Edward Barber has a new role—this time outside of showbiz. The former Pinoy Big Brother housemate was officially ordained as a pastor, a milestone the actor shared on January 26, 2026, via Favor Church Manila’s Instagram account.
Photo: Favor Church Manila, Edward Barber/Instagram
Favor Church Manila’s post introduced Barber as one of its newly ordained pastors and pastors-in-training, noting that the ordination took place during its Leaders Advance event. A photo showed him holding his certificate, smiling at the camera.
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Barber first entered the public eye in 2016 as a contestant on Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7, where he placed fourth. He later became part of the popular “MayWard” love team with Maymay Entrata, and the pair went on to star in Loving in Tandem.
Even while building his career in entertainment, Barber has been involved in church work. He currently hosts a faith-centered podcast, The Painfully Human, and has spoken about feeling a personal “calling” to ministry.
In a 2024 interview on BRGY with Bianca Gonzalez, Barber said he realized this calling during a low point in his life and career.
“I really see my calling in ministry. It was really a moment when I thought, ‘God, I have everything that the world is telling me I should want. I have the following, I have the projects, I have the money, and I feel so empty,’” he recalled.
At the time, Barber expressed interest in becoming a lay pastor—a volunteer member of a congregation authorized to lead services and provide pastoral care—though he has now taken the step toward ordination.
He also clarified that while ministry is a priority, he does not plan to leave show business.
“I’ve seen hosting as my work, and I love it. I love the people with me. But at the end of the day, if I have to choose between the two, I will probably choose the ministry,” he said.
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