default.aspx

Tina: The PBB Swapped Housemate!

Brave. Determined. Strong. Coupled with a gorgeous face and a towering height typical of Europeans, this powerful combination that makes up Tina, PBB’s upcoming guest housemate, will certainly be a force to reckon with!

Tina is the much-awaited Slovenian Big Brother housemate who will grace the Philippine television starting on PBB Primetime Saturday night! At 22, she is studying as a technician of economy and commerce education. This sports buff lead a very active lifestyle claiming that she is into not only one but a total of 6 sports in all: skiing, swimming, running, roller skating, cycling and volleyball. But her innermost dream is far from being an athlete; on the contrary, she longs to pursue a career which will make use of her creative instincts.

Growing up among women who survived many things in their lives molded Tina to become an independent person with a strong sense of responsibility and protectiveness towards her family. Perhaps this is a result of being without a father who died when she was just a child. Tina also confides how she had experienced more disappointments and traumas connected with relationships but these did not daunt her to have faith and continue facing life with optimism. She boldly states, “I believe that the things that don’t break you in your life make you even stronger and today I am a very strong girl.”

While PBB's very own housemate Bruce Quebral is off to Slovenia having the time of his life, Tina in turn will spend a week learning Filipino customs and other "Only in da Philippines" ways of life. There's no doubt that cultures will clash during this forthcoming special week that will go down the history of no less than the Philippine television! Craving for more details on this lovely foreign HM? Don't miss Tina's first night in the country on April 21, 2007 only at Pinoy Big Brother Season 2 Primetime Bida!

http://bb2.pinoybigbrother.com/tabid/547/Article/4599/Default.aspx

Goodbye doesn't mean forever!

Bruce is now officially out of Big Brother's House, well, only for a week! Yes, the Big Brother Swap is now on the roll! Somehow, the housemates have come to terms with his departure, but the final moment of goodbye is not devoid of any tears. Big brother gave the upcoming heartthrob at Slovenia three short minutes to say his farewell speech. There may be less tears compared to the wailing HMs last night, but Bruce's statements remain poignant for everyone:

There's no better way to say goodbye. Salamat sa pagmamahal...sa lahat. Bea, Saicy, Bodie Nel, Wendybug, Gee-ann, Mickey, Robert, Maricris... If ever na this is the last time we see each other, I hope naramdaman niyo ang tunay na pagmamahal ko sa inyo. You'll always have a special place in my heart... There’s a reason for this so let’s be strong. Babaunin ko lahat ng ala-ala. Kung makakabalik ako, I'll see you soon, let's just pray...

And perhaps to the most special person in his life right now, he sweetly sang: When she cries at night and she doesn't think that I can hear her. She tries to hide all the fear she feels inside. So I pray this time I can be the man that she deserves 'cause I die a little each time when she cries...This is the song that Wendy usually hums to herself. Nothing is more suitable to that instant when she continues to weep sadly for Bruce.

Not to worry housemates! He'll be back soon enough. But first you have to welcome your Slovenian guest for the week! How will the housemates cope with the forthcoming bombshell Big Brother has for them? Don't miss the latest updates on this extraordinary event only here at Pinoy Big Brother Season 2. http://bb2.pinoybigbrother.com/tabid/547/Article/4598/Default.aspx

Countdown

It was an emotional day inside the Big Brother house, to say the least; last night may have been a mixture of surprise and shock upon learning of Bruce’s sudden departure, but now that all their emotions have sunk in, the housemates are finally showing what they really feel.

Bruce led the prayer for lunch. What he said was very touching: “Papasalamat ako dahil naalala ko mga kasama ko dito sa bahay nararamdaman ko ang tunay na pagmamahal – at talagang nararamdaman ko yung concern nila, Lord. Hindi ko ine-expect ang ganitong klaseng pagmamahal. Sana pag-alis ko ngayon sa bahay na to… bigyan niyo sila palagi ng lakas… bigyan niyo sila palagi ng ngiti.” Needless to say, most of the housemates couldn’t hold back their tears; especially Wendy, who has never had a dry eye ever since Bruce announced his departure.

