Ashtine Olviga admits she had to unlearn many modern habits when she stepped into her role in Manila’s Finest, the Metro Manila Film Festival entry set in 1969 Manila.
The young actress, who plays activist Agnes in the police drama, said the period setting pushed her to rethink everything—from the way she spoke to the way she carried herself on screen.
During the film’s grand media conference on Dec. 5, Ashtine recalled catching herself slipping into present-day expressions while filming.
“Sometimes the expressions we use today slip out, so I have to adjust on the spot,” she told Manila Standard Entertainment. Even small details tripped her up. “Back then, they used the term ‘manong’ instead of ‘kuya,’” she added, noting how simple terms required relearning.
Director Raymond Red, who ended up being the cast’s go-to person for anything about the late 1960s, said guiding the team through the era came naturally. He noted that he was the only one on the crew with childhood memories linked to that period.
“I realized I might be the only one who was actually alive during that time, so they were looking to me for ideas,” he said. He added that correcting small behaviors mattered, saying, “The little things that didn’t exist back then—that’s what I reminded them about. Those small nuances add to the authenticity.”
Ashtine said the adjustments felt big despite her short shooting schedule, but things eased up as the days went on. “The nerves went away, and I became comfortable with everyone on set,” she said, recalling how the team helped her settle into the role.
Playing the daughter of Piolo Pascual’s character also made the experience smoother. She said Piolo kept the environment calm and supportive. “Sir Piolo is so kind. He never added to the nerves I was already feeling,” she said.
One thing she didn’t expect to learn from him was the value of reviewing her own takes. “I don’t usually watch myself because I get conscious, but Sir Piolo would always say, ‘Let’s check it.’ That’s where I learned it’s okay to review so you can see what you need to improve.”
While Agnes is a character rooted in the past, Ashtine said her storyline still hits close to home.
“What’s happening in the film is still happening today… it’s sad,” she said, pointing to themes of accountability and youth activism that remain relevant.
As a Gen Z herself, she believes speaking up still matters. “The more people speak up, the more power we have,” she said.
For Raymond, that bridge between past and present is the film’s quiet backbone.
“The story is about ordinary people caught in a moment of history,” he said, adding that he hopes younger viewers become curious enough to revisit that period. “I hope this sparks interest. They might start reading, and they might become curious.”
Even with the early attention surrounding Manila’s Finest, Raymond said he tries not to dwell on awards buzz.
“Yes, there is pressure, but I don’t want to think about that,” he said. “We made a good film, and I hope the audiences respond to it.”
Manila’s Finest opens in cinemas on Dec. 25 as part of the MMFF 2025 lineup.
