EXCLUSIVE: Here’s what ex-housemates AC Bonifacio and Ashley Ortega learned from their PBB journey

After their journey in Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition, former housemates AC Bonifacio and Ashley Ortega opened up about the valuable lessons and unforgettable memories they gained from their stay inside Kuya’s iconic yellow house.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, AC and Ashley, dubbed the “ACLey” duo inside the house, shared their reflections on self-discovery and personal growth during the reality show.

AC revealed that the experience helped her rediscover her leadership qualities, something she hadn’t fully seen in herself before.

“What I learned about myself is yung pagka-leader ko. I don't think I've ever seen how strong I was as a leader (before), na it could be taken differently nga, which I know now and I can tone down,” AC said.

The Kapamilya artist added that her drive and determination as a leader stood out in completing house tasks.

“Iba yung hunger ko, iba yung dedication ko when it comes to being a leader or even just trying to give in suggestions to be able to reach that goal po. I realized na my leader mindset is very strong,” she continued.

For Kapuso actress Ashley Ortega, the experience helped her embrace vulnerability, something she used to avoid showing.

“I learned that showing your vulnerable side is not a sign of weakness. Actually, sa bahay ni Kuya, I was so vulnerable. And sa totoo lang, sa outside, hindi naman talaga ako ganun kaiyakin ng parang one week straight. Si Kuya rin kasi, di ko alam kung bakit pinaiyak niya ako ng ganun talaga,” Ashley said.

She added, “Ang dami niyang emotions na pinaramdam, even the house, but I showed my vulnerable side and it's not a weakness. So I'm proud na I showed it and I hope I get to inspire and love people because of that.”

On March 29, AC and Ashley became the first evictees of the 20th edition of Pinoy Big Brother. Despite their short stay of nearly three weeks, the duo formed strong bonds with fellow housemates and created lasting memories.

They fondly looked back on their first moments inside the house, recalling the excitement and surprise.

“Unang tapak sa bahay ni Kuya. Sobrang na-overwhelm po kami kasi hindi namin in-expect, and I'm sure you also did it na pagkatanggal ng blindfold nasa loob na pala kami,” AC happily looked back.

READ: AC Bonifacio and Ashley Ortega end PBB stint

“It was that like mysterious for us. So nagulat lang po ako na ayon yung legendary swimming pool, tapos yung mga renovations na na-overwhelm po ako sa bagong bahay,” she continued.

READ: EXCLUSIVE: PBB's AC Bonifacio, Ashley Ortega, Ivana Alawi express excitement joining ABS-CBN Ball

Ashley admitted she couldn’t believe she had the chance to be part of Pinoy Big Brother, especially coming from a different network.

“Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala na nasa loob na ako ng Bahay ni Kuya. Tama yung sabi ni AC, pagpasok mo kasi nasa pool area ka na eh. So I was so shocked and never in a million years ko naisip na magkakaroon ako ng chance na mapasok sa PBB,” she stated.

READ: Ashley Ortega on receiving support on her PBB journey: ‘I hope I get to inspire a lot of people’

Grateful to be part of the historic ABS-CBN and GMA collaboration, she added, “Noong nandoon ako sa loob ng bahay, parang sabi ko ‘Wow, hindi ako makapaniwala.’ Nandito ako, nandito ang GMA and this is a collab. This is a celebrity collab.”

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition airs every weeknights at 10 p.m. and on weekends at 6:15 p.m. via GMA Network. It is also available online via live streams on Pinoy Big Brother’s YouTube channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and iWantTFC.