Anna Marie Lukban

Ralph and Dustin spill on the characters of “The Secrets of Hotel 88”

Article (news)

Kyla Dennise Magbanua

One of the most anticipated series of 2026 is the mystery-drama <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/2/12/iwant-brings-viewers-first-access-to-abs-cbn-and-gma-s-new-mystery-romance-the-secrets-of-hotel-88-1625">“The Secrets of Hotel 88,”</a> featuring the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/pinoy-big-brother-collab">“Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition”</a> alums who step into mind-bending roles that promise to keep audiences guessing. Just days before its premiere, fans are already buzzing with theories after watching the trailer---and the speculations only keep growing.Adding even more intrigue, cast members Ralph de Leon and Dustin Yu sat down to talk about the series, their characters, and what fans can look forward to in the February 19 episode of Kapamilya Chat. Later on, they teased fresh details and dropped hints in the challenge “Secrets of Hotel 88 Revealed,” leaving viewers with even more questions about the characters.In this game, Ralph and Dustin had to draw photocards of their fellow cast members. Whoever they picked, they had to share one thing they liked and one thing they disliked about that character, while speaking from the perspective of their own roles, with Ralph as Martin and Dustin as Edward. Ralph was the first to draw, pulling out River Joseph, who plays Leon. He immediately felt the weight of the challenge as there was so much he could say about Leon, but revealing too much might spoil the story. “What I like about Leon is that he is very protective of his siblings,” Ralph shared. As for what he dislikes, he chose to hold back, careful not to give away any spoilers. When it was his turn, Dustin drew Esnyr’s photo, who brings Raphie to life in the series. Sharing what he liked most, Dustin said, “Pinakagusto ko sa kanya, lagi niya akong inaasikaso.” On the flip side, he admitted that what he disliked about Raphie was his tendency to be a little too persistent. Their next picks turned into unexpected kilig moments when Ralph drew AZ Martinez’s photocard. As Martin, Ralph admitted that what he disliked about Sari---AZ’s character---was her bubbliness and persistence. “Very opposite ng personality ko [as Martin],” he explained, highlighting the contrast between their roles. Meanwhile, Dustin drew Bianca de Vera’s photo, who portrays Jade in the series. As Edward, he shared what he liked most about her, “’Pag naaasar na siya o napipikon, ang cute cute niya pa rin.” On the other hand, Dustin revealed that Edward disliked Jade losing focus most of the time and being too busy, especially since his character comes across as clingy toward her. For the last few photocards, Ralph drew Will Ashley, who takes on the role of Kiko. “Si Kiko, what Martin likes about him, parang siya ‘yung clue ng mga brothers. What I don’t like as Martin, nararamdaman niya na hindi masyadong realistic ‘yung pag-iisip ni Kiko,” Ralph shared. His answer was somehow vague, hinting at secrets yet to be revealed in the series. Next up was Josh Ford, who brings Justin to life in the story. As Edward, Dustin shared that what he liked most about Justin was his certainty and determination, or “knowing what he wants.” On the other hand, he admitted that Edward disliked Justin’s tendency to step into situations a little too much.Later came Mika Salamanca, who portrays Luna. As Martin, Ralph revealed that there were many things he disliked about Luna but teased, “’Di pa pwedeng sabihin [kung bakit].” When asked what he liked, he simply answered none, another moment of holding back to avoid spoilers. Lastly, Dustin picked Brent Manalo’s photocard, who plays Gio in the series. He described Gio as grumpy, something Edward doesn’t particularly like. Dustin added that even before takes, Brent was already in character, showing his grumpy side before the cameras rolled. “Pinaka gusto ko naman sa kanya, siguro ‘yung paninindigan niya sa pamilya niya,” Dustin shared, highlighting Gio’s love for his family. Get ready to unfold the mystery with Ralph and Dustin in the upcoming series <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/2/12/iwant-brings-viewers-first-access-to-abs-cbn-and-gma-s-new-mystery-romance-the-secrets-of-hotel-88-1625">“The Secrets of Hotel 88,”</a> premiering February 23 on iWant, with episodes streaming seven days ahead of free TV.

“The Secret of Hotel 88” stars Ralph de Leon and Dustin Yu teased fresh details and dropped character hints in this Kapamilya Chat challenge.

“The Secret of Hotel 88” stars Ralph de Leon and Dustin Yu teased fresh details and dropped character hints in this Kapamilya Chat challenge.