Young actress Ashtine Olviga is still pinching herself after landing the lead role in the hit teen rom-com series Ang Mutya ng Section E.
Since its airing early this year, the series has rapidly gained a fanbase across the country—and even abroad. The 23-year-old performer, who began her career as a P-pop singer, has emerged as the show’s breakout star.
In an intimate interview with the press, Ashley opened up about her disbelief and gratitude at being cast as the titular “mutya” (muse) of Section E, how she bonded with her 16 male co-stars, and what it was like filming her very first on-screen kiss.
Stepping into her first-ever lead role, Ashtine portrays the role of Jasper Jean “Jay-jay” Mariano—a spunky new student who becomes the only girl in Section E, the most unruly class at the prestigious Higher Value International School. The rising star had appeared in films and supporting TV roles before, but headlining Ang Mutya ng Section E marks a turning point.
Even Ashtine herself was stunned to snag the part. During the press conference, the rising actress admitted that she still couldn’t believe that she was Viva’s Boss Vic Del Rosario’s first choice to play Jay-jay. It was a dream-come-true moment that left her both thrilled and humbled.
“Just like during our first interview about this, I still can’t believe it. And I’m really thankful that Boss Vic allowed me to handle this project. I’m just really thankful,” Ashtine told Manila Standard Entertainment.
She then expressed her immense gratitude for the opportunity, aware that teen rom-com projects like this have launched some of the Philippines’ biggest young stars like Nadine Lustre, Kathryn Bernardo, Liza Soberano, and Belle Mariano, all catapulted to fame by youthful rom-com hits.
Following in those footsteps, Ashtine was determined to give her best to the role that could very well define her career.
On-screen, Ashtine finds herself the sole rose among 16 thorns—the only girl in a classroom full of rowdy boys. Off-screen, the actress lived the same reality, working daily with sixteen male co-actors who play her mischievous classmates. One might expect an intimidating or awkward dynamic, but Ashtine quickly found a brotherhood with her Section E boys. She revealed that she was actually already used to hanging out with guy friends which helped her fit right in on the male-dominated set.
In fact, the bubbly actress grew up a self-described “tomboyish” girl, comfortable being “one of the boys.” That ease translated to an easy camaraderie with her co-stars.
“They’ve got my back, and they always make me laugh,” Ashtine said of her castmates, describing the atmosphere on set as akin to a fun school barkada.
One of the series’ most talked-about moments comes when Ashtine unexpectedly locks lips with campus heartthrob Keifer, played by Andres Muhlach. For her, this wasn’t just a pivotal plot point—it was also her first on-screen kiss. The young actress confessed she was anxious approaching the scene. But professional that she is, Ashtine also focused on getting the details right.
“The kiss was just a quick smack, but making it look natural and accidental was the challenge,” she explained.
“The scene needs to look like an accidental kiss. That’s the difficult part,” added Ashtine.
To pull it off, the two actually rehearsed the scene beforehand, carefully working on their blocking and timing.
For Ashtine, the series’ success is deeply personal. In the span of a few months, fans now recognize her as the feisty Jay-jay, and the AshDres tandem with Andres has its own ardent following.
Ashtine talked of the overwhelming support – it’s both delightful and overwhelming. She’s mindful of the pressure that comes with leading such a great project, but she’s taking it in stride.
“I’m so grateful. I used to only dream of things like this. Now it’s here—a lead role, so many supporters. I never thought this would happen to me,” said Ashtine.