Rising young actor Will Ashley is savoring the spotlight these days. Fresh from being named Second Big Placer in the hit reality show Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition—alongside his Kapamilya tandem Ralph De Leon—the 21-year-old revealed in a recent TV interview that his biggest inspiration for entering showbiz was none other than Alden Richards.
“That’s right!” he exclaimed. “I got inspired when I watched him in one of his past soap operas on GMA. Ever since, Alden has been my showbiz idol. After watching him on TV, I decided to try acting. I started joining workshops, told myself there’s no harm in trying my luck, and luckily, I landed commercials. The rest is history.”
‘Ang Prinsesa
ng City Jail’
His first break came in 2013 when he auditioned for the remake of the hit soap Villa Quintana and was cast as the young Isagani. Since then, Will has appeared in a string of Kapuso shows, including Mulawin Vs. Ravena, Prima Donnas, Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters, Contessa, The Fake Life, Unbreak My Heart, and Prinsesa ng City Jail.
“Looking back, I’m so grateful that GMA gave me good exposure!” he said.
Now known as the “Nation’s Son” after his PBB stint, Will admits his strongest motivation has always been his mother.
“She’s a major part of my journey, especially since my father died when I was just six years old,” he shared. “As an only child, I knew I wanted to help her. That’s one of the main reasons why I took showbiz seriously.”
As for his name? “It’s from my late father, Wilfredo. And Ashley was the name he wanted to give if he ever had a daughter.”
Will’s career is on an upswing. In October, he’s headlining a solo concert at the New Frontier Theater while also working on three upcoming films: Bar Boys: After School, Love You So Bad, and Poon.
“Hopefully, fans will continue to support all my projects,” he said with a smile.
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Meanwhile, Julie Anne San Jose admits she can’t escape one of the most common questions thrown at her these days: When will she and boyfriend Rayver Cruz tie the knot?
“Yes, people always ask me that,” she said. “But for me, I’m just letting God control it. It’s not about what I want but what He wants. If that’s His will for me and Ray, then everything will happen accordingly. I’m letting things be.”
Julie shared that Rayver worked hard to win over her parents, who are naturally reserved. “They’re the best people in the world for me. They know what’s best for me, and I’m happy that now they’re very okay with Ray.”
Her parents have also offered advice on family life: “They always remind me that it’s important God is at the center of your relationship and that open communication is key. Ray and I practice that. We’re very open with each other, we don’t hide things. If there’s a problem, we talk and settle it right away.”
Asked how she would describe her relationship with Rayver, Asia’s Limitless Star didn’t hesitate.
“We’re very, very happy, content, and secure!”
