From being an Ice Princess sa skating rink, sumabak naman ngayon si Ashley Ortega sa isang challenging role sa Pulang Araw!
Ano nga ba ang pinagdaanan niya sa paghahanda para sa kanyang role na si Sister Manuela? Paano naman siya nagre-relax after ng busy schedule? Makinig na sa insightful na chikahan dito lang sa Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel.
Ano nga ba ang pinagdaanan niya sa paghahanda para sa kanyang role na si Sister Manuela? Paano naman siya nagre-relax after ng busy schedule? Makinig na sa insightful na chikahan dito lang sa Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel.
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NewsTranscript
00:00Hi everyone and welcome to another episode of Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel where
00:12every episode is one big surprise because we don't know who our guest will be and what
00:18the conversation will turn out to be like.
00:20For this episode, we're all going to find out together as usual who will be our guest.
00:25So here's our first clue, we'll find out our clues and then hopefully we can guess right
00:30away.
00:31First clue, Ice Princess.
00:32Oh, is our guest a skater?
00:35Oh, figure skating is the next clue.
00:39So Ice Princess and figure skater, a mother gave birth to a baby on a red sun.
00:46Oh, I know who our surprise guest is.
00:49Here's our surprise guest, Ashley Ortega.
00:52Yes!
00:53Hi, Ashley!
00:55How are you?
00:56I'm good.
00:57Thank you for guesting on the show for this surprise.
01:01Thank you for having me also.
01:04I'm excited because I see you at different GMA events but we've never really had the
01:09chance to talk or to chat.
01:11So this is the chance.
01:12I know, Pia.
01:13It's such an honor.
01:14Hello.
01:15Aren't you in the middle of taping Pulang Araw?
01:18Or do you have a break?
01:20We're still taping Pulang Araw.
01:24I think we'll just have a few days before Christmas to finish our work.
01:29Ah, wow.
01:30So at least you'll have a long Christmas break and you'll enjoy it.
01:35Oh, you know, I remember the news clips.
01:39Of course, aside from on the actual show, there was a news story about your preparation
01:44for that very intense crying scene.
01:48We haven't watched the actual scene or the actual show.
01:52It was so intense.
01:55I can't imagine just how intense.
01:57Was it long before you recovered from that scene?
01:59Because of course, those emotions just don't go away.
02:02Yes.
02:03Actually, when we're taping heavy scenes, when we're on set already, we prepare for
02:10our scene.
02:11So for me, once we're taping, I ask for an actor's cue.
02:16So that's where I prepare.
02:19Because it's really heavy.
02:20So I don't want it to be like dragging the whole day.
02:23And once it's cut, I make sure that I shake it off.
02:27Because when I go back to the tent, I don't want to bring it because it's really heavy.
02:31Like actually, even if it's cut, your emotions are still a bit high.
02:34So you feel vulnerable.
02:36So it's still there.
02:37But if it's cut, Ate Rochelle, who's always with me, she'll just laugh.
02:43Or like she would shake it off right away.
02:47So I guess, we were trying to shake it off right away rather than keeping it there.
02:54Because it's heavy.
02:55So I don't want it to just be there.
02:58Because you don't need the emotions.
03:00It's like a tug-of-war.
03:03Yes.
03:04It's like a tug-of-war.
03:05Actually, at the moment, we step inside our tents, the standby area.
03:08We don't have a character.
03:10We're all eating, laughing, chatting.
03:14Oh, that's good.
03:16It's hard, for example, until you go home.
03:18You're still beating the character, right?
03:20Oh, yeah.
03:21Oh, definitely.
03:22You mentioned that you always ask for an actor's cue.
03:24I've actually never heard of an actor's cue.
03:27Actually, an actor's cue is, for example, the director said,
03:31the set-up is ready for action.
03:33You can ask for an actor's cue.
03:35An actor's cue meaning, I'll give you time to internalize.
03:38Usually, it's used when you need to cry, you need to get mad.
03:42So, that's an actor's cue.
03:44So, when you roll, the emotion is already there.
03:46Yes.
03:47Then, you're just going to put your thumbs up that it's ready.
03:49Then, suddenly, it's action.
03:50The director will do the action.
03:51So, basically, when the scene is being taken,
03:53the director will do the action.
03:55But, when it's an actor's cue, it's your cue.
03:57You're the one who will give the cue when you're ready.
04:00So, if it's like that, you can't talk to each other,
04:03you can't touch each other.
04:04Yes.
04:05It's internalized.
