How a popular reality show indirectly promotes the habit
Since its kickoff in March, the Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition house has 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 a teen to someone in her 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.
It’s been weeks since I noticed the housemates holding on to their books, even in the 24/7 livestream feed. Thanks to the show’s main host, Bianca Gonzalez, she was able to give us a complete list of titles through a recent video when the books were temporarily confiscated from the housemates during a Holy Week task.
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.
Here’s a rundown of the titles currently being read inside the PBB house:
1. Educated by Tara Westover
A heart-wrenching 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.
2. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
This book introduces readers to Gallup’s StrengthsFinder assessment, helping individuals discover and maximize their top five strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses.
3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
A blunt, humorous self-help book that encourages readers to embrace life’s challenges and accept their limitations instead of chasing toxic positivity.
4. A Gentle Reminder by Bianca Sparacino
A poetic and heartfelt collection of affirmations and reflections for those going through moments of hope, healing, and self-doubt
5. The Inspiring Life of Robert Joseph Lim Jr. by Rhea Vitto Tabora
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.
6. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A fictional account of a glamorous, aging Hollywood icon who recounts her scandal-filled life, career, and secrets to a young journalist.
7. Cleansing Moments by Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD
A spiritual companion filled with short reflections meant to cleanse the heart and draw readers closer to God.
8. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
A controversial manual on gaining, managing, and defending power, using historical case studies and psychological strategies.
There are two copies of this book inside the house!
9. Becoming a Person of Influence by John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan
A practical guide on how to positively impact others, whether you’re a leader, parent, coach, or peer.
10. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
A collection of real-life advice columns from the “Dear Sugar” series, filled with raw and compassionate life wisdom.
11. The Bible
A sacred scripture central to Christianity, offering teachings on faith, love, redemption, and life’s purpose.
In a house with numerous cameras, challenges, and ever-changing happenings—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 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 for viewers of the value of reading.
For random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com
