Following yesterday’s events where Kapamilya actress and host Toni Gonzaga landed on the top trending topics for Twitter Philippines, she continues to be the talk of the town as news broke out that she will no longer be returning as the host of ABS-CBN’s reality show Pinoy Big Brother (PBB).
In a Twitter post, ABS-CBN showbiz reporter MJ Felipe announced Toni’s departure from the show.
“According to a reliable source, Toni Gonzaga will no longer host Pinoy Big Brother. No formal resignation but source said Toni has voluntarily endorsed the main hosting job to Bianca Gonzalez,” Felipe shared.
The reporter added that they “Reached out to PBB and Toni, awaiting for their official statements.”
Both Toni and Bianca spent several seasons hosting PBB along with Mariel Rodriguez and Robi Domingo.
Toni is known for her famous opening spiel, “Hello Philippines, hello world,” which left a mark on Filipino viewers. Since then, the actress has landed other hosting roles on shows like The Voice and Pilipinas Got Talent. She also starred in several successful Filipino movies such as Four Sisters and a Wedding, My Amnesia Girl, and Starting Over Again, to name a few.
As of writing, there has been no formal statement released by the management of PBB regarding the issue. Toni, on the other hand, posted a photo on Instagram with a letter saying that she’s stepping down from the role but gave no other explanation behind her decision.
However, netizens were quick to jump in on the issue and added their speculations as to why the actress will not return as the main host of PBB.
Some of these include flak for her decision to host the proclamation rally of presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and his running mate Sara Duterte at the Philippine Arena. While netizens were already hot on her heels for doing so, Toni received even more criticism after introducing Rep. Rodante Marcoleta as part of the UniTeam’s senatorial slate.
Marcoleta was among those who denied ABS-CBN a franchise renewal, leading its thousands of workers to lose their jobs on July 10, 2020.
Other trending topics related to Toni also include “Teddie” and “Mama Mary,” as citizens relived her roles in Four Sisters and a Wedding and Starting Over Again, respectively. Their posts include comparing her with her on-screen sister Bobbie (played by Bea Alonzo) and rival Patty (played by Iza Calzado), citing reasons why these two are superior to her both in the movies and in real life.
Despite numerous netizens voicing their opinions on Toni on social media, the actress’s loyal fans came to her defense and commended her for handling her bashers, calling her an “unbothered queen” amidst all the controversy.
Presently, a new topic is trending on Twitter where netizens are calling to “Stop Cancel Culture” to show their support for Toni. Many are already voicing their disappointment upon learning that Toni will not be hosting PBB anymore.
Indeed, PBB will no longer be the same with Toni out of the picture, especially after years of hosting the show. In the meantime, PBB fans will have to wait for the announcement on who will replace Toni as the main host of their favorite reality drama series.