04:06It's awkward because, of course, everyone is waiting for you.
04:12Yes.
04:13You need to cry, you need to cry, you need to cry.
04:16If it's like that, they'll be quiet on set.
04:18They'll just wait.
04:19You're the only person that's really waiting.
04:22So, there's pressure too.
04:23But, sometimes, if you hear the silence of everyone,
04:26it's easier to internalize.
04:29Rather than, you know, everyone's moving cables.
04:32Yes.
04:33Shucks, it's hard too.
04:34Would you say that your role in Pulang Araw,
04:37as a comfort woman,
04:38this is your hardest role to date
04:41or just maybe not necessarily the hardest
04:43but the most dramatic?
04:44I think it goes both ways.
04:47The most dramatic and one of the hardest
04:50is that I really have to prepare myself mentally,
04:53emotionally, and spirit.
04:54Even physically because, of course, the movements,
04:58I mean, even if it's not real,
05:00you can get exhausted with the scenes we do
05:04if there are heavy scenes like that.
05:07And emotionally and mentally,
05:10you also have to be strong.
05:11You have to be strong mentally.
05:13Like, when they told me that I would be a comfort woman,
05:16I said, another drama character.
05:19And then, we were able to interview
05:22some real comfort women.
05:23There are only two of them now.
05:25My granddaughter is 94 years old.
05:27And they started sharing their stories.
05:29That's when I realized that,
05:30shucks, this is how heavy it is.
05:32Because we were all crying inside the room
05:34when they were sharing it.
05:36Sir Nelson was there.
05:37He cried.
05:39Even the cameramen, the EPs,
05:41we all cried.
05:42And that's when I realized that,
05:45okay, this is how heavy it is.
05:48So, I can't back out now.
05:49Every time I do a scene,
05:51it doesn't occur to me that,
05:53shucks, I want to back out.
05:54I can't do this. It's too heavy.
05:56No, the moment that I heard their story,
05:59I made sure that I will do this.
06:01I will bring justice to my role.
06:03I won't back out.
06:04Let's do this.
06:07So, that's how I prepared mentally.
06:09After the interview,
06:11and a few months before the shoot,
06:14I told myself that I can't back out.
06:16I can't complain.
06:18Direct Dominic Zapata.
06:19Before the second day,
06:20I had a heart attack.
06:22He said, darling,
06:23we have to make the viewers feel uncomfortable about this.
06:27He said, we're just here.
06:29Just do whatever.
06:30I trust you.
06:32Even the Japanese soldiers,
06:34they're theater actors.
06:37I also want to give credit to all of them
06:39because they did a good job.
06:41At first, I was nervous.
06:42I was sure that they wouldn't buckle
06:44to their Japanese lines.
06:46Because, of course,
06:47when you're in the scene,
06:48you're in the moment.
06:49Then, they'll make mistakes.
06:50But, all of them were so focused.
06:52All of them were so good.
06:54So, it made the scene,
06:56I know it sounds kind of weird,
06:58it made the scene easier
07:00for me to be in character.
07:02Actually, when I watched their scenes,
07:04it was so hard for me to watch.
07:06I said, it's easier to do the scene
07:07than to watch it.
07:09So, that's how I prepared.
07:11Oh, yeah.
07:12Because even with the vlogs,
07:14and like I mentioned,
07:15the news clips,
07:16it's not the whole scene, right?
07:18But, as in,
07:19I guess,
07:20DirectDom really achieved his goal
07:22because it really made us all very uncomfortable
07:24that it's hard to watch,
07:26especially if you're going to watch the whole scene.
07:29But, I was wondering,
07:30you mentioned,
07:31because you interviewed the comfort women,
07:35what was it like when you first got there?
07:37Because, of course,
07:38it's not that easy for them,
07:40especially at the age of 94,
07:41to be sharing and recounting,
07:43reliving all these memories.
07:45Actually, when I met them,
07:47of course, I hugged them right away.
07:49When I hugged them,
07:51of course, I have an idea of what they've been through.
07:54You know, I already cried.
07:55I'm a very emotional person.
07:57I really try not to cry.
08:00But, when they started sharing their story,
08:04I couldn't stop them.
08:06Actually, even though they're 95 years old,
08:0996 years old,
08:10they really remember the story.
08:12They remember it vividly,
08:14as in, they're detailed.
08:16They won't forget it.
