Kapuso actress Ashley Ortega opened up about her ongoing efforts to rebuild her strained relationship with her mother, whom she hasn’t seen or spoken to in three years.
In a recent interview on ’24 Oras’, Ashley shared that despite their long-standing rift, she continues to reach out. “Honestly, we’re still working on it,” she said. “Sobrang tagal rin kasi ng three years na hindi pag-uusap and malalim rin po talaga ‘yung sugat na nabigay namin sa isa’t isa.”
She revealed that since exiting ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ last March, she has made several attempts to reconnect.
“Always reaching out pero baka need time pa,” she added, visibly emotional. She also confirmed that she greeted her mom on Mother’s Day, despite the silence between them.
Ashley’s emotional journey was first brought to light during her stint inside the ‘PBB’ house. In a heartfelt episode last April, the Sparkle star was asked to reflect on her relationship with her mother through a special task moderated by fellow actress and house guest Gabbi Garcia.
During the task, Ashley faced a photo of her mom and answered a series of questions, each symbolizing a course in a “dinner” setting. Asked whether she regretted leaving home, she admitted: “I think ‘yung mali sa ginawa ko is I left you guys without saying anything. I thought about it for years… Hindi na ako nakapagpaalam.”
When asked if she thinks her mom misses her, Ashley responded honestly: “I don’t know. I don’t want to expect that you miss me. I do miss you. I miss Lola so much.”
The conversation turned more emotional when she was asked about the pain she may have caused. “Sobrang sakit, Ma… I know I caused you so much pain… I just chose to leave to distance myself. To give space for myself and for you also.”
Ashley acknowledged that their biggest issue was their inability to express emotions in a healthy way. Still, she remained grateful: “Thank you rin sa lahat ng mga emotions na pinaramdam mo sa akin, the good and the bad… if it weren’t for that, wala akong malalim na hugot sa buhay.”
When asked if she believes reconciliation is possible, Ashley answered without hesitation: “Of course, Ma. I’m just waiting for you. If you’re not ready, go take your time. Kasi ako, OK na ako.”
She ended her message with a birthday greeting: “I hope all your wishes will come true. Whatever happened in the past, I hope we can just forget about it and move on and find peace in our hearts. I always pray that my mom will heal and I hope she will forgive me.”
‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ airs on GMA Network at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 6:15 p.m. on weekends.
