In an exclusive interview with the multi-talented actress Ashley Ortega, we delve into her journey to stardom, her passions, and the various roles she plays in life. With a career spanning over a decade, Ashley has captivated audiences with her talent and dedication. Beyond the glitz and glamour of show business, she reveals a remarkable commitment to embracing different roles both on and off the camera.
A Decade of Stardom: From Patience to Success
With unwavering determination, Ashley has worked her way to stardom over the past ten years. Starting in the industry at the age of 14, she has persevered and honed her craft, resulting in an impressive career that now spans ten years. Ashley’s patience and belief that success comes when it’s meant to be have played a vital role in her journey to becoming a celebrated actress. “I started ever since I was 14 and now I’m 24. Matagal talaga, but I’ve been really patient and I believe that if it’s your time, it’s your time to shine,” she stated.
The Many Roles of Ashley Ortega: From Actress to Daughter to Dog Mom
In our conversation, Ashley eloquently emphasizes that life is composed of multiple roles. She mentioned “Ah yes, I feel like we do play our roles individually. Actually, that’s the, that’s one thing I love about being an actress. You know, doing a role, a different kind of role. Syempre yung being on the shoes of other people, telling their stories. So tayo may kanya-kanyang roles. In real life, I have plenty of roles also. I’m an ate to my younger sister. I’m a mom to my dog. I’m a daughter. I’m an actress, an entertainer to people. So may kanya-kanya tayong roles in life.” As an actress, she skillfully immerses herself in diverse characters, telling their stories on screen. Off-camera, she effortlessly transitions into her roles as an older sister, daughter, and dog mom to Yoda. Each role holds a special place in her heart, reflecting the multifaceted nature of her life and the importance of nurturing relationships beyond her career.
Beyond the Spotlight: Balancing Passion and Relaxation
Within the whirlwind of her demanding taping schedules, Ashley recognizes the importance of self-care and rejuvenation. While the lights, camera, and action keep her immersed in the world of entertainment, she also carves out moments to nurture her passions and indulge in well-deserved breaks. She finds solace in maintaining a healthy body through dedicated workout sessions, revelling in wine nights with cherished friends, and embarking on adventures to discover new destinations that replenish her energy reserves. Amidst her bustling career, Ashley never forgets to prioritize her beloved four-legged companion, Yoda, who accompanies her on set, and values quality moments spent with her family. “Napupuyat din siya sa taping I bring my dog to taping. So yeah, on a rest day, I treat him also”, she enthusiastically narrated. By engaging in these activities, she skillfully strikes a harmonious balance between her professional commitments and her well-being, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding life both on and off the screen.
Passion Unleashed: From Competitive Figure Skating to the Silver Screen
Ashley’s passion for figure skating runs deep within her. Having started at the tender age of 4, she excelled as a competitive figure skater until she entered the world of show business at 14. Despite retiring from competitive skating, Ashley couldn’t resist the allure of the ice and returned to the rink at 19. Now, she continues to showcase her remarkable skating skills in her captivating show “Hearts on Ice.” Her unwavering dedication to her craft is evident in the multiple gold medals she has won, including an impressive haul from competition in Malaysia. She also added, “I can say that it’s (ice skating) my passion kasi kahit nawawala siya, every time I go back to skating, bumabalik yung mga skills ko”.
Defying Challenges: The Drive to Keep Going
In her unwavering pursuit of success, Ashley thrives on the opportunities that come her way. The breakthrough role in “Hearts on Ice” reignited her passion for figure skating, proving that dreams can come true. The late-night shoots on the skating rink pushed her and the team to their limits, but the overwhelming response from the audience made it all worth it. Ashley humbly acknowledges that she is not the only one experiencing exhaustion during tapings; she embraces the challenges as part of her “big break,” grateful for the opportunity despite the cuts and bruises that come with it. She holds a deep respect for the hard work of her co-actors and directors. Through her unwavering resilience and unyielding commitment, Ashley becomes an inspiration for anyone facing their challenges, encouraging them to persevere and never give up. She told Fair Magazine, “Every time I get tired at work or every time I have bruises, iniisip ko nalang na you know, this is a blessing to me. Hindi lang ako yung nahihirapan. Even the director, my co-actors, the crew, talagang puyat kami every time we would tape because we would tape sa skating rink ng night time when the mall is closed. So from 10pm to 10am the next day. So ayun yung struggle but at the end of the day, it’s all worth it because andaming nanonood ng Hearts on Ice and we would always get nice feedbacks.”
