As a volleyball player, Dylan Yturralde’s life on the court prepared him for the ups and downs of “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11.” Much like navigating tough rallies and unpredictable sets in sports, his time as a housemate was filled with unexpected challenges and moments that tested his self-worth.
But he came out of the game a lot stronger, wiser, and better. Despite being evicted and not winning the prize, the experience and lessons learned from Bahay Ni Kuya are enough to make him feel like a winner in his own right.
Dreaming big and manifesting those dreams into reality—that’s the driving force behind Dylan’s PBB Gen 11 journey. As Big Brother often reminded him, he has the power to change his own destiny.
Dylan had auditioned for PBB’s previous seasons, and with each setback, his resolve only grew stronger. Every rejection became motivation, and he would always tell himself, “If hindi ngayong season, makikita n’yo ulit ako next year.” So, when he became an official housemate for PBB’s 11th edition and stepped into the confession room to speak with Big Brother for the first time, he exclaimed, “Kuya! Sa wakas!”
Although he applied parts of his athletic mindset inside the house, especially during tasks, his approach was more about just being himself. He wasn’t there to outplay anyone; he simply wanted to show his authenticity, connect with others, and enjoy every bit of the PBB experience, which he likens to a rollercoaster ride.
“Hindi lang siya puro saya. Hindi rin naman siya puro lungkot. Rollercoaster siya, so you have to ride the tide and you have to enjoy the process. Kasi kung magde-dwell ka sa problema, or masyado kang magsi-stick doon sa masasayang moments, hindi mo ma-che-cherish lahat. Balance lang,” he said, putting his life as a housemate into words.
The competitive spirit he honed as an athlete certainly helped him tackle the tasks, but more than that, it was his perseverance that truly stood out. “Basta huwag ka lang susuko kasi hindi ka magiging matatag kung hindi mo napagdaanan ‘yung mga challenges na ‘yun,” he shared, echoing the lessons he’s learned both on the court and inside Kuya’s house.
One of the key lessons Dylan imparted to his fellow housemates, drawn from his experience as a player was the importance of balance. He believes that while it’s essential to give your all in games, tasks, or responsibilities, it’s equally crucial to recognize the power of rest. Grind when needed, but don’t underestimate the value of taking a break.
He’s also grateful for the chance to share these insights with the teen housemates. It felt like a full-circle moment for him, as the things he had learned were now being passed on. Initially, he had to adjust to connecting with the teens, as he was more used to being around older individuals from whom he had always drawn wisdom. That’s why he was seen spending more time with older housemates like Bryx Ruiz at first. As days passed, he gradually found his rhythm and started connecting with the younger group, even growing close with some of them. For Dylan, it feels rewarding to impart his knowledge and see it resonate with others.
One of his takeaways from Big Brother is the importance of self-worth and the belief that he has the power to shape his own story. “Sabi niya, ‘pag may challenges ka tapos nahihirapan ka at tinatanggap mo na, minsan kailangan mo pa s’yang ilaban.” He continued, quoting what Kuya told him, “Kaya mo pang baguhin ang destiny mo.”
Dylan appreciates the warm reception he’s received upon returning to the outside world, where he was met with an outpouring of support from fans. This support not only motivates him but also reassures him that he’s not alone as he steps into his dreams. Having people who believe in him reminds him to trust in his own abilities as well.
Of course, he understands that he can't please everyone. As they say, the spotlight can come with some negativity. Instead of letting it get to him, he sees these negative comments as a chance to improve. He uses criticism as motivation to keep growing and refining himself.
Looking back on his time in the house, Dylan has some standout memories that never fail to make him smile. One of the most amusing was his first night. The house was incredibly cold, and Dylan, caught off guard by the chill, had a sudden and urgent need to use the comfort room.
“Hindi pa kami nakakuha ng instruction kung ano gagawin… hindi ko na talaga kaya,” he recalled, and then, quipped, “Ako ang buminyag ng CR ni Kuya sa loob ng bahay.” Kidding aside, he describes the house as “sobrang liwanag at colorful kaya sobrang nakaka-happy.”
Another unforgettable experience was the musical play task, which was particularly meaningful for him, as it allowed him to explore his love for acting.
Speaking of acting, he seems ready to venture into showbiz. When asked which Kapamilya artists he’d like to work with, he mentioned BINI’s Mikha Lim, whose swag he really appreciates; Francine Diaz, whose acting skills he admired in a teleserye; and his idol, Daniel Padilla.
Of course, now that he's back in the outside world, Dylan is committed to returning to his roots and honing his volleyball skills. A new chapter may be awaiting him in the entertainment world, but he will remain dedicated to his first love, volleyball.
Before the interview ended, he took a moment to answer some questions from netizens. One of the most intriguing queries was about his reaction to watching clips of other housemates explaining why they nominated him, as some nominations were made purely for strategic reasons, given that he was one of the strongest contenders.
With a smile, Dylan acknowledged that this was all part of the game. He understand that nominations are often influenced by strategy and, while he hadn’t considered using that approach himself, he now sees it as a natural part of the housemates' tactics.
Dylan was also asked about his current “PBB Gen 11” BIG 4 picks from a viewer’s perspective. He named Binsoy Namoca, Jarren Garcia, Kai Montinola, and Kolette Madelo.