From the breakout success of “Mutya ng Section E” to the big screen, rising stars Ashtine Olvida and Andres Muhlach, known to fans as “AshDres,” are finally making their much-anticipated movie debut in “Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna.” The romantic drama is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Jason Paul Laxamana and will open in cinemas nationwide on September 24, under Viva Films.
AshDres became fan favorites playing Keifer and Jay-jay in the Viva One hit series “Mutya ng Section E.” The show’s teaser racked up over 20 million views, sparking countless reaction videos and parodies that helped launch the pair into viral fame. Their chemistry continues to shine in “Minamahal,” a coming-of-age story about love, patience and emotional growth. Its teaser has already drawn over 12 million views in just a short time — enough to give its leading lady a case of nerves.
“Nun ako naka feel ng pressure,” said Ashtine. “Parang na realize ko – hala ang taas ng expectation ng mga tao! Pero nung na realize ko na napapasukan na ako ng pressure kasi hindi ako nakaka-work nang maayos pag napapasukan na ako ng pressure, mas nag focus na lang ako sa mga dapat gawin.”
“May pressure pero sa tingin ko kasi, mas na e-excite ako kasi this is my first film, acting project and kahit bata pa ako I always dreamed of one day I would be on the silver screen,” added Andres. “Jumping from the teleserye to now the silver screen, I can say I am in the middle of one of my dreams. It’s more excitement than pressure, but importante rin ang pressure to do a good job and produce a good work.”
Director Jason Paul, known for “100 Tula Para Kay Stella” and “Between Maybes,” among others, has a talent for creating authentic onscreen chemistry. He believes AshDres has “it,” and says it’s especially clear in one memorable scene.
“Yung bed scene — just because nasa bed sila. Isa lang talaga ‘yung bed scene na ‘yun sa mga kilig moments na meron dito sa pelikula and my staff can vouch for it kasi kapag wala sa shoot, pati ‘yung mga behind the scenes. Pero what I can promise is hindi lang ‘yun.”
When asked just how kilig the movie is, Andres was quick to answer: “One hundred percent! Kasi kapag ginagawa po namin ‘yung scenes parang ini enjoy na lang po talaga namin ‘yung moment, parang ‘di na ako nag-aacting… Para mas nararamdaman nung mga audience ‘yung emotions nung character.”
As for whether the chemistry might lead to something more off-camera, both were careful with their words.
“Like you said kung possible anything is possible,” said Andres. “Pero hindi ko na masabi.” “Same answer po,” echoed Ashtine.
Still, their offscreen connection is clear. Asked to rate their friendship on a scale of one to ten, they both smiled and said:
“Eleven.”
Andres added: “I would like to believe na we enjoy each other’s company naman. It’s always so fun time.” Ashtine responded, “Comfortable po kami sa isa’t isa ngayon.”
In “Minamahal,” Andres plays Raffy, a quiet high school flower enthusiast who spends years trying to win over Luna, a jaded visual artist played by Ashtine. He gives her flowers during important moments in her life, hoping to soften her guarded heart. What starts as a school crush grows into something deeper as they face the challenges of college and growing up.
The film also stars Joko Diaz, Giselle Sanchez, Gene Padilla, Marnie Lapus, MJ Cayabyab, VJ Mendoza, Phoebe Walker, Bob Jbeili, Lance Carr, Sam Shoaf, Yuki Sakamoto, Phoebe Villamor and Jastine Lim.
“Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna” opens in cinemas on September 24.
