Excitingly introducing viewers to their intriguing roles in the recently launched iWant series, “The Secrets of Hotel 88,” former “PBB Celebrity Collab Edition” alums Bianca de Vera and River Joseph drop by Kapamilya Chat. With their charming auras and warm hearts, the two engage in a lively conversation detailing their beloved characters, genuine chemistry with co-stars, and dedication in their acting preparations.
Both affirm that this has been a dream project for them and the rest of their castmates, whom they all built friendships with inside Bahay ni Kuya. With their “barkada” closeness in mind, River adds that beyond his scenes, he is just as pumped about seeing the others’ as there are instances wherein they had to film separately, according to the story.
In describing their teleserye, Bianca quickly explains that it is a multi-genre production, bringing together mystery, romance, family drama, and more. Having the same sentiments as Bianca, River comments further, saying that the audience will definitely feel all emotions, especially with the diverse characters and chilling plots linking every aspect together.
On the topic of circulation fan theories, the duo exchange knowing smiles, confirming that some almost hit the jackpot, but still remind that they can’t totally confirm the hunches since even the cast is unaware of the whole truth. “We have our own theories; [minsan] nagbibintangan on set… It’s such a mystery to all of us,” Bianca says.
Regarding their respective roles—River as Leon Almazan and Bianca as Jade Almazan—River takes the lead in discussing their on-screen dynamics, with him being the protective older brother of Bianca’s character, who is also the youngest. They describe their Almazan family as loving and wealthy.
Regardless of their previous acting chops, all the cast members exerted genuine efforts and dedication to prepare for their characters, individually and collectively. Bianca shares that they each attended workshops focused on reworking their already existing chemistry in order to make it better for their new fictional bonds from siblings, foes, and even complicated friendships.
For River, he gives out a little trivia about his preparation, having entered Tagalog workshops and intently tweaking his voice to fit the seriousness of Leon. He includes a heartfelt appreciation for the Star Creatives team for never missing a chance to guide the whole ensemble.
Speaking about their natural chemistry as siblings, Bianca recalls that she and Mika Salamanca’s sister-like connection began during their “PBB” era, as well as River and Josh Ford’s older brother vibes. She underscores that they had to work on embodying the tension the most, specifically with the secrets woven in the narrative.
More about realistically portraying their closeness as on-screen siblings. River quips that he had his hair curled to match Josh’s, admitting that he initially wondered if viewers would see a resemblance that would enhance the authenticity of their familial roles. “As we started doing the scenes, pwede pala. I feel that chemistry altogether… Mas lumalabas [din] ‘yung individual characteristics ng bawat siblings,” River expresses.
Another light-hearted moment arises from the candid discussion of Bianca’s suspenseful running scene in the trailer. The Kapamilya actress discloses a surprising twist about her preparation, remembering that she immediately went to Batangas port after her trip to Dubai, riding a speedboat to quickly arrive at the island.
River sparks laughter, commenting that Bianca seemed like an action star, to which Bianca agrees, stating that it was actually her motivation to be seen as such. “Future Coco [Martin],” River jests.
Reminiscing about their journey as best-loved “PBB” alums, River undoubtedly names the part in the trailer where all of them were present in one scene as his unforgettable moment. “[It’s] just nice to see everyone in character… Coming from ‘PBB’ and seeing that [shot], it was just a moment that I’ll never forget,” he conveys.
Addressing how some tight-knit relationships can affect professional boundaries, especially when acting in the same show, the two concur that it was both easy and challenging at the same time. Bianca emphasizes that they didn’t need to struggle with building needed chemistry but at times encountered difficulties, especially when containing their laughter at one another.
At the end of the day, River concludes that working together was a breeze, believing that they all supported and helped out with each other’s roles.
On the question that asked if they were to invite friends to a real-life “Hotel 88,” Bianca happily endorses the place, then notices River’s mischievous smile. “Kaya nagdududa ako sa’yo,” she jokes, pointing out that out of all her siblings in the series, it was River that she would often accuse.
River, on the other hand, initially disagrees, especially with the hotel’s eerie secrets. However, he changes his mind at the last minute when he seemingly spills a top secret about how there appear to be many deaths at the place. He then playfully reasons that he’ll definitely go just to visit one of the staff, Raphie (played by Esnyr).
Closing their guesting, River cunningly describes their teleserye as a “secret,” given the plot that revolved around something happening behind closed doors and the characters’ hidden agendas. For Bianca, she creatively identifies it as a “fruit salad,” noting how there are many events happening at the same time.
Catch the thrill of “The Secrets of Hotel 88,” now streaming on iWant, with episodes streaming seven days ahead of free TV.