08:18And then, I also learned a lot
08:20and I had a lot of realizations in life
08:22because they said that
08:24when they were young,
08:25when that happened to them,
08:26versus the young people now,
08:28we're so lucky in life.
08:30So, my problems at that time,
08:33I was so ashamed of their problems.
08:35It's a memorable experience for me
08:37as a woman
08:39and knowing that it happened
08:41during the history of the Philippines.
08:43So, it's a memorable experience for me.
08:45I feel like I won't be able to forget them
08:47because out of all the research
08:49that I did on my characters
08:51throughout my showbiz career,
08:53they're the most important,
08:55the most special,
08:57the most important for me.
08:59You said earlier that you felt
09:02the need to make sure that
09:04you did this role justice.
09:06Also, your story with me,
09:08I feel like there's a sense of responsibility
09:10in accepting this role
09:12because it's also a teaching role,
09:14somehow.
09:16Yes, it's a huge responsibility
09:18for me as an actor
09:20to portray their character also
09:22because I need to be careful.
09:24I can't just do it one by one.
09:26I mean, of course,
09:28it's how I show respect towards them also
09:31that yes,
09:33it's bothersome but at the same time,
09:35we want to show the viewers
09:37that this is the truth
09:39of what happened during World War II.
09:41So, it was such a huge responsibility
09:43and it's an honor
09:45to be given
09:47such a responsibility
09:49because again, I love what I do.
09:51I love being an actress.
09:53These are the roles that I really want to play.
09:55I need to be careful.
09:57I need to give justice
09:59and focus
10:01so that viewers will appreciate
10:03your character itself
10:05not just your physical appearance
10:07as an actress.
10:09Oh, but you were saying, Ashley, earlier,
10:11you talked about Hearts on Ice.
10:13You mentioned it briefly,
10:15which was also part of our clues, right?
10:17And I remember when you were promoting Hearts on Ice,
10:19they said that you were a figure skater
10:21even before the show.
10:23So, you didn't learn it for the show.
10:25You already knew it.
10:27You already knew the sport.
10:29Is that right? Did you start at a very early age?
10:31Yes. I started skating at the age of 3.
10:33Wow, 3 years old?
10:35Yes.
10:37And then, I quit as a professional figure skater
10:39at the age of 12
10:41before I ever showed this.
10:43I took a one-year break.
10:45So, from 3 to 12,
10:47I was a professional figure skater
10:49and I was part of the Philippine team.
10:51So, I would compete abroad,
10:53representing our country.
10:55I was a professional figure skater
10:57before I went to show this.
10:59Wow! So, ever since then,
11:01you've been busy, right?
11:03You weren't used to doing nothing.
11:05Ever since then, I realized
11:07that I was really a performer.
11:09I perform to entertain
11:11people.
11:13Yes.
11:15But how did you get into
11:17competitive figure skating?
11:19Or figure skating to begin with?
11:21At the age of 3, did you like it?
11:23Did you enjoy being on the ice?
11:25I enjoyed it.
11:27But I think I would give it to my parents.
11:29Actually, to my mom.
11:31Because they enrolled us.
11:33Of course, at the age of 3,
11:35we weren't able to decide for ourselves.
11:37So, we were just enjoying.
11:39Actually, all three of us are siblings.
11:41My brother is a hockey player.
11:43Even my younger sister was a
11:45figure skater also.
11:47So, we were enrolled at the lowest
11:49skating year.
11:51So, we were the only ones who
11:53were able to see figure skating.
11:55So, they basically thought that
11:57they want to make it as a sport.
11:59So, that's how it all started.
12:01My brother was also part of the
12:03hockey team of the Philippines.
12:05My sister also would compete abroad with me.
12:07Wow! That's so cool!
12:09When you compete abroad,
12:11don't they wonder that you come from a tropical country
12:13and you're competing in winter sports?
12:15Actually,
12:17when we compete abroad,
12:19there are a lot of Asians
12:21from Jakarta,
12:23tropical countries,
12:25who can also compete.
12:27But then again, you're right.
12:29Since we live in a tropical country,
12:31there are only a few equipments here
12:33unlike in the US.
12:35For example, a lot of Filipinos
12:37go to the States to train
12:39because the facilities
12:41and everything are more complete.
12:43But here, it's possible.
12:45Until now, do you get the chance to skate?
12:47I haven't been able to skate.
12:49I think my last skate was
12:51while doing Hearts and Eyes.
12:53After that, I took a break
12:55because I was getting old.
12:57That's why my back hurts.
12:59After Hearts and Eyes!
