‘PBB Collab’ housemates to reunite in new series
When the doors of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition closed in July, it capped four months of reality TV that saw 20 housemates from ABS-CBN and GMA share one roof for the first time. But just two months later, those familiar faces and household names are reuniting for their first project together, a mystery-drama titled The Secrets of Hotel 88.
Produced by Star Creatives, the series features big winner duo Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca, alongside Ralph de Leon, Will Ashley, Esnyr Ranollo, River Joseph, AZ Martinez, Bianca de Vera, Dustin Yu, Klarisse De Guzman,, Xyriel Manabat, Josh Ford, and Kira Balinger.
For many of the housemates, the teleserye marks a full-circle moment after their journey inside “Bahay ni Kuya.”
“What I feel right now is just pure happiness and excitement. We had talked about this so many times inside the house,” second Big Placer Will Ashley said in an interview.
Esnyr shared the same sense of joy, saying that The Secrets of Hotel 88 felt like the fulfillment of something they had long envisioned inside the PBB house, a milestone for the group who, just months ago, were navigating Kuya’s rules and only dreaming of stepping into a scripted production together.
“I’m so happy because this is really something we had manifested before,” he stated.
“We’re super blessed. It feels like a collective win for us because even just stepping out of the house with all the positive reviews and warm reception from people already felt like a victory—and now we’re given the chance to do a series,” Esnyr continued.
Unlike their stint in PBB, this time the spotlight will focus on their acting, sparking anticipation over how audiences will embrace them in scripted roles.
“I think they’re going to love it because they’ll get to see us in a different light. They’re used to who we were inside Kuya’s house, but now they’ll see our acting side,” said Josh.
The former housemates also shared that they had also been preparing for the project through intensive workshops.
“I’m so grateful that we were given the chance to join workshops, unlock more of our skills, and explore new techniques,” Dustin explained.
Mika, who made history with Brent as the first Big Winner Duo of the local franchise, described the upcoming series as something they cannot wait to share with fans.
“We’re so excited to finally show you and welcome you into Hotel 88,” she said.
Brent also added that the project is set for release in early 2026.
“We prepared so much for this, and I know that everything we’ll release will have your support. We’ll make sure this is something we’ll all be proud of,” Brent shared.
Meanwhile, Bianca also highlighted the significance of the collaboration of two media giants.
“Working with GMA is always such a pleasure. So, to be able to be part of such a collaboration is a huge privilege as an artist,” she said.
The Secrets of Hotel 88 is described as a blend of family drama, friendship, and intrigue, set against the backdrop of a mysterious hotel. Its premiere set for early 2026.
