Former Pinoy Big Brother housemates Brent Manalo, Bianca De Vera, and Esynr Ranollo are teaming up for “The Half Sisters,” a vertical microdrama set to premiere this September under Star Creatives, marking the company’s first foray into the format.
Ranollo teased the premise as a playful yet layered story.
“Ito ay kwento ng mga half-sisters na maraming paghahatian,” he said, adding that viewers will also see “different talent na naa-unlock namin.”
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In the series, Ranollo and De Vera play half-siblings Ramon and Emily, while Brent joins them in a still-mysterious role that producers have yet to reveal.
De Vera described the project as a mix of humor and heart.
“It’s a story about love and family and maraming tawanan talaga. Baliwan lang talaga ito, bardagulan at maraming tawa,” she shared.
“Bilang first micro-drama namin ‘to, at first micro-drama din ‘to ng Star Creative… So we’re so honored na talaga namang inaalagaan nila kami and binigay nila sa amin ang story na ‘to,” she added.
Manalo emphasized the lessons embedded in the narrative.
“Maraming kayong mababaon na lessons. Pamilya, magkaibigan, meron nila love interest. Kumpleto regalo,” he said.
The trio admitted that working on a vertical microdrama came with challenges. De Vera explained that blocking and movement were limited due to the orientation, but she welcomed the experience as part of her growth as an actor.
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Ranollo, a fan of microdramas abroad, said they were “sobrang grateful and thankful” to be entrusted with the project, describing the set as “very campy” and full of banter and chemistry among the three leads.
Manalo added that the team had to adjust together: “I would say maraming kapaan. Kasi first time namin lahat, diba? First time ng Star Creatives, first time namin tatlo. Kaya nagkapa kami at first. Pero yun nga, nung nakapa na namin na maayos, basta natutunan na namin yung mga dapat gawin sa isang microdrama.”
With its blend of comedy, family drama, and youthful energy, “The Half Sisters” promises to deliver both entertainment and lessons when it drops this September on iWANT.