13:01But before we did
13:03shooting for Hearts and Eyes,
13:05I really trained for 6 months
13:07in preparation
13:09for the taping of Hearts and Eyes.
13:11Because I know that when I start
13:13taping, I'll just go back to skating.
13:15I won't be as flexible as before.
13:17My stamina is not as strong as before.
13:19I really have to train.
13:21I trained with Sian
13:23that time, my partner during that show.
13:25After the show,
13:27I took a break because
13:29my back hurts.
13:31Because there's a lot of stretching
13:33and bending there.
13:35But anytime, I can go back.
13:37My skate shoes are just here.
13:39I feel like I should've grown older.
13:41I know that
13:43I might lose my skill
13:45that I can skate.
13:47Maybe not as good as before,
13:49but at least I can still balance.
13:51It's like riding a bike.
13:53You don't forget how to do it.
13:55How did you make that shift from skating
13:57to acting?
13:59Actually,
14:01I started showbiz
14:03at the age of 14.
14:05Before, I never
14:07thought of becoming an artist.
14:09Even my mom.
14:11I was like a kid
14:13dreaming of becoming an artist.
14:15Everything was so new to me.
14:17I mean, it was a new
14:19environment.
14:21There's something called
14:23when you're still entertaining people.
14:25When I took a break in figure skating,
14:27I was doing modeling and fashion shows.
14:29Then, someone discovered me
14:31at the GMA.
14:33Then, I auditioned at the GMA.
14:35My mom told me to do it for fun
14:37and for the experience.
14:39Then, I got accepted
14:41out of nowhere.
14:43GMA gave me a contract
14:45right away.
14:47We signed it and they gave me a show.
14:49My first show was Shell of Angelina.
14:51It was a morning show.
14:53I was with Bill Benet and Jake Vargas.
14:55Actually,
14:57I was being scolded by the director
14:59because I don't know anything.
15:01I don't know the technical stuff.
15:03I don't know how to act also.
15:05I was being scolded for the pause of delay.
15:07During that show,
15:09usually, my mom asked me
15:11if I still wanted to continue
15:13with my career
15:15or you can just leave.
15:17I chose to stay.
15:19You know, despite
15:21all the negative
15:23experiences,
15:25it's part.
15:27I still chose to stay.
15:29I realized that I like it.
15:31I fell in love
15:33with being an actress.
15:35I'm trying to imagine
15:37from the age of 3, you're very busy
15:39with your skating career and then
15:41your acting career here in Chobis.
15:43How did you balance all that
15:45with being a regular child
15:47playing at home
15:49or studying?
15:51How did you balance all that?
16:06Once you lose your respect
16:08for a person,
16:10love will never come back.
16:12If you measure 3.67 inches
16:14or less,
16:16then that's a micro-penis.
16:18Do you really have to go through all these rules
16:20before you focus on yourself?
16:22I'm trying to imagine
16:24from the age of 3,
16:26you're very busy
16:28with your skating career
16:30and then your acting career
16:32here in Chobis.
16:34How did you balance all that?
16:36Once you lose your respect
16:38for a person,
16:40love will never come back.
16:42If you measure 3.67 inches
16:44or less,
16:46then that's a micro-penis.
16:48How did you balance all that?
16:50Once you lose your respect
16:52for a person,
16:54love will never come back.
16:56If you measure 3.67 inches
16:58or less,
17:00then that's a micro-penis.
17:06How did you balance all that?
17:08Once you lose your respect
17:10for a person,
17:12love will never come back.
17:14If you measure 3.67 inches
17:16or less,
17:18p.m. onwards in the night time, I would skate already. That was my life from Monday to Sunday.
17:23Saturday, Sunday, I was in the skating rink all day. But in showbiz also, I tried to balance my
17:29studies in showbiz. I could do it, but it was really hard for me because taping is almost
17:35every day and it's 24 hours. You have no rest. I think it's up to you what you want to
17:41prioritize. When I did showbiz, I prioritized my acting career because I know I can do
17:48well. I know that this is the career path I want to do, so I will take it more seriously.
17:56When I was skating, I knew it's not going to be my career path until I grow up.
18:02I said, I'll stick to showbiz because I want to do this until I grow up.
18:07Nice. At least by the time you figured it out, you can plot your actions. Did you ever have to
18:15do homeschooling? Because of course, it's a very busy schedule.
