'PBB Celebrity Collab 2.0': Joaquin Arce says bond with Lella Ford is 'absolutely the truth'

Joaquin Arce is staying firm that his bond with Lella Ford, in and out of Bahay ni Kuya, is genuine.

On Wednesday's episode of “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2," more of the Ultimate 8 answered tough questions from ex-housemates, who then voted whether their answers were true or a lie.

Below is the Q&A edited for length and clarity.

Q: What specific instance showed the mantra [pag-unlad] you stand by?

When I hosted an open forum on my own accord based sa mga pagkakamali ko dito sa bahay in the name of pag-unlad.

I wanted to know the criticisms of the other housemates tungkol sa akin at nakinig naman ako sa mga sinabi nila (I wanted to know the criticisms of the other housemates about me and I listened to what they told me). I took the necessary steps and even outlined the course of action I could take to address those specific criticisms.

Jury’s votes: Six housemates raised the truth banner, while six raised the lie banner. 

Anton Vinzon: Do you consider yourself a nepo baby? Or did your family influence you, or were you voted in using their money?

Sinabi ko sa pamilya ko before not to spend, and I believe that whatever I get, I should deserve. Everything that I want to achieve in this industry as an actor, because it's my dream to be an actor, gusto ko na deserve ko siya.

Kasi lagi ako tinatanong na, 'Do you want to work with your stepmom? Do you want to work with Tita Angel in the future?' Lagi ko sinasabi na it’s a prize to work with her. I think I have to deserve it. I think I have to be a good enough actor to work with her.

And with that, if I were to win or if I were to deserve a spot here, I have to deserve it. Dapat yung mga taong bayan 'yung pipili sa akin.

[I told my family before not to spend money, and I believe that whatever I get, I deserve. Everything I want to achieve in this industry as an actor, because it’s my dream to be one, I want to deserve it. I’m always asked if I want to work with my stepmom or with Tita Angel in the future. I always say that working with her would be a prize. I believe I have to deserve it. I have to be a good enough actor to work with her.

And with that, if I win or deserve a spot here, I have to earn it. The people should be the ones to choose me.]

Jury’s votes: Four housemates raised the truth banner, while eight raised the lie banner. 

Reich Alim: Is your connection with Lella real? Or is it just for show?

Absolutely the truth. We've been friends since the outside world. We're friends, good friends. There’s not much I can say. 

Reich: Did you stick close to Lella because you researched before coming here and knew that ships are popular outside?

That’s false. All the time I've been with Lella has been genuine, and I stick with her because she’s my best friend. And I know that I trust her more than anyone here.

Jury’s votes: Two housemates raised the truth banner, while ten raised the lie banner. 

Sofia Pablo: During the last group formation of Solid Six and Striving Feathers, why do you think no one chose you as a teammate?

That’s a good question. I could tell na dahil sa approach ko sa mga bagay minsan, medyo strong at medyo sa mga group tasks, I'd say competitive talaga akong tao at I guess parang scary kasama.

Coming into this house, the personality I showed, the actions I took, safe to say it’s all me growing up. Alam naman natin lahat na hindi ako mag i-improve agad-agad, but I could take the steps to improve, and I did. 

I think one of the things that makes me deserving of being part of the Ultimate 8, if not being the big winner, is that I was willing to take the steps to improve, and with that, I rest my case. 

[That’s a good question. I can tell that because of my approach to things, I can come across as strong. In group tasks, I’m really competitive, and I guess I might seem intimidating to work with. Coming into this house, the personality I showed and the actions I took, safe to say that was all me. That’s part of how I grew up. We all know we won’t improve overnight, but I can take steps to improve, and I did.

One of the reasons I deserve to be part of the Ultimate 8, if not the Big Winner, is that I was willing to take those steps to improve. And with that, I rest my case.]

Jury’s votes: Twelve housemates raised the truth banner.

Joaquin is one of the remaining housemates dubbed the Ultimate 8 alongside Caprice Cayetano, Princess Aliyah, Ashley Sarmiento, Lella Ford, Krystal Mejes, Heath Jornales, and Miguel Vergara.

The "Pinoy Big Brother: Cele"rity Collab Edition 2.0" Big Night will be on February 28. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News