As the teaser of their debut film ‘Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna’ continues to rake in millions of views, Viva’s fast-rising love team Ashtine Olviga and Andres Muhlach — collectively known as AshDres — is well aware of the buzz they’re generating, including talk that they could be a “threat” to existing love teams.
At the recent story conference of their movie, written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, both stars addressed the chatter with humility and focus.
“‘Di naman namin iniisip na threat kami sa ibang love teams,” Andres said. “In this industry, we’re all just working and doing our own part. We have our own jobs and we just want to give our best for the people that support us.”
Ashtine echoed the sentiment. “Ako din po, ‘di ko rin iniisip na gano’n. Parang wala akong iniisip na competitor sa showbiz. Lahat sila, niro-root ko. Kasi naniniwala ako na kung ano ‘yung para sa ’yo, mapupunta sa ’yo.”
Andres added that they also look up to other love teams: “We look up to these people din. They have their own experience and they’re also working, kaya we understand and appreciate them.”
The love team first captured audiences through the hit Viva One series ‘Ang Mutya ng Section E’. Due to the overwhelming response, Viva Films quickly greenlit ‘Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna’, a coming-of-age rom-com where Andres plays Raffy, a shy student with a passion for botany, while Ashtine portrays Luna, a strong-willed artist who doesn’t believe in love.
Despite being newcomers in the film scene, the AshDres duo said they feel energized by the pressure rather than weighed down by it.
“Kinakabahan din ako, but that type of pressure helps you,” said Andres, who is also the son of screen legends Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez.
According to director Jason Paul Laxamana, the chemistry between Ashtine and Andres is undeniable — and most importantly, natural. “The word I’d use to describe ‘yung chemistry nila is ‘organic.’ ’Di pinipilit,” he said, referring to their teaser shoot which instantly went viral.
The director also shared that ‘Minamahal’ has been in development since 2023. “It follows not just the love story, but the life story of two high school students, si Raffy at si Luna. It’s an examination of how today’s youth — Gen Z and Gen Alpha — experience love and relationships,” he explained. “I want this project to show the capabilities of AshDres as actors. I want the fans to see them as real actors.”
Both stars are currently undergoing acting workshops in preparation for the film, most of which will be shot outside Metro Manila to match its rustic tone.
Ashtine, who had early roles in ‘Miss Granny’ and ‘Will You Be My Ex?’, and Andres, from the esteemed Muhlach-Bonnin showbiz clan, are determined not to let the opportunity go to waste.
“Hindi po namin sila bibiguin,” the two promised in unison.
‘Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna’ premieres in cinemas nationwide on September 24, 2025. Its theme song of the same title, performed by Viva Records artist Earl Agustin, is part of his debut album ‘Himig at Pag-ibig’.