But despite the heavy hearts, there were still inquisitive minds working. Mickey analyzed the situation, noting that there was absolutely no reason for Bruce to leave, since it was clarified that nothing grave has happened. He and Bodie soon concluded (and quite correctly, I might add) that a new housemate is sure to replace Bruce for his automatic eviction. However, they missed two crucial things: one, that Bruce is definitely coming back; and two, that the word ‘new’ which he used to describe the replacement housemate is definitely underrated!

But as the housemates gathered together after lunch, they soon slipped back in emotional mode. Wendy hardly ever left Bruce’s side, and Nel, who has a running deal with Maricris to stop smoking, couldn’t help but take a few puffs himself. Bruce, on the other hand, just remained smiling and even joked around, to lighten up his fellow housemates and friends. How will the housemates react when they meet the new housemate, and when Bruce returns? How will Bruce feel when he learns that this step is just the beginning? This is only the first stage leading to the exciting Big Brother Swap!

http://bb2.pinoybigbrother.com/tabid/547/Article/4581/Default.aspx

Rivers of Tears

“Joke ba ‘to? Di na nakakatawa to!” Fresh from her embarrassing but funny pinpointing of who she thinks her secret admirer is, Wendy literally cried rivers of tears as soon as Bruce tearfully announced to the housemates that he would be leaving tomorrow.

All of them were shocked upon hearing this sudden departure of the PBB basketball hunk. The question utmost in their minds is, WHY BIG BROTHER, WHY? Even Bruce is totally shaken as he explained to the housemates, “Kailangan ko ng umalis… Hindi ko alam kung pa’no iti-take… Nakita siguro ni kuya na sobra na akong paranoid sa loob (ng confession room) kaya sinabi niya na walang namatay, walang malubha.” He also admitted how he immediately thought of his mom, but Big Brother refused to give him the details until he finally got outside the house. He simply assured him that what will come through is not a task and definitely not a joke.

Reminiscent of Kian’s eviction, Nel couldn’t contain his emotion as he burst into tears and hugged Bruce together with this touching admission, “Hindi ko kaya na mawala ka!” Everyone’s complaining quite rebelliously why Big Brother can’t elaborate on this. But the most revealing of all is Wendy’s inconsolable and depressed reaction. She wailed in Bruce arms as she tried to come to terms with what’s going to happen when he leaves. Bruce tried to comfort her but Wendy continued to cry. He lovingly told her to always pray, but this only increased her hysterics.

The upcoming heartthrob at Slovenia bravely rose above the situation as he assured the housemates that everything will be fine even without him. He also promised to say his final words tomorrow. For now, he said that he would just enjoy spending time with his co-housemates.

Leaving them for a while to pack his things, the housemates tried to come up with reasons why Bruce is being sent out by Big Brother. The depth of their sadness showed when they all offered a prayer for him.

This latest announcement of Big Brother certainly left the housemates hurt and confused! But this only makes the approaching Big Brother Swap more exciting every minute! What will the housemates do when they finally get enlightened with this mystery departure of Bruce? Catch these poignant moments and more live on Pinoy Big Brother Season 2 Primetime Bida!

http://bb2.pinoybigbrother.com/tabid/547/Article/4573/Default.aspx

The Mystery of the Secret Secret Crush Caper

Recently, the boys were called into the confession room. When they emerged later Wendy asked them what it was all about, and they replied that Big Brother was only checking up on their chores. She then replied: “Secret task yan eh… sana kausapin naman kami ni Kuya.” Little did she know that she would be right in more ways than one!

It was Mickey in particular who was given a secret task, courtesy of Globe. The boys were called in and Mickey was handed a cellphone, and had to choose a ‘secret crush’. The crush would then be given a cellphone as well, so Mickey can text her. The boys’ duty was to keep Mickey’s secret in any way possible!

So Mickey went into the boys’ room, and sent the first message. Wendy was shocked to see this, for she was called into the confession room only to be handed a cellphone. She quickly suspected that it was one of the boys, and in fact couldn’t help herself but be paranoid of all the boys! Her first suspect was Nel, who simply shrugged it off; she also thought of Bruce, who just laughed at her; and she settled on the unwitting Bodie. The other girls gave their suggestions as well… but mostly laughed at her!