18:19My last regular schooling was until 2nd year high school. 3rd year high school to 4th year,
18:26I did homeschool. In college, I only finished until 2nd year. I went to the School of Fashion
18:32and Arts and I did interior. I was already an artist then. I didn't know what to do first.
18:38I didn't know if I should sketch first or read the script. I was a bit stressed.
18:44I didn't finish it. Any school is there. I can go back anytime. Maybe not.
18:51Do you have plans of going back anytime soon or not yet?
18:55For next year, maybe not yet because I have projects lined up.
19:00If there's a time, maybe 3 months. Short courses, I would be interested.
19:06Actually, that's the beauty of it now. There are short courses, you can do online courses.
19:11As long as there's no actor's queue yet, right?
19:16But when you were still in school, maybe you didn't have any extracurricular activities
19:21because you were skating there.
19:22Actually, yeah. When I was figure skating,
19:29you have to have your own clubs.
19:31Yes, a club.
19:32But it was a dancing club. I don't have any extracurricular activities.
19:38But the rest, I can't do it anymore. I would rather hang out with my friends to feel my childhood.
19:45Bonding with people, interaction with people.
19:49Of course, that's also important, right? School life balance.
19:53It's not work life balance, it's school life balance.
19:57So when you started in the showbiz industry, you said you were 14,
20:02and then you had your first show with Jake and Bea.
20:04Did you have to do workshops as well?
20:06Yes. Actually, the first show I did in GMA was with Charlotte Anghelina.
20:10Workshops weren't popular back then.
20:13That's why I decided that I have no idea what I'm doing, even though I'm a showbiz.
20:19But actually, Charlotte Anghelina had acting workshops in GMA.
20:24So I attended all the workshops.
20:27And I did an acting workshop.
20:29That's when I realized that the process of being in character, that's when I realized.
20:34So I actually basically studied our craft.
20:37Because we have an acting coach, she's Ms. Anna Fileo.
20:41We had a guest from New York, Boba, Anthony Boba,
20:44who taught us how to, you know, how to build your character.
20:49That's when I was able to acknowledge that I'm an actress,
20:53that I'm not just supposed to be pretty.
20:55It's a serious job, and it's really hard.
20:58So that's when I appreciated my craft as an actress.
21:03And I really enjoyed the workshop.
21:05And it's a learning process, right? The learning doesn't stop.
21:08Yes. Actually, until now, before I did Kulang Araw,
21:11I still did an acting workshop with Ms. Anna.
21:13Because I feel like I still need some guidance.
21:16You know, as I grew older, even though I've been in the industry for 10 years,
21:20of course, I still have a lot to learn.
21:22And I will never stop learning.
21:24Yes, that's the beauty of it, right?
21:26There's so much to learn.
21:27And you won't get old because there's always something new to learn.
21:32But earlier, you mentioned, Ashley, that you want to enjoy your youth.
21:35So you would spend time with your friends, being a student.
21:39And now, of course, there's a balance with your career and with your personal life.
21:44What do you do when you're not at work?
21:47What keeps you entertained? What keeps you happy?
21:49When I'm at work, I work out. I eat a lot.
21:53I hang out with friends.
21:55I watch a movie, have a girls' night out.
21:59Actually, I love drinking wine.
22:01So I would drink wine with my girlfriends.
22:04You know, actually, I'm just a chill person.
22:07Though before, I would do a lot of sports.
22:09Also, I would try tennis.
22:11I would try this and that.
22:13Up to the point where I just want to relax.
22:17Before, I had a lot of hobbies that I wanted to do.
22:20I did boxing.
22:21You know, I had a lot of hobbies that I wanted to do.
22:24I mean, which is nice also.
22:25But now, I'm in a phase right now where I just want to chill inside my condo.
22:31And just play with my dog.
22:33Because I'm tired.
22:35Or maybe it's because it's been a year since I've been shooting for Ulang Araw.
22:39So I think it's really tiring.
22:43So I think every time it's a rest day, I would just, you know, chill.
22:47It's really a rest day.
22:48It's really a rest day.
22:49Because it's another day of, you know, heavy things.
22:52But, you know, I like going out with friends also.
22:54And maybe, you know, get some drinks.
22:57Maybe that's how I unwind.
22:59Ah, okay.
23:00It's like a small circle.
23:01You have a constant circle.
23:02Yeah, I think we have a small circle.
23:04I love that.
23:05Thanks.
23:06Oh, that's nice.
23:07When you work out, what are the workouts?
23:09So maybe it's intense lifting?
23:11No, I usually just do cardio and then ab workout.
