AZ Martinez only has love and appreciation as she concluded her experience in the "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition."
In Instagram, the ex-PBB contestant posted some pictures of herself with her last partner River Joseph , taken from Big Night along with an emotional account of her four-month experience inside the house.
"Kapag dumating ang alon, magkakaiba man ito," muna niya sinabi at nagsama rin ng #AZVer, pangalan ng kanyang duet kasama si River.
Reflecting on her tryout, AZ mentioned that she had "no expectations" and didn't think she'd be able to become a contestant.
"This dream I thought was just an illusion. Until one day, it became real," she said.
As per AZ, her four-month stay at Bahay ni Kuya was "filled with learning moments, emotional lows, significant progress, sadness, and personal development." Although her path wasn't flawless, she mentioned she would not exchange the experience for anything else.
'Referred to as the "strong one" in my family,' she said, 'for the very first time, I let myself be gentle, fragile, open, and truly human. And this experience transformed me.'
The Kapuso celebrity also mentioned that she put a lot of her being into the journey and uncovered aspects of herself that she had forgotten over time. Because of Kuya, the fellow housemates, and the trials, she became stronger in another way.
"Sila ay hindi lamang nakakita sa akin, kundi nakaupo ako, naniniwala sa akin, at tumulong sa akin na muling maniwala sa sarili ko," sabi ni AZ.
When she and River stepped onto the stage on the special evening, AZ mentioned that having their names announced felt "unreal."
"Naunang naging pinakamalaking panalo ang sandaling iyon. At agad kong napansin kayo pagkabuksan ko lamang ang labas. Ang mga banner, LED sign, at sigaw ng pamilya... May sasakyang nagmamaneho. May poster na nakatayo. May truk. Sinabi ko, 'Seryoso... noon pa ako'y nanaginip dito.' Naramdaman kong nabigla, nadala sa sarili, at puno ng pasalamat," anila sinulat.
"I don't know what to do first—cry, smile, or just stare at all the love coming my way," AZ added.
At the end of her message, the Sparkle actress expressed gratitude to their cherished supporters and their new extended family who arrived, had faith in them, and helped make the unimaginable achievable for her and River.
"I was fighting inside the house, but watching how you fought for us out here, wow. You're the reason we made it this far. You're the reason our dreams with River came true," she said.
As she goes back to the outside world, AZ mentioned she is leaving with belief, her family, and the bravery to continue speaking her dreams aloud.
"I love you all very much. Thank you so much for your trust," she concluded.
In the meantime, her co-housemate from PBB Ralph De Leon and with whom she developed a strong connection, left behind encouraging remarks, stating "Could not be prouder."
In the show's highlight performance, AZ and River secured the position of the fourth top pair.
Brent Manalo at Mika Salamanca
Brent Manalo kasama si Mika Salamanca
Ang dalawang artista na sina Brent Manalo at Mika Salamanca
Si Brent Manalo at ang kanyang kapartner na si Mika Salamanca
Mga nagsasaliksik tungkol kay Brent Manalo at Mika Salamanca
(BreKa) was declared the grand champion.
—Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
This article AZ Martinez shares his thoughts about his PBB experience following the conclusion of the Big Four was originally published in GMA News Online .