Will Ashley’s simple birthday wish
One of the things Will Ashley missed most about the outside world during his stay in “Bahay ni Kuya” was the daily hustle and grind of showbiz. But with a full slate of projects ahead, it’s safe to say that he won’t be missing it again anytime soon.
Immediately after “Pinoy Big Brother (PBB): Celebrity Collab Edition,” he jumped right into a packed schedule unlike anything he has had before—live shows, TV appearances, endorsements, and international work trips. And he’s just getting warmed up. The coming months will see him starring in at least three movies, headlining his first solo concert, and recording his debut album.
Busy doesn’t even begin to describe how life has been lately, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It has been 11 years since I started out in showbiz, but iba ang naging ingay ng pangalan ko ngayon. I’m happy because this is something I’ve been praying for so long, and it’s finally happening,” Ashley tells Lifestyle Inquirer.
Acting chops
While longtime followers have always recognized him as one of GMA 7’s most promising young talents, it was his role in the acclaimed 2024 Cinemalaya film “Balota” that truly showcased his depth and range to a wider audience. In “Bar Boys: After School”—which reunites him with director Kip Oebanda—he gets the chance to further prove his mettle as a serious dramatic actor.
In the film—a direct sequel to “Bar Boys” (2017), a comedy-drama about a group of aspiring lawyers—Ashley plays Arvin, a student struggling to juggle law school and a day job in hopes of providing a better future not only for himself, but especially for his family.
And as a real-life breadwinner, he need not look too far for inspiration. “I fully relate with my character because I grew up learning the importance of working hard for the family,” he says. “Bata pa lang ako, alam ko na ang value ng pagtulong sa magulang at pagsasakripisyo para sa kanila.”
Even so, he’s careful not to blur the line between reality and fiction. “I made sure I didn’t draw from personal experiences. At the end of the day, onscreen, I’m Arvin and not Will Ashley,” he points out.
If you had asked him before “PBB” whether he preferred solo projects or being part of an official love team, he would have readily picked the former. “I was more comfortable with it,” he says.” But he has since grown more open to the prospect of having a consistent screen partner—provided it “feels natural” and comes with a strong project.
“I’ve realized the importance of connecting with another artist, and how it can inspire another way or style of acting,” he says.
So, while “Bar Boys 2” covers his dramatic chops, “Love You So Bad” will see Ashley bringing on the romance and kilig. The movie—inspired by the ‘90s classic “Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita”—also stars Bianca de Vera and Dustin Yu, putting the three together in a love triangle that banks on the chemistry of the “WillCa” and “DustBia” pairings from “PBB.”
Working with De Vera and Yu is exciting, Ashley says, and the existing rapport will be a big advantage. But with it comes a different challenge. “We have to prove that the connection we have isn’t just from reality TV, but genuine chemistry that can translate on the big screen,” points out Ashley, who’s also part of Adolfo Alix Jr.’s upcoming horror flick, “Poon.”
A well-rounded entertainer
Beyond acting, Ashley’s time on “PBB” also showcased his talents in singing and dancing—a pleasant surprise for those just discovering him—proving he has the makings of an all-around entertainer. Now, he couldn’t be more grateful that this side of him is finally getting the spotlight it deserves, through an upcoming album under Star Pop and a solo concert, dubbed “Will Ashley Live!” (StageNova Entertainment) on Oct. 18 at the New Frontier Theater.
“Acting will always be my first love, but music has always been close to my heart, too. Nakakatuwa na nabigyan ako ng opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a performer,” he says. “I hope magustuhan ng mga nagmamahal sa ‘kin ang inihanda naming show.”
And these opportunities couldn’t have come at a better time for him. Once shy and lacking in self-assurance, Ashley says “PBB” has helped him grow more confident and gain a deeper understanding of himself as an artist. This, in turn, has given him the courage to challenge himself and take more risks.
“I feel like every project now is an opportunity to show different sides of me—not just as an actor, but also as a performer. So yes, I see this moment as the perfect chance to level up and prove that I’m ready for the next big step,” he says.
On staying grounded
But even as he sets his sights on something bigger, he knows that he can’t let himself get consumed by the idea or get lost in the adulation. Thankfully, his mother Mindy—who raised him singlehandedly after his father passed away when he was six—is always there to remind him of the value of slowing down and saving something for himself, even when the world demands everything from him.
“Nakakatuwa na merong nagpapaalala sa ‘yo to stay grounded. Even if I get recognized now in public, I still hold onto my private life and make sure I spend time with my family,” he stresses. “I’m super happy with my relationship with my mom. She lets me do the things I want while still making sure she guides me along the way.”
Today, Sept. 17, Ashley turns 23. But birthdays aren’t just about counting years, he says—they’re about blessings, lessons learned, and changes that will fuel his heart for the years ahead. If it were up to him, he would keep the celebration simple; just something intimate with family and close friends would be more than enough. “Konting kwentuhan, pagkain, tawanan,” he says.
And his birthday wish is just as simple: good health for all his loved ones, and that his work may continue to bring joy and inspire others. Because looking back on the past year, the things he’s grateful for—first and foremost, the love and trust of his family, friends, and supporters—already outweigh anything else he could wish for.
“Andyan sila hindi lang sa mga magagandang araw, kundi pati sa mga araw na may pinagdadaanan,” he shares. “Gusto ko rin po maging instrumento para makatulong sa iba—sa maliit o malaki mang paraan.”
