Will Ashley bids emotional farewell to 'Pinoy Big Brother': 'I'm grateful for y'all!'

After more than four months of challenges, growth, and heartfelt moments inside the "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition," Will Ashley has officially stepped back into the outside world as the second Big Placer, alongside his duo, Ralph De Leon.

In his first Instagram post back into the outside world, the Sparkle star thanked everyone who stood by him during his journey inside the PBB house.

"My journey inside the house was rough. I went through a lot of ups and downs. But thank God, I managed to get through everything," he wrote.

Will said he owes much of his strength to the other 19 housemates with whom he shared the experience.

"Sobrang pasasalamat sa mga housemates na talagang minahal at sinuportahan ako. I'm grateful for y'all!" he said.

He also expressed his deep gratitude to the PBB fans who supported him throughout, even though he couldn't see or hear them while inside the house.

"Napakalaking parte ninyo sa aking journey. Kayo ang dahilan bakit nilaban ko ang hamon na ito," he said.

"Maraming salamat din po sa pagmamahal n'yo sa amin ni [Ralph], ang laban po na ito ay para sa inyo," he added.

Though his PBB journey has ended, Will made it clear that this is just the beginning of a new chapter.

"Umpisa pa lang po ito. Lalaban tayo," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo emerged as the big winner of "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition," the first duo to share the title in the show's history.

"Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition" is getting a second season later this year.

The 20 housemates of the first edition are also set to reunite at an event titled "The Big ColLOVE" happening on August 10, 8 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

More details, including ticket prices, will be revealed soon.

—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News