This is my fourth feature on Jon (Click the following links for the first and second posts about him: 1 | 2 | 3).

The rumors were true. Jon Avila or Jonathan “Jon” de la Cruz Mullally in real life, the Filipino-British hunk who is being touted as the next Sam Milby, is the twelfth housemate to enter the PBB House this season. The 6’2″ hunk, who is currently one of the leading endorsers of Bench clothing, is expected to show the Filipino viewers that he is not merely a pretty face and a gorgeous body. In the show, he intends to reveal his true personality – one which has been subjected to several hardships in the United Kingdom and in the Philippines.

Jon’s life in London was not an easy one. He suffered racial discrimination due to his Pan-Asian heritage. He left for Manila to seek a better future; but his journey to the top was not devoid of hardships. He recalls having survived living in a cramped room without electricity. Those days, however, are only shadows of his past. He is now one of the most sought-after models in the land and one of the newest additions to ABS-CBN’s roster of stars.

Apart from being included in this year’s batch of Cosmopolitan Magazine’s ten most-eligible bachelors [together with Joem Bascon, Jake Cuenca, Dingdong Dantes, Bruno Folster, Luke Jickain, Paolo Paraiso, Derek Ramsey, Alfred Vargas and Marvin Wijangco (aka Marvin Raymundo)], Jon was recently cast in the movie entitled “Nars” alongside popular actors Coco Martin, Jennylyn Mercado and Jodi Sta. Maria. He served as a replacement to fellow Filipino-British hunk, Andrew Wolff. The independent film will hold special screenings in key cities within the Philippines before its actual November playdate.

At the PBB Celebrity Edition 2 Über, the green-eyed mestizo made a grand entrance by stepping out of a white limousine clad only in boardshorts and flip-flops. He was welcomed into the house by the show’s hosts Mariel Rodriguez and Bianca Gonzales. However, as an additional twist to the show’s already colorful line up of housemates and interesting surprises, one of the show’s hosts, Mariel, was made to escort Jon inside the PBB House and was refused exit upon Pinoy Big Brother’s request making her the first ever houseguest this season.

With Jon’s entry into the PBB House, he is definitely going to be a household name in Filipino homes worldwide. I think we have another matinee idol in the making.

Photo credit: Vince Lopez and Bang Pineda for some pics in this post.