Fans of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition have taken to social media to express their frustration over the show’s handling of housemate Azriel Atira “AZ” Martinez, particularly following a recent activity where housemates received gifts and messages from loved ones.
The controversy centers on Martinez being the only housemate to receive a message from a non-family member—her ex-boyfriend, Larkin—rather than her family, prompting accusations of unfair treatment and concerns over her mental health.
The issue came to light after host Bianca Gonzalez Intal (@iamsuperbianca) posted on X on April 27, 2025, acknowledging fans’ freedom to voice their opinions about the show.
“Many of you are right, you have the freedom to voice out your opinions about PBB, whether its support, or para magalit, mainis, mag-call out, magmura, that is all up to you,” Gonzalez wrote.
“I personally still read your posts online about the show, when I can, because I value what the housemates’ fans think and feel. Kaya salamat pa rin sa pag-share kasi natututo din ako. “
Many of you are right, you have the freedom to voice out your opinions about PBB, whether its support, or para magalit, mainis, mag-call out, magmura, that is all up to you. I personally still read your posts online about the show, when I can, because I value what the housemates'…
— Bianca Gonzalez Intal (@iamsuperbianca) April 27, 2025
However, her message did little to quell the growing discontent among viewers. Fans quickly replied, highlighting their grievances, particularly regarding Martinez’s treatment. User @XWensh responded at stating, “Ate bianca im not a fan of AZ but asking larkin for a letter instead of her family is so uncalled for. That makes her more unsettled ngayon pa nga lang siya nakakaredemption arc. So so wrong for me.”
Similarly, @aeshudesu asked “hi ate biancs! respectfully po, i wanna know why hindi po napagsabihan ang family ni az about this task na bigayan ng letter? kasi po her family wants to give her motivation. and as a supporter who knows what’s happening outside, we just want to protect her mental health too”.
hi ate biancs! respectfully po, i wanna know why hindi po napagsabihan ang family ni az about this task na bigayan ng letter? kasi po her family wants to give her motivation. and as a supporter who knows what's happening outside, we just want to protect her mental health too.
— deji ✷ (@aeshudesu) April 27, 2025
Gonzalez replied to @aeshudesu, clarifying her limited role in the decision-making process: “Hi! Whenever I post or reply, it is my personal reply, and never as an official statement of the show. They have the show’s account for that. Like I mentioned in my reply, hindi ko alam buong storya and I don’t know the reason either. I wanted to reach out to her brother to say that I understand how he feels. “
The sentiment of unfair treatment was echoed by other netizens. @Tuna flavored cucumber tweeted, “Mga housemates masaya, samantalang si AZ, ayun inaatake lang naman ng anxiety nia. Bakit kasi ung x ang nicontact imbes na ung mommy nia para sa mga gift na yan. PBB TREAT AZ BETTER.”
Another user,@innerstaellar added at 13:44 “sana inisip niyo pa rin yung mental health ng housemate niyo. dapat family ni AZ ang kinontact niyo esp since grabe hate train na naexperience niya even her mom mind u di pinalampas ng bashers noon. pero di man lang sila nainform. do better pls!!”
The backlash also touched on broader concerns about the show’s production practices, including allegations of bad editing and unfair screen time.
@Saaammychi wrote, “I hope the pbb system will be more fair when it comes to screentime coz tbh as viewer im frustrated to see the unfair screentime esp. during chakira nominations the bad edits and no screentime had rly big impact on votings, many viewers were not into loveteams.”
Meanwhile, @xkyebasco suggested, “How about if may ‘sambayanang vote’ weekly, wherein we OUTSIDE WORLD R allowed to vote about sa makakapasok na haus GUEST, PLAYER, NEW/SECRET TASKS, TASK from the OUTSIDE WORLD, IMMUNITY VOTE, BBE & other more exciting things wherein, we are involved #PBBCollabViolations.”
This isn’t the first time Pinoy Big Brother has faced criticism for perceived unfairness. Earlier reports highlighted similar fan discontent during PBB Connect, where netizens called for a boycott over nomination issues, indicating a recurring challenge for the franchise in maintaining viewer trust.
Despite the controversy, some fans expressed continued support for the show @dockapamilya tweeted, “Thank you for hearing us. I know you can only do so much. But as you said, you also collaborate. I hope our sentiments reach the @PBBabscbn management. Still supporting PBB kahit ilang beses na akong nasaktan. Once a kapamilya, forever a kapamilya. #PBBCollabViolations.”
Thank you for hearing us. I know you can only do so much. But as you said, you also collaborate. I hope our sentiments reach the @PBBabscbn management. Still supporting PBB kahit ilang beses na akong nasaktan. Once a kapamilya, forever a kapamilya. #PBBCollabViolations
— doktorngbayan (@dockapamilya) April 27, 2025
Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition, which premiered on March 9, 2025, on GMA Network, features a record 20 housemates from Star Magic and Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
The show has yet to release an official statement addressing the fans’ concerns. As the season progresses, viewers are watching closely to see if the production will take steps to address the growing unrest.
