Following the breakout success of their series ‘Mutya ng Section E’, rising stars Ashtine Olviga and Andres Muhlach—known as AshDres—are set to lead their first film, ‘Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna’, a heartfelt romantic coming-of-age story directed by Jason Paul Laxamana under Viva Films.
The film opens in cinemas nationwide on September 24, 2025.
During the story conference, both Ashtine and Andres admitted they were surprised by the opportunity.
“Personally, nagulat talaga ako. Noong matanggap ko ‘Ang Mutya ng Section E’ hindi naman ako nag-e-expect, parang akala ko hanggang doon na lang iyon. And sobrang thankful ako na nasundan agad iyon at with Andres pa rin,” said Ashtine.
“Hindi ko rin ine-expect iyong support from the fans, from ‘Mutya ng Section E’ tapos ngayon sa ‘Minamahal,’ sobrang grateful kami, ‘di ba Ash,” Andres added. “Parang the support we got from the fans and now may movie kaya, we just want to do our best for them.”
The film’s teaser, released on July 4, instantly gained traction, amassing 12 million views in just 24 hours. Even Director Jason Paul Laxamana was stunned by the overwhelming support.
“Na-shock ako the next day, ipina-billboard na ng mga fan nila. Even ang international fans nila na hindi ko naiintindihan, nag-Spanish sa TikTok, pinag-uusapan ang teaser,” he shared. “So, parang okay, masaya ako sa output ko, pero parang cherry on top talaga na super successful ng loveteam nila.”
Laxamana also clarified that the casting was not solely due to AshDres’ viral status.
“It went through a vigorous process bago napunta sa kanila ang project. Kasi the script itself has been existing before pa magkaroon ng ‘Mutya,’ or even pa magkaroon ng AshDres loveteam,” he explained. “Talagang dumaan siya sa typical process… then everyone nag-agree na magandang gawin ang project na ito.”
The movie tells the story of Raffy, a shy student who expresses affection through flowers, and Luna, a visual artist who’s skeptical of love. Over the years, Raffy gives Luna flowers during important moments in her life, eventually forming a deep connection tested by time and circumstance.
In light of recent online bashing directed at Ashtine, Andres voiced his support: “Kami naman ni Ashtine, we support each other kasi we’re partner sa movie. We just help each other.”
Ashtine, for her part, brushed off the hate with grace: “Tungkol naman doon, wala. Natatawa na lang ako kasi kung totoo, masasaktan ako!”
Asked about the possibility of romance blooming between them, Andres emphasized professionalism: “We are professional talaga. We know what’s right and what’s wrong. Ash is amazing to work with.”
Ashtine added: “Pina-prioritize namin ang work. Sobrang thankful kami sa mga blessing.”
But when pressed again about “kainlab-inlab,” Ashtine smiled and said: “Ahh, kainlab-inlab. Opo naman! Hahaha!”
Before ‘Minamahal’ hits theaters, fans can catch AshDres at VIVA ONE: VIVARKADA, Viva’s biggest fancon happening on August 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
