LOOK: Bianca Gonzalez shares the book titles spotted in Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition
Since its kickoff in March, the Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition house presented a lot of interesting developments and one of them is the formation of a book club. This season’s set of housemates—a mix of young celebrities from Star Magic and Sparkle GMA Artist Center—ranges from their early 20s to mid-30s, and among them is a reader-friendly bunch who have bonded not just over shared living spaces, but also over pages they read.
Screengrabs courtesy of ABS-CBN and Pinoy Big Brother on Youtube and Bianca Gonzalez’s Facebook page
It’s been weeks since I noticed the housemates holding on to their books even in the 24/7 livestream feed. I’ve gotten curious, but thanks to the show’s main host Bianca Gonzalez, she gave us a complete list through a recent video.
A core group of housemates—AZ Martinez, AC Bonifacio, Joshua Ford, Kira Balinger, and Charlie Fleming—organically formed a book club inside the house, often seen with books in hand, reading together in a corner. Even housemates outside the club have shown interest, frequently borrowing titles from one another, as seen in clips from the livestream.
L-R: AZ Martinez, AC Bonifacio, Kira Balinger, Joshua Ford, and Charlie Fleming
A weekly task prompted Big Brother to temporarily confiscate the books during Holy Week. A meaningful silence task required the housemates to speak for only a total of just 20 hours across the week. The books were possibly seen as potential distractions, and so, for a specific period, they were kept out of reach.
In a Facebook video giving an exclusive look at the books, Bianca said:
“So, because may weekly tasks ng mga housemates na bawal magsalita at bawal din magbasa, the books that the housemates brought inside the house are here. So, I wanted to share with you some of them.”
Here’s a rundown of the titles currently being read inside the PBB house—along with quick synopses and what potential takeaways the housemates might be drawing from them.
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1. Educated by Tara Westover
What it’s about:
A gripping memoir about Tara Westover, who grew up in a survivalist family and was denied formal education. She eventually self-educated and earned a PhD from Cambridge University.
Possible takeaway:
The housemates may be inspired by the power of self-belief and the idea that transformation is possible through courage and learning, no matter your past.
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2. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
What it’s about:
This book introduces readers to Gallup’s StrengthsFinder assessment, helping individuals discover and maximize their top five strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses.
Possible takeaway:
The housemates might reflect on their unique talents and how understanding these can foster confidence and teamwork in a shared environment like the PBB house.
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3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
What it’s about:
A blunt, humorous self-help book that encourages readers to embrace life’s challenges and accept their limitations instead of chasing toxic positivity.
Possible takeaway:
The housemates may find it freeing to focus on what truly matters, learning to let go of perfectionism and external validation in a competitive space.
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4. A Gentle Reminder by Bianca Sparacino
What it’s about:
A poetic and heartfelt collection of affirmations and reflections for those going through moments of hope, healing, and self-doubt.
Possible takeaway:
This book can offer comfort during emotionally intense moments, reminding housemates to be kind to themselves and that it’s okay to feel vulnerable.
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5. The Inspiring Life of Robert Joseph Lim Jr. by Rhea Vitto Tabora
What it’s about:
A biography of Bobby Joseph Jr., a stage-four cancer survivor and tourism advocate, who chose to live fully and serve others despite his diagnosis.
Possible takeaway:
Housemates might gain a renewed appreciation for life and resilience, realizing that service, gratitude, and faith can thrive even in adversity.
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6. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What it’s about:
A fictional account of a glamorous, aging Hollywood icon who recounts her scandal-filled life, career, and secrets to a young journalist.
Possible takeaway:
Housemates may explore themes of identity, ambition, love, and legacy—resonating with their own public personas and personal truths.
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7. Cleansing Moments by Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD
What it’s about:
A spiritual companion filled with short reflections meant to cleanse the heart and draw readers closer to God.
Possible takeaway:
Perfect for the Holy Week task, this book can guide housemates through spiritual renewal, mindfulness, and quiet introspection.
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There are two copies of this book inside the house!
8. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
What it’s about:
A controversial manual on gaining, managing, and defending power, using historical case studies and psychological strategies.
Possible takeaway:
Housemates might reflect on power dynamics within the house—how influence works and when strategy matters in leadership and collaboration.
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9. Becoming a Person of Influence by John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan
What it’s about:
A practical guide on how to positively impact others, whether you’re a leader, parent, coach, or peer.
Possible takeaway:
The housemates could learn how small actions and words shape relationships and influence—crucial skills in a social experiment like PBB.
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10. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
What it’s about:
A collection of real-life advice columns from the “Dear Sugar” series, filled with raw and compassionate life wisdom.
Possible takeaway:
Housemates may find solace in the candid advice and universal themes—love, loss, purpose, and forgiveness—as they navigate personal growth inside the house.
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11. The Bible
What it’s about:
A sacred scripture central to Christianity, offering teachings on faith, love, redemption, and life’s purpose.
Possible takeaway:
Seen being read by now-evicted Charlie and some of the boys, the Bible may serve as a source of strength, hope, and spiritual grounding during their time in the house.
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In a house filled with cameras, challenges, and ever-changing dynamics with several house guests constantly coming in, the presence of books brings a grounding element. It creates an opportunity for shared introspection, quiet bonding, and a rare kind of stillness. Watching young celebrities pause from the high energy of the game to flip through pages and swap stories is refreshing.And in a season that blends reflection with competition, perhaps these stories are mirrors, mentors, and silent companions in a journey of self-awareness and change.
What makes the housemates’ love for books even more impressive is that they are completely device-free inside the PBB house. No phones, tablets, or access to the internet—just the occasional pen, paper, and a lot of face-to-face interaction. That they’ve turned to books to fill that gap is a beautiful and hopeful sign. It’s nice that they are setting good examples to viewers of the value of reading.
