Pinoy Big Brother has already received 96,097 online applications as of Friday, October 23 since it started holding auditions on October 19.

ABS-CBN TV Production Head Laurenti Dyogi remarked that PBB's partnership with Kumu has truly paved the way for the upcoming season to happen.

"This is a very unplanned season. We didn't plan to have 'PBB' now but for some, siguro because of fate, and the partnership with Kumu, nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon ng magkaroon ng 'PBB," he shared in an interview with ABS-CBN News reporter MJ Felipe.

READ: ‘Pinoy Big Brother Connect’ opens auditions online for new housemates

Though Filipinos have been staying at home amid the pandemic, direk Lauren remarked that staying inside the Big Brother house is still a very different experience.

"'Yung iba sinasabi na praktisado na raw sila sa bahay, siyempre iba pa rin kung nasa loob ka ng 'PBB.' Sa mga kanya-kanyang bahay natin we still have the comfort — of course komportable naman ang bahay ni Kuya — kasama mo ang pamilya mo, may cellphone ka, may radio ka. Pag nasa 'PBB,' it's a totally different experience," he said.

The upcoming season called PBB: Connect will be aired on various platforms.

"PBB: Connect will be seen all over, from Kapamilya Channel, to A2Z on free TV, to the digital livestreaming of Kumu. They have a certain technology na pwede nilang i-incorporate. We are just working out the technical aspect on that," he shared.

Asked on how auditionees will capture the attention of the PBB team, direk Lauren shared, "Paano ka ba mapapansin? Make sure that it's an authentic way of presenting yourself. Kasi kung hindi 'yun ang totoong pagkatao mo, malalaman at malalaman namin 'yan."

Twelve auditionees will be chosen as housemates for PBB: Connect.

The online audition will run until November 11.