When two television giants—GMA Network and ABS-CBN—join forces, expectations naturally run high. Their latest collaboration comes in the form of The Secrets of Hotel 88, a suspense drama packed with mystery, emotion, and explosive family conflict.
Premiering on March 2 on GMA Prime following an early digital release, the series marks another milestone in cross-network storytelling. Powering the project is a new generation of stars who first captured public attention on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 1.
Leading the ensemble are former reality show standouts Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo, who take on darker, more layered roles.
The story unfolds inside Hotel 88—a once-grand property steeped in unanswered questions, hidden motives, and painful histories. At its center are three estranged brothers who reunite following the mysterious death of a father they barely knew. Their inheritance of the hotel sparks a bitter clash with another powerful clan, igniting betrayals and long-buried truths.
For many of the young actors, The Secrets of Hotel 88 is their most demanding project yet—both emotionally and physically.
Xyriel Manabat described the experience as intense and deeply collaborative.
“Emotionally and physically draining ang karamihan sa scenes namin dito. Nakakapagod. May mga times talaga na ang hirap magpiga ng emotions na kailangan sa eksena,” she shared.
“Pero this is a collaborative effort. Kaming lahat, tulong-tulong talaga kami para mapaganda ang bawat eksena.”
For Xyriel, the series required vulnerability, discipline, and trust among castmates—qualities that ultimately strengthened their bond on set.
“Walang nag-iisa dito. Lahat may ambag. Lahat may pinagdadaanan.”
Content creator-turned-actor Esnyr Ranollo faced a different challenge: stepping away from his familiar comedic image.
“Ang challenge sa akin dito ay yung makapag-balanse ng lightness at maramdaman din ang character ko,” he said.
“Kilala nila ako bilang comedian, pero gusto kong makita nila na may lalim din ang role ko dito.”
For Esnyr, Hotel 88 became an opportunity to reveal a more restrained and emotionally grounded side.
“Gusto kong patunayan na kaya kong magdala ng drama, hindi lang patawa.”
At its core, the series revolves around the rivalry between two clans whose histories are deeply embedded within the walls of the hotel. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, supporting characters—from staff to confidants—begin to reveal hidden motives of their own. This layered structure keeps viewers guessing as past and present collide in unexpected ways.
Adding depth and gravitas to the series are industry veterans Dominic Ochoa, Gardo Versoza, and Ina Raymundo, whose performances help anchor the story’s emotional weight.
Beyond its suspense-driven narrative, The Secrets of Hotel 88 also represents something bigger: proof that collaboration between rival networks can result in unified, compelling storytelling.
Inside Hotel 88, every corridor hides a secret. Every room tells a story. Every character walks the thin line between truth and deception.
When the doors finally open, one thing is certain: nothing stays hidden for long.