This year’s Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 took viewers on a thrilling emotional ride. The Gen Z housemates who brought joy to the show, fostered meaningful relationships inside the house, and went through character development in their onscreen journey are now the breakthrough stars of the year. 

The eleventh season of the reality show premiered on July 20, 2024, and held its Big Night last October 26, 2024. The show made history with 2.26 million concurrent viewers on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube and Facebook channels. It is also the first season of Pinoy Big Brother with an all-girl ensemble for the Big 4. 

The popularity of Fyang Smith (Big Winner), Rain Celmar (2nd Big Placer), Kolette Madelo (3rd Big Placer), and Kai Montinola (4th Big Placer) is proof of the long-lasting impact and relevance of the show that has been around for almost two decades. 

As we wrap up 2024, the spotlight is on these housemates who represent today's youth, a generation of passionate, adventurous, and fun-loving individuals.

FYANG SMITH: ANG ANAKABOGERANG INFLUENCER NG MANDALUYONG CITY

The Dancing Queen of Mandaluyong: Fyang Smith’s Big Leap to Stardom

From viral TikTok moves to a triumph on the Pinoy Big Brother stage, Fyang Smith is twirling her way to a brighter spotlight. At just 18, this Mandaluyong dreamer has captured hearts and claimed the coveted Big Winner title of PBB: Gen 11, proving that authenticity is her greatest weapon.  

For Fyang, the journey started with a call that caught her completely off guard. "I was in Laguna at the time," she recalls. "It felt like such a random call—‘Pasok ka na!’ It didn’t sink in right away that I was part of Gen 11. I was shocked, but at the same time, incredibly happy."  

Her time inside Kuya’s house was a whirlwind of emotions, but Fyang embraced every moment, good or bad, as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

"Nothing beats the moment I became part of the Big 4," she tells Metro.Style. "It was tough but worth it."  

Life after Big Brother’s house has been a dazzling change of pace for Fyang. The opportunities have been as unexpected as they are exciting. "So many things have changed," she reflects. "I’ve experienced things I never imagined before—like guesting and stepping into the world of showbiz. It’s overwhelming but incredible."   

Now with the entertainment industry calling her name, Fyang is ready to channel her fierce persona into kontrabida roles. "I feel like I could pull it off because of my resting fierce eyes," she quips. 

Her dream collaborators? Industry legends. "Kathryn Bernardo and Meme Vice," she says. "The seasoned actors and actresses—they inspire me."  

What started as cute TikTok dance challenges have transformed into a full-blown journey into stardom. With her talent, beauty, and unmistakable charm, Fyang Smith is more than ready to sway her way into the hearts of audiences everywhere. 

Fyang, the teen queen, isn’t just dancing under the spotlight—she’s owning it.

RAIN CELMAR: ANG CHEERFU-LANGGA NG CEBU

From Gloom to Glory: Rain Celmar's Bright Journey After PBB

Whether hiking up mountains, throwing punches in the ring, or serving aces on the volleyball court, Rain Celmar is the ultimate sporty girl-next-door with big dreams and an even bigger heart. At just 17 (she just turned 18!), the Cebuana dreamer snagged the second spot in Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11’s Big 4—and now, she’s ready to chase the sun in the entertainment world.   

Rain’s road to Kuya’s house started with a curveball she never saw coming. "They pranked me into thinking I didn’t make it," she laughs. "But then, it turns out I was one of the lucky housemates! I couldn’t believe it—it was surreal."  

That disbelief turned into a transformative journey. Stepping out of Kuya’s house brought not only career opportunities but also a newfound sense of self.  

"I’d say I believe in myself more now," she shares. "I’ve also learned to appreciate the little things in life, although I’ve always been grateful."  

Rain is not just stepping into the entertainment industry—she’s running toward it with a purpose. When it comes to acting, she’s eager to explore her range, though she hopes to start with something fun and lighthearted.  

"I’d love to begin with rom-coms," she shares. And for her dream co-star? She’s aiming high. "Kathryn Bernardo," Rain says confidently. "She’s such a big name in the industry. I’ll work hard to match her energy and talent, to give justice to sharing the screen with her."  

From pranks to personal growth, Rain’s journey is a testament to perseverance and positivity. The once-gloomy days are behind her as she takes on a new role—not just as an artist but as a ray of sunshine for fans and audiences alike.  