But she kept a close eye on Mickey, who has a penchant for performing well during secret tasks. And he sure lived up to his ‘good actor’ image; he was in fact the loudest teaser among the others, so he wouldn’t look suspicious. Wendy, on the other hand, decided not to leave the sofa she’s lying on (and even pretend to be asleep) so she can solve the case of the secret crush! Will she find out, or will the boys continue to successfully hide the identity of the secret crush? Has PBB finally turned into an episode of CSI? Time to get your Sherlock Holmes on!

Bruce Quebral of "Pinoy Big Brother" to live in Slovenia for one week

After weeks of planning, Slovenian Big Brother management finally announces its selection of "basketball hunk" Bruce Quebral to live among the rest of SBB housemates in the Republic of Slovenia.

According to Igor Bratoz, creative director of Slovenian Big Brother (SBB), the management had a hard time choosing among the remaining Pinoy Big Brother housemates. In the end, they chose Bruce because according to Igor: "I think he will bring some competition among men in the house because actually we don't have such good-looking guys in the show right now...we found that Bruce, his dynamics and even his looks, would be perfect for the Slovenian Big Brother."

Bruce will reside with the rest of Slovenian housemates for one entire week, giving him the chance to live and learn their culture, and impart something of Filipino culture to Slovenians as well.

He will be ordered to pack his things night before his departure without telling him the real reason for leaving. He will not be informed about where he's headed, and will be blindfolded from the time he leaves the PBB House, up until the moment when he boards the aircraft.

None of the remaining PBB housemates know about the said exchange; they will not be informed where Bruce is going and they will not have any idea if he's coming back or not.

Meanwhile, the Slovenian housemate will stay among the PBB housemates for a whole week to see for herself why some things are said to be "only in the Philippines." The identity of the Slovenian housemate remains unknown, except for the fact that she will be a woman.

Bruce is set to leave the country on Thursday, April 19, 12:20 a.m. while the Slovenian housemate will enter the PBB House on April 21 (Saturday) during the live show at 9:30 p.m.

It's one stimulating trip to the other side of the world-from Philippines to country of Slovenia and vice versa.

The Republic of Slovenia is a coastal alpine country officially seated in southern Central Europe bordering Italy on the West.

Just like the Philippines, a majority of Slovenians are Roman Catholics. Slovenians mainly speak the Slavic language.

It's highly progressive country, one that enjoys thousands of tourists each year fascinated by their rather remarkable culture.

East meets west and west meets east during the first ever Big Brother Swap!
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Goodbye Kian...

As the fates would have it, Kian turned out to be the third evictee from Big Brother’s House. Despite this seemingly sad twist of events, this certifiable positive thinker left his co-housemates with a brave face, smiling all the way.

Peace and quiet pervaded the atmosphere inside the house. Few minutes before the announcement of the “chosen one” and the names of the HMs who are saved, it is already noticeable that all the nominees are prepared to welcome the the results of the votes, whether good or bad. But as soon as the names of Gee-Ann and Dionne were called, both girls shout with glee, thankful that they’d still have a chance to remain and be with the HMs they’ve learned to love.

Tonight, it seemed that Kian already had a sense of premonition of what was to come as he reminisced with his close guy buddies the special moments they have had together. Already accepting the possibility of being evicted even hours before, he remained calm and optimistic of what life has to offer. He believed that everything that will happen is an opportunity to widen one’s horizons and become a better person.

As soon as Bodie’s name was called as the third saved HM, everyone hugged Kian. Not shy to let the people see his emotions, Nel even cried seeing that his friend is about to leave the house. Clearly, all the HMs are sad to see him go but Kian's last words remain cheerful, "Life goes on!"

The results showed Gee-Ann having the highest number of votes acquiring 28.19%, Dionne with 26.65 %, Bodie with 24.90% and Kian landing last with 19.55%.

What’s gonna happen next with the housemates? Which housemate is going to leave the house next? Would this housemate's sudden absence leave the other's shocked? Tune in to Pinoy Big Brother Season 2 Primetime Bida for this exciting twist in the game.