‘Bar Boys: After School’ star Will Ashley continues to face online intrigue following his ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ stint—this time involving fellow Kapuso artist and former ‘PBB’ housemate Dustin Yu.
Some netizens have been comparing the two young stars, including their recently sold-out concerts. But for Will, there’s no rivalry at all.
Speaking at the ‘Bar Boys: After School’ mediacon on December 3, 2025, at the Matrix Creation Events Venue in Quezon City, Will dismissed the supposed competition.
“Hindi ko po siya nakikita na pinagsasabong,” he said. “Pareho naman po kami ni Dustin na may kanya-kanyang talents, may kanya-kanyang skills. So, hindi lang naman po ako, or hindi lang naman po siya ang puwedeng gumawa ng concert na ‘yun.”
Will added that he and Dustin genuinely support each other’s achievements.
“I think kung ano po yung mga na-achieve ko, na-achieve niya. Pareho po namin sinusuportahan yung isa’t isa.”
Will also addressed the wave of bashing he has received from fans who disapprove of his onscreen pairing with Bianca de Vera.
The young actor admitted that some comments sting—especially when his family becomes collateral damage.
“Meron pong mga tweets o messages na nakakaapekto lalo na kung nadadamay na yung pamilya ko,” he said.
However, he has learned to choose his battles.
“Ngayon po, pinipili ko na lang yung mga battles ko. Tinitingnan ko kung yung criticism ba ay makakatulong o nonsense lang para i-bash ako.”
Will stressed that he now focuses on the positive, given his hectic schedule and the many opportunities coming his way.
“Ayoko na pong intindihin yung negative. Dun na lang po ako sa positive, sa tingin kong tama ang ginagawa ko. Wala naman po akong inaapakan.”
Will continues to be overwhelmed—and grateful—for the work lined up for him.
He is currently promoting two MMFF 2025 films: ‘Bar Boys: After School’ and ‘Love You So Bad’. He also stars in the upcoming series ‘The Secrets of Hotel 88’ with fellow ‘PBB’ alumni.
In ‘Bar Boys: After School’, Will plays Arvin, one of the new law students joining the franchise. The original cast—Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, and Kean Cipriano—return as full-fledged lawyers.
The sequel also features: Sassa Gurl as Trisha, Therese Malvar as CJ, Glaiza de Castro as Jazz, Emilio Daez as Ziggy, Klarisse de Guzman as Mae and Odette Khan reprising her role as Judge Hernandez.
With a flourishing career and multiple projects set for release, Will Ashley chooses to rise above negativity—focusing instead on growth, gratitude, and the work he loves. (with reports from Lau Balocos)
