ABS-CBN stars lead Netflix PH's original movies, series for 2026

February 11 ------ After a decade of being part of Filipino entertainment culture, Netflix Philippines enters 2026 with a slate that marks a striking new chapter: bigger in ambition, deeper in creative partnerships, and unmistakably Filipino at its core. The 2026 lineup was unveiled at a star-studded event at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig featuring five Netflix Originals — three series and two films — alongside flagship titles made in partnership with local networks.

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Directed by Dolly Dulu, “18th Rose” is a coming-of-age small town romance set in Romblon in the early 2000s, starring Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri. Dulu said the setting was deeply personal. “I grew up in the early 2000s, so I wanted to somehow relive my childhood… that was the main reason why I set it there. Life was simpler then, no social media. If you wanted to meet someone, you really had to make the effort in person. It was a wonderful time for romance.”

Dulu added that Romblon was chosen to highlight lesser-seen parts of the Philippines. “'18th Rose' is a small-town film… People know the name Romblon, but they don’t really know what it looks like. I wanted to showcase that.” For Manabat, the announcement carried extraordinary personal weight. "18th" Rose marks her first-ever lead role in a feature film, and as she spoke on stage at the Grand Hyatt Manila, the gravity of that milestone visibly overwhelmed her.

Fighting back tears and eventually breaking down, Manabat paused several times before continuing, as the audience and even her director offered quiet encouragement and applause. She described the project not just as a career breakthrough, but as something she had long prayed for. “I can remember how much I cried and how much I prayed because this is not just a dream come true, it’s an answered prayer,” Manabat said, her voice shaking. “I’m very grateful and very thankful to everyone who trusted me, and of course to Netflix for giving us this chance and this great opportunity to show our talent, our skills, and our passion for our craft to the world.” Her reaction underscored what "18th Rose" represents for many young Filipino artists: not just a role, but a long-awaited doorway into bigger possibilities on a global platform.

Directed by Cholo Laurel, “Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon” stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Agot Isidro. The film promises a layered, emotionally honest portrayal of Filipino family life equal parts heartbreaking and familiar. Sta. Maria described the emotional roots of her character, explaining that her strength was shaped by a difficult upbringing. “I think we all carry some sort of family wounds. When I was studying her character, what motivated this character to be the way she is? She had to be strong and independent because she didn’t have anyone to guide her growing up. That kind of ‘bubog,’ the wounds of abandonment and rejection, is something many people can relate to,” Sta. Maria said.

For Isidro, who plays the complex matriarch Paz, the role required looking close to home. “She’s really difficult, complicated, narcissistic. We all have a person like that in our family or friend circle,” Isidro said. “I didn’t have to look far enough because I could relate to Paz through my own mom.” Isidro added that playing the character deepened her understanding of real-life relationships. “There’s a similarity not exactly the same but there’s a certain similarity with her, so I had a deeper understanding of my mom when I was playing Paz. I saw her frustrations, her insecurities, and I realized those were her defense mechanisms. She’s not a bad character, she’s just very complicated.” “Paskong Pinoy” is a '90s reunion Christmas film directed by Mark Reyes. The film reunites Bobby Andrews, Angelu de Leon, Rica Peralejo, Barbie Forteza, and Enchong Dee in a nostalgic holiday anthology about friendship, romance, and coming home.

Peralejo shared why she returned to acting: “I’ve been away from TV and movies for more than a decade. A big part of why I said 'yes' was being reunited with people I’ve known since I was 14… and when I told my boys I was doing a Netflix Original, they screamed!” Dingdong Dantes stars in the action drama “The Master Cutter.” He plays a former scout ranger who now lives a double life, working as a tailor by day and a fearless bounty hunter by night, directed by Dom Zapata.

The project also marks a reunion between Dantes and Zapata nearly three decades after "TGIS" — with Zapata also being the godfather of Dantes’ son, Sixto. “Balaraw” is a folklore horror series slated to be released in September 2026. It’s a horror-mystery series directed by Rae Red, starring Janine Gutierrez, Agot Isidro, and Charlie Dizon.

Gutierrez said: “I’m excited for Filipino horror to be at the forefront. 'Balaraw' has a huge, creepy world rooted in folklore, but at its heart is something uniquely Filipino, our deep connection to family.” "Someone, Someday," an ABS-CBN partnership, is modern love story involving a dating app, directed by Chad Vidanes and Dolly Dulu, starring Kathryn Bernardo, James Reid, and Maja Salvador. Bernardo called it her comeback project: “This is a first for me, first time working with Ate Maj, first time with our directors, and of course, with James. My last series was in 2022 during the pandemic, so coming back now feels different.” Salvador said her character is “more layered and secretive” than her past roles, shaped by her own life experiences. Reid, returning to teleserye after several years, shared: “It’s good to be back. I was nervous, it’s been about seven years since my last teleserye. I also get to inject my own music into the show. I’m even writing one of the songs.”

One of the highly anticipated shows on Netflix Philippines is “BuyBust: The Undesirables.” Directed by Erik Matti, this 9-episode dystopian action series reunites him with Anne Curtis, with Gerald Anderson joining the cast. The show prominently features the Filipino martial art Sayoc. Curtis said the project has been years in the making: “We’ve been working on this for 3–4 years. 'BuyBust' has a cult following and this series takes it to a whole new dystopian world, totally different from the movie.” Anderson added: “We’re showcasing the Filipino martial art Sayoc, but it’s not just action, it’s a beautiful story. I’m proud this is produced by Filipinos, for Filipinos, and for the world. Partnering with Netflix is a blessing because we can really share what we can do globally.” Outside of "BuyBust: The Undesirables," both Curtis and Anderson also have major projects lined up.

Curtis is set to appear in “The Loved One,” opposite Jericho Rosales, which is scheduled to premiere on February 11. Meanwhile, Anderson will also be seen in ABS-CBN’s upcoming series “Blood Versus Duty.” With Valentine’s Day falling this weekend, I asked both stars about their plans for the romantic holiday. When pressed if he had something planned, Anderson admitted that work would take priority. “Sa Sabado? Valentine's na ba?” he said, laughing, before adding, “I think work! Binigyan ako ng taping eh, so kailangan ko na mag-taping.”

Curtis, for her part, revealed she would be spending the day with friends abroad rather than celebrating in a traditional romantic setting. “I’m actually going to be with my friends! We have a birthday celebration out of the country… we’re all going to be together, we’re going to have ‘Galentines,’” she said. “At least Dahlia and her papa can have a romantic date.”

Source: news.abs-cbn.com