How Ashtine Olviga stays fresh after commuting
Despite her recent surge in popularity, singer-actress Ashtine Olviga still takes public transportation—especially when it’s the most practical choice.
“Sometimes, riding the MRT is just faster. And if I know it’ll make my life a lot easier, then I’ll do it,” said the 24-year-old celebrity, who also occasionally commutes by motorcycle.
But maybe not during rush hour. “There are people who recognize me onboard and ask for photos. Pero hindi naman dumog,” said Olviga, whose love team with Andres Muhlach helped turn the romantic comedy series “Ang Mutya ng Section E” into an internet sensation.
The downside of commuting, especially on muggy days, is arriving at your destination sweaty and sticky. It’s even worse when she takes her motorcycle and ends up riding under the scorching sun for long periods.
She’s not overly fussy about skincare—just moisturizer and sunscreen are enough. Smelling good, however, is nonnegotiable.
That’s why, when Viva Beauty approached her to collaborate on a new fragrance, Olviga was clear about what she wanted: just something fresh. Her new namesake scent, Ash, is exactly that. “As a commuter, it’s important for us to smell good at work,” she told Lifestyle.
‘Kilig’ compliment
“The perfume isn’t too strong, so it’s perfect for hot weather,” she added.
And she must admit: Being called “mabango” might just be the most “kilig” compliment she can get. “Ibang level ang saya when someone tells you that you smell good,” she said.
But beyond its crisp, bright scent, Ash (available on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop) also carries a hint of vanilla. She might as well have been describing herself. “I want to be cool, confident, and sweet at the same time,” she said.
Perhaps Muhlach would be a good judge for that. “No, he hasn’t smelled the perfume,” she said, laughing.
Fragrances are known to evoke moods or trigger memories. And if her fans ever find themselves wearing Ash, Olviga hopes it makes them feel like she’s right there with them. “I want them to remember me.”
With her acting career on the rise, Olviga—a former member of the defunct P-pop girl groups U Go Girls and Litz—hopes to keep her spark alive by exploring other genres, like heavy drama or action.
Showbiz can be cutthroat. She knows this all too well now, eight years after she first tried her luck. “I don’t want to lose my drive … to lose myself,” she said. “I’m also wishing for genuine happiness. That way, it’s easier for me to wake up in the morning and share the love with the people around me.”