The Next Chapter: A Cinemalaya Dream Come True
Ashley’s current project involves shooting a Cinemalaya movie, fulfilling one of her lifelong dreams. “Oh right now, I’m shooting a Cinemalaya movie. It’s actually one of my dreams also is to shoot a Cinemalaya movie kasi challenging lahat ng mga roles dun. So now I’m shooting a movie and it will air on August. So sana abangan nila because it’s a very different role from my Ponggay in Hearts on Eyes. Dito, its something different. Oh my god, Excited nako. Abangan natin yan!,” she said. The challenging roles offered in independent cinema inspire her, and she eagerly looks forward to showcasing her versatility in this upcoming production. With a distinct departure from her character in “Hearts on Ice,” Ashley’s fans can anticipate an exciting and transformative performance that showcases her range as an actress.
Beyond Ashley Ortega: The Unexpected Choices
Known for her sense of humour and humility, playfully suggests that if she weren’t the Ashley Ortega we know today, she would love to be Elizabeth Olsen a.k.a Scarlet Witch. With her fans often noting her striking resemblance to the famous Hollywood star, this lighthearted remark demonstrates Ashley’s ability to embrace spontaneity and explore uncharted territories, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her captivating persona.
On-The-Go Glamour: Essential Must-Haves and Skin Secrets
When it comes to staying prepared and maintaining her glamour on the go, Ashley knows exactly what essentials she needs. Practical items like alcohol for hygiene and lip gloss for that added touch of style accompany her wherever she ventures, reflecting her practicality and attention to detail. Additionally, Ashley shares her skincare tips, emphasizing the importance of hydration, diligent makeup removal, and regular visits to the dermatologist for a flawless complexion. Ashley’s carefully curated must-haves and skincare routine not only showcase her practicality and commitment to self-care but also highlight her dedication to looking and feeling her best amidst her busy lifestyle.
As we conclude our conversation with Ashley Ortega, it becomes evident that she is more than just a talented actress. She embodies the spirit of embracing different roles in life, showcasing resilience, dedication, and the importance of self-care. Ashley’s journey serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that success can be achieved through perseverance and a passion for the multifaceted roles we play.
COVER : ASHLEY ORTEGA (@ashleyortega)
COVER STORY: QUEEN SEMANA (@queensemana)
PHOTOGRAPHY : EDWARD KEELER (@redkeeler)
STYLING AND CREATIVE DIRECTION : PATRICK HENRY MERGANO (@styledbypatrickhenry) Bumbum Recones (@bumrecones)
MAKEUP : Mauri Estrada (@maurimua)
HAIR : Misty Gabriel(@misty_gabriel15 )
VIDEO : KAI PAREDES (@kaithecreatorofficial)
VIDEO EDIT: KAI PAREDES (@kaithecreatorofficial) and KAREN BAGUHIN (@itskaren.b)
STUDIO SPONSORED BY: Asianskymall (@asianskymall)
SHOOT LOCATION: 206 Photography Studio (@206photographystudio)
DESIGNER: @cevcedana.ph
ACCESSORIES: Christopher Munar (@christophermunar)
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor in chief: Queen Semana (@queensemana)
Managing Editor: Karen Baguhin (@itskaren.b)
Art Director: Karen Nequinto (@thekareninie)
Web Director: Raymond Granale (@rymndgrnl)
Editorial Assistant: Gabby Castillo (@whodahekisgab)
SPECIAL THANKS TO : Sparkle GMA Artist Center(@sparklegmaartistcenter) Felix Ilaya (@feefilaya) Robert Mendoza (@_robi_07) Chester Jan Singian (@cheesetur)
