AZ Martinez defends Ralph De Leon from PBB viewers' mixed reactions: 'Malaking tulong si Ralph para sa akin'

AZ Martinez came to Ralph de Leon's defense when recalling their past stint on “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.”

During her guesting on Melai Cantiveros’ show “Kuan On One,” the Sparkle star said that while she understood why some fans were hurt by certain actions Ralph displayed inside the Bahay ni Kuya, she knows him better than anyone else.

"Paglabas ko [sa PBB], marami akong napanood at narinig. Diba may iba na fans na na-hurt tungkol  sa ibang bagay. Tinatanong nila kung bakit ganon si Ralph,” AZ said. 

“Pero noong napanood ko 'yun, naisip ko rin na kilala ko kasi si Ralph. Alam ko kung ano ang totoo niyang nararamdaman, kung paano siya mag-isip. So kaya ko siyang i-set aside kasi alam ko 'yung totoo,” she added. 

According to the Miss Sunuring Daughter ng Cebu, she and Ralph have already talked about their issues with the latter explaining his side. 

“Napag-usapan na namin 'yun at napaliwanag naman na niya kaya OK lang talaga. Kung ano man ang nakita nila, pwede nilang ma-interpret sa maraming paraan. Ang importante kilala mo siya,” AZ said. 

AZ also shared that she became a better person because of her core inside the house, which includes Ralph.

“Alam mo 'yung pinagdaanan niyo dahil ang isang episode ng PBB ay isang oras lang naman tapos buong araw kami magkasama. Whole day kaming ganun. Grabe ang care ni Ralph sa akin.” 

“Masasabi ko talaga na naging mas mabuti akong tao dahil kay Ralph, dahil kay River [Joseph] at dahil sa mga taong nandoon sa akin. Malaking tulong si Ralph para sa akin,” she added. 

AZ and Ralph formed a close bond during their four-month stay in Bahay ni Kuya, and remain close to this day.

Aside from their friendship, the two, who started as the RAZ duo, also displayed undeniable chemistry in Bahay ni Kuya and quickly became one of the most popular ships of the first PBB Collab. Fans affectionately dubbed the pair “AZRalph.”

Among their viral moments is their reunion after Ralph’s eviction and wildcard comeback.

The duo previously starred in Le John’s “Naiilang” music video.

They are set to star in GMA Network and ABS-CBN’s collaboration project “Secrets of Hotel 88,” with some of their fellow housemates. —Jade Veronique Yap/JCB, GMA Integrated News