23:16And then just body weights.
23:17I don't really lift heavy weights because I don't want my muscles to get fat.
23:21Just toning.
23:23As in light workout.
23:25Ah, so it's like you cannot miss your workout.
23:28Is that how you are?
23:28So if you don't work out, you'll get fat?
23:31No.
23:32Sometimes, if I don't go to the gym, I really don't work out.
23:35I just eat.
23:38Because I'm just that kind of person.
23:39If you don't work out, it's like you're looking for your body.
23:44Maybe until your body is looking for a place to rest.
23:49So maybe, if there's no sun, I might go back to working out every day.
23:54So at least, there are things that you do outside of showbiz that you enjoy with your small circle.
24:01Yes.
24:02Is your circle of friends from childhood?
24:06Or friends that you've met in the industry?
24:09I hung out with my non-showbiz friends.
24:11But I also have showbiz friends.
24:13I have a circle there that I'm always with.
24:17Shuvie, Etrata, Roxy Smith, and Sky Chua.
24:21We talk every day in our group chat.
24:23And I actually live with Shuvie.
24:27Ah, okay.
24:28You're roommates?
24:29Yeah, I just moved into a new condo two months ago.
24:32And she moved in with me because we got a big place.
24:35So she's with me now.
24:36She's taking care of the Christmas tree.
24:39Oh wow!
24:40Yeah, I live with her.
24:42But yeah, so far, we're okay.
24:46Okay, so you can just have your wine nights at home, right?
24:48Yeah, so usually, the other girls will just go with us.
24:51So we'll be complete.
24:52Ah, wait.
24:54Aren't you going to help with the Christmas tree?
24:56She can do that.
25:00Do you have a division of roles in the condo?
25:04You're in charge of the decor, I'm in charge of the cleaning,
25:07I'm in charge of the kitchen, and you're in charge of the living room?
25:09Something like that?
25:10We don't really have a division.
25:11We just move around.
25:14So we don't fight.
25:18We don't fight.
25:19And actually, we barely see each other.
25:21We're together all day.
25:22Because I'm busy, she's busy.
25:24She does all the work.
25:25You know, when I wake up, she's asleep.
25:28Or when she's asleep, I'm home from dating.
25:32So it's hard for us to talk all day without doing anything.
25:36Because we have our own things to do.
25:37So your schedule is upside down.
25:40Yes.
25:41Oh, but it's fun, right?
25:42Because you have a roommate.
25:44And if you need something, you just wake her up.
25:47Yes, but she's the one who cooks.
25:49She's better at cooking.
25:50I don't know how to cook, but now I'm learning.
25:54So when I wake up, she's already cooking.
25:58So I'm full.
25:59But of course, I can't just cook all day.
26:02I try to learn and help.
26:03You volunteered to wash the dishes, right?
26:06Oh, yes.
26:07We switched.
26:08Actually, we're good at washing dishes and cleaning.
26:13But there are days when we're really tired.
26:15So we're like, okay, I'll do it later.
26:16Yes, you can do it later.
26:17You can do it the day after tomorrow.
26:20There are moments like that.
26:22You two are the only ones there, right?
26:24You can do it the day after tomorrow.
26:26It's fun.
26:27But also now, Ashley, with everything that's going on in your career,
26:30imagine if you started at the age of 14,
26:32you've been in the industry for quite a while already, right?
26:35Yes, quite an age.
26:37Are there any other roles you still want to try?
26:39What do you want to try?
26:41Or are there other things you want to get into?
26:43Do you want to do business in the future alongside your showbiz career?
26:47I still want to do a lot of roles.
26:49Maybe what I have in mind is,
26:52I won't really admit a challenging role.
26:54Since I've been in the industry for more than a decade,
26:58more than 10 years,
26:59and I still love what I do,
27:01but I know I still have to learn a lot.
27:04Maybe one of the roles I want to try is like a psychopath.
27:08So, I'm sorry.
27:09That's a tough one.
27:10Yes, I really want to do a lot of roles.
27:13Actually, whatever role I'm given,
27:15whether it's a support role or a lead role,
27:17I would accept it as long as I know it's beautiful.
27:20And I know I'm thinking about the role.
27:23So, whatever.
27:24I'm always down to do a heavy, heavy role
27:28that you have to be in character.
27:30And then, maybe my plans.
27:31Yes, I also look forward to run a business in the future.
27:35Actually, I've thought about it a few times.
27:38But then again,
27:39I have non-showbiz friends who are really into business.