With a winning mix of talent, determination, and optimism, Rain is poised to light up screens and hearts everywhere.

KOLETTE MADELO: ANG MA-CUTE-LIT NA RAKETERA NG GENERAL SANTOS

Kolette Madelo: The Multitalented Maven Is Ready to Shine

From singing and dancing to drawing and songwriting, third-placer Kolette Madelo is a creative powerhouse with big dreams and an even bigger personality. This Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 star-on-the-rise has proven she’s ready to be in the limelight—but even she didn’t see it coming.  

When Kolette first found out she was selected as one of the housemates, her reaction was simple yet profound: utter shock. Among thousands of hopefuls, she was chosen—a moment that set the stage for her life to change forever.  

Inside Kuya’s house, Kolette discovered unforgettable moments, but one stood out above the rest. "For me, the most memorable time was when we were all at the pool," she recalls. "We’d share stories, laugh, chase each other around, and even break out into spontaneous dancing."  

Since stepping back into the outside world, life has taken an exciting turn for Kolette. "My lifestyle now is different," she shares. "It’s still simple, but not quite like before. Like, when I walk down the street and people ask for photos—it’s surreal."  

As opportunities knock on her door, Kolette isn’t shying away from ambitious goals. She’s got her sights set on working with none other than Coco Martin, a name synonymous with iconic roles and gritty dramas.  

And when it comes to the roles she wants to play? She’s not afraid to embrace her dark side. "I’d love to take on a kontrabida role," she reveals.  

Kolette Madelo has gone beyond her comfort zone and is embracing the newfound spotlight with her signature blend of talent, charm, and creative flair. This multitalented dreamer is poised to make waves in the entertainment world. 

Stay tuned—Kolette’s just getting started.

KAI MONTINOLA: ANG SINGING GWAPA NG CEBU

From Bedroom to Bright Lights: Kai Montinola’s Starry Transformation

From a quiet kid confined to her room to a rising star poised to conquer the entertainment world, 17-year-old Cebuana artist Kai Montinola is ready to take center stage with her beauty, talent, and quiet confidence.    

Kai’s journey into the limelight as one of the Big 4 was anything but ordinary. "When I was younger, I stayed home a lot," she shares. "I wasn’t pushing hard to chase this dream—it just came to me. It’s remarkable because everything aligned for me right from the start. I’m very lucky to claim it."  

Her quiet life in Cebu is now a far cry from her busy schedule in showbiz, but Kai is embracing the change. "Now that I’m in showbiz, I look forward to doing something every day," she says. "The change has been drastic, but it’s what I asked for, and so far, I’m enjoying every bit of it."  

Kai’s Pinoy Big Brother journey began in the most unexpected way. She recalls being in a gloomy mood, having already accepted she might not make the cut—only for the big reveal to turn things around.  

But what truly made her journey unforgettable was a deeply personal moment that resonated with viewers everywhere, meeting her biological mother for the first time inside Kuya’s house.  

"I’ll never forget when I met my biological mom," she says. "I had never met her before, not until inside Kuya’s house. That was one of the most important things that happened to me."  

With a love for rom-coms, she envisions herself playing characters who are "low-key nonchalant and serious, but end up falling for someone unexpected."  

She admires Francine Diaz and Belle Mariano and hopes to work with them in the future.  

The once "locked-up kid" from Cebu has blossomed into a confident dreamer ready to navigate the exciting twists and turns of the entertainment industry.  

Kai’s star is only beginning to shine, and her next chapter promises to be even more remarkable than the last.

Photographer: Dookie Ducay

Sittings editors: Geolette Esguerra, Kate Paras-Santiago, and Grace Libero-Cruz

Creative director: Eugene David

Stylist: Adrianne Concepcion

Makeup: Mickey See (Rain and Kai) and Owen Sarmiento (Fyang and Kolette)

Hairstylists: Brent Sales (Rain and Kai) and Jerry Javier (Fyang and Kolette)

Shoot coordination: Noella Fonbuena

Styling assistants: Via Abarra and Cent Bermas 

Shoot assistant and interviewer: Ryan Christopher Claveria

Special thanks to Lauren Dyogi, Star Magic, Frances Joson, and Thess Gubi

Shot on location at PioneerX Studios