'PBB' first winner Nene Tamayo to new housemates: 'Be the better version of yourselves'

“Pinoy Big Brother” Season 1 Big Winner Nene Tamayo talked about her experience on the show and gave words of wisdom for the new PBB Housemates on “Unang Hirit” on Friday.

The food entrepreneur said that joining the reality TV show "changed my life," and helped her realize her dream of starting a business.

“Nakita ko ‘yung audition ng ‘PBB,’ may one million cash prize. Sabi ko, ‘Pwedeng pwede. ‘Pag nanalo ‘ko diyan, may capital na ‘ko sa business.’”

Nene added that she keeps in touch with her Season 1 Batchmates. In 2024, they celebrated 19 years since appearing on “PBB.”

“So ngayon, mag-te-twentieth anniversary na kami. Imagine mo ‘yun, 20 years na kaming magkakaibigan. Naging kumare at kumpare ko na silang lahat,” Nene said.

“Ninang at ninong sila ng mga anak ko, ‘yung mga PBB Housemates Season 1,” she added.

Nene also has wise advice for the current "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” housemates, first telling them to enjoy their time in the house.

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“Although it’s a competition, yeah, it’s a stepping career for showbusiness—although ako, hindi ako nag-showbiz—it’s a big help din talaga sa ‘kin. Sobrang laking blessing na maging Housemate ni Kuya,” she said.

Nene also told the Housemates to get to know each other better, and to “listen to understand.”

“Minsan diba, we are full of ourselves. So minsan, nagiging [focus] natin ‘yung goal natin lang, but it’s very important also to listen to other Housemates."

“Be yourself, be the better version of yourselves," she added.

Nene Tamayo was named the first “Pinoy Big Brother” Big Winner in 2005. During her time on the show, she was called Kumander Nene because of her ROTC experience in school. She was also known for her dance skills, long-lasting energy, and for standing up for herself and her Housemates when she refused Kuya’s commands.

Nene’s batchmates from the first season include Sam Milby and Jayson Gainza.

After her time on the show, Nene launched the business Nene Prime Foods.

"Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition" airs new episodes on weekdays 10:00 p.m. on GMA Prime and weekends at 6:15 p.m. after “24 Oras Weekend.” —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News