David Licauco and Ashtine Olviga understand that pairing up for the Filipino adaptation of ‘Fight for My Way’ could draw mixed reactions from fans who have grown attached to their respective onscreen tandems.

David, who became widely associated with Barbie Forteza through their BarDa pairing, said he understands why viewers become invested in seeing certain actors together—even to the point of hoping an onscreen romance becomes real.

“It’s only normal. Kahit naman ako meron akong pinapanood na actors na ‘uy, sana sila o sana maging sila’ o ‘sure ako, sila na,’ so, I respect that,” David said. “I respect everyone’s opinion good or bad. Ganu’n talaga.”

Ashtine, meanwhile, has her own established fan base with Andres Muhlach through their AshDres tandem.

Asked about supporters who still prefer to see her paired with Andres, Ashtine acknowledged their attachment but reminded audiences that actors will inevitably work with different partners.

“I understand. Ganu’n talaga,” she said. “But they should also respect sana the fact that we’re actors and depending on the roles offered we’re bound to work with other actors talaga.”

David said he is looking forward to working with Ashtine for the first time, particularly because ‘Fight for My Way’ offers the kind of story he wants to pursue.

“Maganda ang story nito, very inspiring and fun, and that is one of the things talaga na I look for in a project,” he said. “I’m excited with the team up with Ashtine. Magaling siyang actress so, yeah, I have high hopes that this partnership will work.”

Ashtine is equally curious about what their first project together will bring.

“I mean, napapanood ko lang siya dati sa TV and never ko talaga in-expect na magkakatrabaho kami so, excited ako talaga,” she said.

Her initial impression of David was that he was quiet and serious, although she believes there is a more playful personality waiting to come out once they become comfortable working together.

“Feeling ko may tinatago rin siyang kulit so excited ako. Titignan ko kung mahuhugot ko yung kulit niyang ’yan,” Ashtine said.

Beyond adjusting to a new onscreen partner, David also addressed criticism he has received about his acting over the years.

The actor acknowledged that he struggled when he was starting out and believes those early performances may have shaped how some viewers continue to perceive him.

“Aminado ako noong nagsisimula ako, bano talaga ako pero lahat naman diba? Kaya ganun din siguro, dahil first impressions last. Kaya siguro people still look at me that way,” he said.

David, however, believes he has grown through years of work.

“I worked so hard to get to where I am and I think yung mga nagawa kong teleserye maganda pinakita ko. I mean I got recognized naman din, may award ako so, sana makita nila yun.”

He also hopes audiences can become less harsh toward people who are still learning, particularly in an era when mistakes can quickly attract criticism on social media.

“Hopefully, we stop with the negativity. Ang problema ngayon sa mundo is that people are so afraid to fail. Why? Because of social media, because of the bashing. We should just stop that ’cause we won’t learn.”

In ‘Fight for My Way’, David plays Hanz, a former taekwondo prodigy working in pest control while hoping to revive his fighting career. Ashtine plays Aira, an aspiring television announcer who continues pursuing her dream despite setbacks.

Based on the 2017 Korean drama starring Park Seo-joon and Kim Ji-won, the story follows childhood friends whose relationship eventually develops into romance as they pursue ambitions they once had to set aside.

Directed by Crisanto B. Aquino, the Filipino adaptation of ‘Fight for My Way’ premieres November 20 exclusively on Viva One.