Not even the strong winds and heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Nando could stop fans from showing up for the red-carpet premiere of ‘Minamahal’ (100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna) on Monday, as the Gen Z love team of Ashtine Olviga and Andres Muhlach—now dubbed AshDres—was met with deafening cheers at SM Megamall Cinema 3.
Security and marshals had to hold back the excited crowd as the rising stars walked the red carpet and greeted their supporters. Inside the packed cinema, shrieks and applause erupted at every romantic scene between the two.
The film, directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, delivered what fans came for: multiple kissing scenes between Ashtine and Andres. According to moviegoers, the pair shared nearly ten on-screen kisses, with some lasting up to seven seconds.
Director Laxamana earlier teased, “Mapupuno ng tilian ang buong cinema,” and the premiere night confirmed exactly that.
The Muhlach family was also in attendance, with Andres’ mother Charlene Gonzales gamely admitting she felt the kilig from the AshDres tandem.
“Oo naman,” she said when asked if she was swept up by the chemistry of her son and Ashtine.
Meanwhile, Andres’ twin sister Atasha Muhlach shared her pride and excitement.
“Sobrang proud na proud po ako para kay Andres,” she said. When asked if she too felt the AshDres magic, she replied simply, “Super.”
In a recent interview with MJ Marfori, Ashtine revealed just how close she and Andres have become during the filming process. “Ten out of ten ang comfort level ko kay Andres,” she said, adding that she has complete trust in her co-star.
The premiere turnout and online buzz suggest that ‘Minamahal’ (100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna) could be the breakthrough launching film for the AshDres love team. The movie is also scheduled for release abroad, giving the young pair the chance to connect with overseas Filipino audiences. (with reports from Aldrine Benitez)