27:42And, you know, they would give me tips that
27:46business is not all so easy.
27:48You just have to work hard.
27:49So, you know, I have to study about it.
27:51I want to study it also
27:53before really having my own business.
27:56But yeah, I look forward to having my own business also.
28:00Actually, I've thought about it.
28:01I want to have my own scented candle business
28:03because I'm so addicted to scented candles.
28:06I have a lot of scented candles.
28:08There was this one time I ordered online
28:10how to make a scented candle from scratch.
28:13So, I was able to make one.
28:17But then again, you know, I live alone.
28:21I don't know if I can do it.
28:24Because you still have to clean up the mess, right?
28:27You know, maybe in the future.
28:30Of course, you have a lot of time to think about
28:32what it is you want to do, right?
28:33Of course, it's not as easy as you think.
28:37But I was going to ask,
28:38before Pulang Araw,
28:39was Hearts on Ice your last show before Pulang Araw?
28:43Yes, it was.
28:43Ah, okay.
28:44So, it's a very different genre, right?
28:46Yes.
28:47Is there a genre that you enjoy more?
28:49Or is it just the same for you?
28:52Definitely, it's a big jump in the drama.
28:56So, Hearts on Ice, that was my dream project
28:58because, of course, I was a figure skater
29:01doing the two things I love, acting and skating.
29:04But, of course, my target audience for Hearts on Ice
29:08was kids.
29:10You know, to inspire people, to motivate them.
29:13And then, this Pulang Araw,
29:15it's a historical war series.
29:17So, it's a different genre.
29:19And, you know, some kids can't watch it also.
29:22So, some kids can't watch it.
29:25But, you know, for people my age,
29:27and maybe the elderly,
29:29it's also nice that, you know,
29:31they can visually see what happens during World War II
29:34rather than just reading it in books at school, right?
29:37So, it's a different target audience.
29:39But I'm happy to do both.
29:42And, you know, I'm always willing to do
29:45a nice project with GX.
29:47I'm thinking maybe it's easier to tape Hearts on Ice
29:51for the simple reason that it's colder
29:52because you're in a skating rink.
29:53Yes, but it's hard.
29:55Your location.
29:56It's hard because it's a three-year shift
29:59and I don't have a dog.
30:00Ah, because they'll wait for the rink to close.
30:03So, our call time usually at the mall is 9 p.m.
30:07Then, we'll finish at 11 a.m. the next day.
30:09Ah, so you'll really stay while the mall is closed?
30:12Yes, until the mall opens.
30:14And then, of course,
30:16I don't have a dog there.
30:17So, I do all the stunts.
30:19So, it's also tiring physically.
30:21I got really exhausted.
30:23But maybe emotionally and mentally,
30:25I'm just more tired.
30:26So, it's a...
30:27At least it's different.
30:27It's a different experience.
30:29You really won't get tired of what you're doing
30:31because it's different.
30:33Okay, Ashley.
30:34Thank you so much for sharing all your stories with us.
30:38We have a quick game before we wrap up, okay?
30:43I'll read the mechanics of our surprise game.
30:46I'll just do this and you'll know.
30:47Okay.
30:48Ah, it's so cute.
30:49Okay, this is just simple.
30:51The title of our game is...
30:53Ais ka lang?
30:55Ais ka lang?
30:56Ais.
30:57Ais ka lang.
30:58But it's also like that.
30:59Ais ka lang, but Ais ka lang.
31:01Because you're an Ais princess.
31:03So, because you're an Ais princess,
31:05you'll just answer what's more Ais or more Aiyos for you.
31:09Those are the choices we'll give you.
31:10Ais or Ais?
31:11Okay.
31:12Yes.
31:13This is Ais because it's Aiyos for me.
31:16All right.
31:16What's more Ais or Aiyos for you?
31:19Ice skating on a lake or a beach trip?
31:23Summer beach trip.
31:25Oh my god.
31:26It's both good, right?
31:27Yeah, it's my dream to skate in a lake.
31:30When I see that on social media,
31:32I really get jealous.
31:35I really want to do that.
31:36So, I...
31:37That's on your bucket list.
31:38That's on my bucket list, skating on a lake.
31:41It's really my dream.
31:43Wow.
31:44So, ice skating on a lake.
31:46I can imagine that.
31:47You're done with your outfit.
31:48Yeah, you know, I get jealous when I think about it.
31:51Skating on a lake.
31:53So, it's part of my bucket list.
