Just like their predecessors, the latest batch of contestants from the “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) reality TV show franchise, which concluded on February 13 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, is open to pursuing a career in show business.

“PBB Double Up” big winner Melissa “Melai” Cantiveros, for instance, is said to be working soon with Ai Ai delas Alas in a project. But Cantiveros, tagged as the Inday Kengkay of GenSan, denied having any knowledge of this when she and runners-up Paul Jake Castillo, Jason Francisco, Johan Santos and Tibo Jumalon faced the entertainment press on February 15 at the PBB House.

“Wala pa pong projects,” she said in her characteristic rapid-fire manner of speaking. “Hindi pa po kami nakakaalis ng Bahay ni Kuya.”

Melai nonetheless admitted that she has always wanted to be an actress. She welcomes the opportunity to work with Pokwang—who lately has been hounded by talks of supposedly "being insecure" with the rising popularity of the “PBB” champ—deeming it the best experience.

Jason, whose courtship and eventual coupling with Melai happened during the show’s run, said he supports his ladylove’s foray into the entertainment industry but is rather hesitant when it comes to his own showbiz pursuits.

The Boy Astig ng Mindoro shared that although he used to be in a band before “PBB,” he prefers to run his own business in his hometown or to complete the nautical course that he has already started.

Based on the attention that the couple has been getting from TV fans and ultimately their home studio, ABS-CBN, Melai and Jason’s tandem is headed to Tinseltown pretty much like the comedy version of “PBB Teen Edition 1” champ Kim Chui and third runner-up Gerald Anderson who have starred, both individually and as a love team, in hit soap operas and movies.

This early, though, the newbies are having problems separating their real life romance from their on-screen partnership. “Grabe s’ya mag-kiss [ng ibang girls],” exclaimed Melai, the self-confessed jealous type, citing the time they appeared on “The Buzz” as guests.

“Sinasabihan ko po s’ya na mga fans ‘yun,” Jason explained. “Bigla na lang po kasi s’yang magmumukmok. Dalawang beses na po s’yang umiyak.”

Johan, meanwhile, is as keen as Melai in breaking into the biz. Before “PBB,” he tried his luck on the third edition of GMA-7’s “StarStruck” but only got as far as the semi-final round. That experience has helped him fare better in “PBB,” said the Cutie Server ng QC.

Paul Jake is not as keen as Johan but is just as open to opportunities. “I want to try it, mag-workshop and hopefully work on my Tagalog and acting and everything I can work on,” pointed out the Negosyo Prince of Cebu, who is only one subject shy of earning a degree in business.

Tibo is more realistic and focused on his goals. “Stay muna ako sa family ko para hanapin ang pangarap ko para sa kanila,” maintained the Dad of Steel ng Cagayan who have three sons and one daughter.