SCREEN couple Andres Muhlach and Ashtine Olviga are discovering just how powerful fandom can be.
Even before the release of their debut film Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para kay Luna, the pair—now collectively known as “AshDres”—had been drawing fans from all walks of life. Teenagers and even titos and titas have been showing up, sometimes in the most unexpected and remote locations, just to catch a glimpse and show their support.
“I’m honestly super grateful,” Ashtine told Manila Standard Entertainment during their film’s grand media conference. “Sometimes they’re teenagers, sometimes they’re titas. It’s heartwarming. I wonder why they love us this much, why they accept us so completely.”
For Andres, son of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez, the reception has been both overwhelming and affirming.
“The support is just unreal,” he said, almost in disbelief. “We never expected this. Even the edits I see on social media and the comments I read are really touching.”
Both admit to nerves as they take their first steps on the big screen. “This is my first film, and there is pressure,” Andres said. “But more than that, I feel excited. I always dreamed of being on the silver screen.”
Ashtine echoed the sentiment, confessing that she was still “finding” her character during the early days of shooting. What made the process easier, she said, was having Muhlach as her partner. “I’m so thankful it’s Andres. Everything feels lighter when you trust and feel comfortable with your partner.”
Director Jason Paul Laxamana admitted the pair’s popularity caught him by surprise, too. Even during filming in far-flung places, fans still managed to show up in support.
“Fans would come just to see them. The support for AshDres is overwhelming. It proves that people really connect with their sincerity, on and off screen,” the director said.
The AshDres fandom has since taken on a life of its own. Ashtine laughed about how she’s suddenly gained “so many mommies” who celebrate both big and small victories with her. What touched her most, she added, was how fans say they pray for her and Andres.
For Andres, the experience has been eye-opening. “It made me realize that people of different age groups can really connect with us. That’s something I didn’t expect.”
Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para kay Luna opens in theaters on Sept. 24.
