⭐️SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT

Cold Lugaw, Fixed Beds, and Growing Up on PBB

The Pinoy Big Brother house has a way of compressing time, magnifying emotions, and reshaping people in quiet but lasting ways. For Iñigo Jose and Lee Victor, stepping out of its doors didn’t just mark the end of a televised journey—it signaled the beginning of reflection, growth, and a renewed connection to who they are outside the walls.

For Iñigo, the first moment of freedom was instinctive and deeply personal. He hugged his mom. After weeks of regulated schedules and constant observation, that embrace grounded him back in reality and reminded him of what mattered most. Reuniting with his parents and sibling was what he had been looking forward to all along—family being the emotional anchor he held onto throughout his stay.

Lee, on the other hand, carried his youthful energy into the house from day one. At just 17 and hailing from Cavite, he quickly became known for his confidence, friendliness, and natural charm. The only son of a single mom, Lee’s maturity is shaped by love, responsibility, and gratitude. Recently turning 17, he admits he never imagined he’d gain the level of popularity he now enjoys—what began as a personal journey unexpectedly became one shared with thousands of viewers.

Inside the house, both learned structure in different ways. Iñigo picked up the habit of getting ready immediately after waking up, a small discipline he’s certain he’ll keep even outside the house. Lee learned the same routine—and took it a step further by fixing his bed first thing in the morning. These seemingly simple habits reflect how life inside PBB reshaped their daily rhythms.

If their journeys were movies, Iñigo would call his a romcom—lighthearted, emotional, awkward in the best ways, and filled with unexpected moments. One such moment involved an attempt at comfort: when a fellow housemate felt down after an eviction, Iñigo offered lugaw. Served cold, it somehow made things worse, prompting laughter instead. Lee describes his own journey as a comedy-drama, marked by laugh-out-loud mishaps and heartfelt bonds. One unforgettable slip-up—accidentally calling a cassette tape a “casket”—perfectly captured his unfiltered, lovable personality.

Friendships were central to both experiences. Lee formed a tight bond with Heath and Clifford, his best buddies inside the house, sharing jokes, challenges, and memories that defined his stay. Iñigo, meanwhile, found meaning in quieter connections, moments of vulnerability, and the freedom to simply be himself without expectations.

Outside the house, small freedoms feel big. Iñigo enjoys not having to go straight to sleep the moment Big Brother says so, while Lee is relieved to no longer worry about wearing—and forgetting—a lapel mic. As the holidays approach, Lee is especially excited for desserts, particularly ube-flavored ones, and dreams of traveling out of town with his family, inspired by stories of beautiful places shared by his housemates.

Both young men remain deeply connected to their childhood passions. Iñigo is a collector at heart, with a long-standing love for Legos—his latest prized build being a white Porsche 911—as well as superhero action figures he often buys after watching their films, each piece tied to a memory. Meanwhile Lee still collects Pokémon cards and Hot Wheels, hobbies that keep him grounded in simpler joys and remind him of who he’s always been.

When asked what makes him COOL, Iñigo doesn’t point to style or pedigree. Naturally svelte and effortlessly photogenic, the son of actor James Blanco chooses sincerity over image. For him, being cool is simply being himself—still figuring things out, still growing. Lee shares that same authenticity, balancing youthful enthusiasm with quiet maturity, shaped by family and experience. #CoolStarSection #CoolisinSession

Writer: Yeoh Egwaras

Photography and Creative Direction: Rxandy Capinpin

Film: Van Telebrico

Styling and Ensemble: Edrick Paz

Grooming: Bhads Castor

Shoot Associate: Royd Loyola

Food: Purple Wok

Special thanks to Mercator, GMA Sparkle and Star Magic