Will Ashley shares how he helps 'Secrets of Hotel 88' co-stars

Will Ashley may be one of the more experienced actors in “The Secrets of Hotel 88,” but he’s not the type to impose on his co-stars.

At Tuesday’s mid-season media conference, the Sparkle actor was asked how he helps guide his co-stars and his approach is simple: he only steps in when asked.

“Depende po ‘pag nagtatanong talaga sila eh. Pero usually ‘pag mga ganyan naman po, pagpapaalala lang talaga sa kung anong nangyayari sa story,” Will said.

He emphasized that he avoids dictating how others should perform their roles.

“Hindi naman po ako ‘yung type ng actor na parang sasabihin ko ‘Ganito dapat. Ganyan ka dapat.’”

Instead, Will focuses on grounding his co-stars in their characters by asking key questions about motivation and backstory.

“Parang ano lang po siya, ‘yung pinaka-basic lang po na ‘Ano bang pinaggagalingan ng character mo ngayon? Ano bang pinaglalaban ng character mo? Ba't niya sasabihin ‘yun? Ano bang meron? Anong nangyari sa kanya nung nakaraan?’” he said.

For Will, the process ultimately comes down to collaboration rather than hierarchy.

“Nakakatuwa naman din po kasi sa lahat dito, sa lahat ng cast ng Hotel 88 eh sobrang tutok din po talaga nila sa character nila. Kaya ano rin ‘to eh, teamwork din talaga eh. Teamwork talaga siya eh. Kasi walang naging pabaya talaga sa characters. Kumbaga lahat may mga tanong tungkol sa ginagawa nila, which is nakakatuwa,” he said.

“The Secrets of Hotel 88” also stars Brent Manalo, Ralph De Leon, Mika Salamanca, Dustin Yu, Xyriel Manabat, Kira Balinger, River Joseph, Josh Ford, Bianca De Vera, AZ Martinez, Klarisse de Guzman, and Esnyr.

The cast teased that a possible “eviction” may take place as it reaches its midpoint. It airs from Mondays to Fridays at 9:35 p.m. on GMA Prime. — LA, GMA News