Ashley Ortega finally feels more seen
For most of her career, Ashley Ortega has been a talented, versatile—if underrated—actress. She spent her first 10 years in showbiz dutifully playing supporting roles, biding her time before finally top-billing her own series, “Hearts on Ice,” in 2023.
That same year, she surprised audiences with her acting mettle in the Cinemalaya film, “As If It’s True,” before delivering a memorable and harrowing portrayal of a nun-turned-comfort woman in the war series “Pulang Araw.”
But despite this string of notable performances—and the reputation she had been steadily building within the industry—her name recall among the public didn’t catch up. Out and about, people would recognize her face, but not quite place her, except to say, “Artista ‘yan! Artista ‘yan!”
Emotional investment
And then, last year, “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition” happened. While she stayed in the house for only three weeks, that brief window was more than enough to introduce Ortega—not as the characters she played, but as the quiet, observant, and vulnerable person she genuinely is.
To be one of the most experienced actors on “PBB” and still become one of the first two evictees—she thought she would exit the house with no face to show. That couldn’t be further from reality. Little did she know that she was stepping into an outside world where thousands could finally put a name to her face.
“‘Di ko expected ‘yon. Ang tagal ko na kasi sa industry, so ‘di ko akalain na paglabas ko, meron pa palang mas maraming magmamahal sa’kin,” Ortega tells Lifestyle Inquirer.
And if there’s one thing about the entertainment industry—and especially in today’s digital age—it’s that popularity isn’t always determined by talent, but by relatability and the emotional investment that comes with it. “What’s nice is that now they know me for me. Kilala nila mga characters ko, and I’m thankful for that. But at least alam na nila kung sino ako sa totoong buhay,” she says.
Not taking it lightly
Now that she feels “more seen,” brands and producers are following suit. She has started saving more, investing in property, and getting a step closer toward her dream of launching her own scented candle business. “This is because of the fans—I owe it to them,” she says.
While she’s grateful for the unexpected blessings, she knows better than to let fame or material things get to her head or stand in the way of her true goal: to become a respected—and, if fate allows, iconic—actress.
And she’s not taking that lightly. From the way she talks about her craft, one can immediately sense the meticulousness and attention she puts into it.
Because she hadn’t done a teleserye in two years, she requested acting workshops before getting into the GMA 7 afternoon series, “Apoy sa Dugo”—just to shake off the rust. She plays an emotionally intense and morally complex character. As Angel, a woman burdened by a traumatic past and a personality disorder, she grows dangerously obsessed with her sister to the point of destruction.
As such, she sought guidance from a psychiatrist to ensure that her portrayal remains authentic and sensitive. “The role, in a way, represents people who may be going through the same thing. I want to make sure that what I do onscreen happens in real life. Otherwise, nakakahiya for me,” she says, adding that playing the character helped her better understand the lasting impact of trauma on people and how they form relationships with others.
Taking risks
Ortega watched various psychological dramas and suspense thrillers, like “Primal Fear” and “Single White Female.” After seeing Angelina Jolie in “Girl Interrupted,” she was inspired to cut her bangs—though hers are dyed jet black.
She’s no stranger to physical transformations for a role; she has willingly dieted in the past. But this is the first time she touched her hair—a risky move for female celebrities, especially those with endorsements that include strict image clauses. True enough, she had a specific brand contract to run out before reaching for the shears.
“Acting is emotional, mental, and physical. Here, I wanted to change my vibe and whole look. My character is unstable, a bit weird. These details matter to me,” she says.
While this is another kontrabida role—a space that typical leading ladies rarely venture into—that’s fine. If she aspires to leave a mark in showbiz as a respected actress, risks have to be taken. And this is exactly the direction she wants to take her craft—leaving the sweet, old Ashley behind, at least for a while.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a lead or supporting role, bida or kontrabida—as long as it’s good, I will do it,” Ortega says. “I don’t want to keep doing the same things; I want to show my growth as an actress.”