31:55How cute.
31:56Do you prefer to wear a bikini for winter or for summer?
32:01Which one is easier for you?
32:03Both.
32:04Because in winter, it's nice and warm.
32:06But in summer, I like to wear a crop top.
32:09You know what I mean?
32:10Okay, because it's simpler, right?
32:12Yeah, it's simple.
32:12I just press it.
32:13I just press it.
32:15I don't think about the layering.
32:17And when it's winter, I remove everything.
32:20Actually, that's true.
32:21And they all need to match, right?
32:23There are a lot of items.
32:24And they all need to match.
32:25Yeah, you need to keep it for winter.
32:27You need to have pegs there.
32:29Okay, next.
32:30Which one is easier for you?
32:32Live performances or the ones that are already taped?
32:36I think the ones that are already taped are easier.
32:40Okay.
32:42Though I actually enjoy both also.
32:44When it's live, it's like you're in the moment.
32:47But you know, I'm a fan of movies and series also.
32:49So I like the ones that are already taped.
32:52You know, I always say that it's really hard to be an artist.
32:56Because we're used to everything being live, right?
32:59Our news is always live.
33:01When it comes to taping, it's also hard, right?
33:04Because you think that taping can be more relaxed.
33:08But it's not.
33:09Because you can't do it over and over again.
33:11And the wait is long.
33:13Yes, that's why when it's live, you're done already.
33:18Yes, it's really different, right?
33:20Everything has its challenges.
33:22Okay, how about this?
33:24Going out with friends or staying at home?
33:27I feel like going out with friends is better.
33:29Because it's better to stay at home.
33:31Ah, okay.
33:31So you can enjoy the ambiance where you're going, right?
33:35And you can also dress up.
33:37Like that.
33:37Like that, you can see people.
33:40Yes.
33:41Okay, this is the last one.
33:42A vacation that's just chill.
33:44For example, a chill vacation where you're just lying on the beach.
33:48Or a vacation where your itinerary is packed.
33:50Where you're going to all the tour spots.
33:54Oh, no.
33:55This is a hard question, Margie.
33:57I think a chill vacation is better than a packed vacation.
34:03Because in Manila, my schedule is already packed.
34:05So on vacation...
34:06Yes, of course.
34:08At the same time, when I travel, I also want to be adventurous and do a lot of things.
34:13But I want it to be in a pacing where you're just relaxed.
34:17Not like you're waking up really early to do everything.
34:21It should be in an itinerary.
34:23Yes.
34:24Yes, it's like a mix of that.
34:26So I prefer a chill vacation.
34:27Because if you're on vacation, I don't want to think of a lot of things.
34:33That's also what I always request to my family when we're traveling.
34:36To my husband and my son.
34:37Can we not wake up early?
34:40Yes, that's right.
34:41Because it's like, you know, you're on a vacation because you want to...
34:45Yes.
34:46Yes.
34:47It's good that we're both the same.
34:48That we don't want to wake up early.
34:51And just enjoy.
34:52No matter what time we wake up, it's okay.
34:55Oh, Ashley, thank you so much.
34:57Before we say bye-bye,
35:00maybe you'd like to invite our listeners and viewers also
35:04to catch you on Pulang Araw.
35:05And of course, on your social media.
35:07To all our viewers, thank you so much for your time.
35:10And again, Ms. Pia, thank you also for having me here.
35:14I'm a guest here, but I had a great time talking to you.
35:18And yes, I hope you watch Pulang Araw every night.
35:22It's on Mondays to Fridays on GNN Prime Time.
35:25And you can also watch it on Netflix.
35:27They release episodes daily also.
35:30So I hope you can support our show.
35:32Because there's still a lot happening.
35:34And there's still a lot of tears coming out of your eyes.
35:39So I hope you can watch and support.
35:41And on my social media,
35:43if you want to have some updates about me and my life,
35:46you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook with Ashley Ortega.
35:49And on TikTok, Ortega Ashley.
35:51So thank you and thank you for having me.
35:53Thank you so much, Ashley.
35:55Thank you, Pia.
35:56Merry Christmas, po.
35:58Merry Christmas.
35:59Thanks, Ashley.
36:00Bye-bye, po.
36:04This surprise was planned by the team of
36:05Louie Andre Magtibay and Aubrey de las Reyes.
36:08Edited by Shirley Paghiligan.
36:10With the amazing people of GMA Integrated News.
36:13Don't forget to like and subscribe.
36:15Till the next surprise!