‘PBB Celebrity Collab’ alums promise genre-bending story in ‘The Secrets of Hotel 88’

February 10 ------ Stars of “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” season 1 are stepping into a darker, more complex territory as they headline “The Secrets of Hotel 88,” a new series that blends romance, family drama, mystery, and action.

During the show’s media conference on Friday, Feb. 6, the cast members and creatives compared “The Secrets of Hotel 88” to a “buffet,” “potluck,” “fiesta,” and “boodle fight” as they promised that it would showcase different styles and flavors, not just in the genre aspect but also in the characters.

Xyriel Manabat said the series allowed the cast to explore layered characters with intersecting storylines. “Makakakita kayo ng ibang-ibang flavor na kaya naming i-showcase,” she explained, noting that the emotionally and physically taxing scenes required vulnerability and collaboration. “Walang nag-iisa dito. Lahat may ambag.”

Josh Ford, on the other hand, shared that his role pushes him beyond a single genre. “Ibang thrill sa romance, ibang thrill sa horror, ibang thrill sa comedy,” he said. “Maraming action. Kailangan mo talagang ipakita na may thrill sa mukha mo.” Meanwhile, content creator-turned-actor Esnyr Ranollo said the project challenged him to balance humor and depth. “Kilala nila ako bilang comedian, pero gusto kong makita nila na may lalim din ang role ko,” he said. “Gusto kong patunayan na kaya kong magdala ng drama, hindi lang patawa.”

Director Henry Quitain described the series as a departure from conventional primetime dramas. “Whether it’s personal or whether big plot twists, may mga secret ang bawat character,” he said. “It’s a mix of genres — hindi lang siya thriller, hindi lang siya mystery suspense. There’s romance, family drama, and intense confrontations. “’Yun ang nagpapaiba sa kanya.”

Echoing this, Star Creatives business unit head Des De Guzman clarified that the show leans more toward suspense than horror. “Hindi siya horror. It’s a genre-bending of family drama, a lot more romance and suspense thriller, and a bit of action,” she said, adding that the series aims to give viewers “a summer to remember,” likening it to an adventure filled with tension, bonding, and emotional stakes.

Produced by Star Creatives, the series marks another collaboration between GMA Network and ABS-CBN. It is set to premiere on GMA Prime on March 2 at 9:35 p.m., following its early digital release on iWant on Feb. 23. “The Secrets of Hotel 88” follows the Fernandez brothers — Gio (Brent Manalo), Martin (Ralph De Leon), and Francis (Will Ashley) — who are unexpectedly reunited after the mysterious death of their estranged father.

Their lives intersect when they inherit Hotel 88, a once-prestigious property burdened by secrets and unresolved conflicts. Their claim is contested by the powerful Almazan family, led by Luna (Mika Salamanca), Leon (River Joseph), Jade (Bianca De Vera), and Justin (Ford).

Source: inquirer.net