Ashtine Olviga looks back on humble beginnings, 15-year journey in showbiz

MANILA, July 23 ------ Actress Ashtine Olviga opened up about her long and challenging journey in the entertainment industry, revealing that she started from small roles before becoming part of several girl groups and eventually finding success as a solo artist.

In an interview on “Oh My Gan!” released Wednesday, Olviga shared that she began working in show business at a young age, taking on "extra" or bit roles before joining Viva Entertainment in 2016 through a singing competition. “Nagsimula po ako from wala talaga, like nag-e-extra-extra. Tapos nag-start ako sa Viva noong 2016 kasi nasali po ako sa isang singing competition,” she recalled.

Through the competition, Olviga was selected to undergo training for a girl group. She eventually became part of three different groups; a journey she admitted was difficult because singing and dancing were not initially among her strengths. “Sobrang struggle ko ’yun kasi isa ’yun sa mga weaknesses ko, yung pagkanta at pagsayaw. Yung first love ko talaga is acting,” she said.

Despite her doubts, Olviga credited her training and experience as a group performer for improving not only her singing and dancing skills but also her confidence. The actress said she was naturally introverted and would often avoid holding the microphone during interviews with her former groupmates. “Kapag may interview kami, hindi ko kukunin yung mic kasi ayaw kong magsalita. Ibibigay namin doon sa alam naming comfortable magsalita,” she shared.

Olviga said becoming more confident was a long process, and she continues to remind herself that she is capable whenever fear and self-doubt begin to take over. She admitted that comparing herself with more experienced performers once made her lose confidence in her own abilities. “Wala lang akong bilib sa sarili ko noon sa pagkanta at pagsayaw. Feeling ko, kino-compare ko yung sarili ko sa magaling,” she explained.

The actress later realized that her greatest competition was not another artist but herself. “Wala ka talagang competition dito sa showbiz. Sarili mo lang talaga,” she said. After spending around 15 years in the industry, Olviga said the biggest lesson she has learned is the importance of believing in oneself. “You really have to believe in yourself kasi sa tagal ko sa showbiz, parang ngayon ko lang na-apply ’yon. Sobrang haba nung process,” she said.

Olviga — who shot to greater popularity through the 2025 teen romance series "Ang Mutya ng Section E" — also expressed gratitude to her growing fan base, whom she considers instrumental in helping her pursue her dreams. She recalled a time when she and her groupmates had to work hard to promote themselves online, including posting daily TikTok videos and personally helping their names trend on social media. “Dati, kami mismo yung nag-tweet nang nag-tweet para umingay. Sariling sikap talaga,” she said.

Now that more supporters are celebrating even her smallest achievements, Olviga said she remains overwhelmed by how far she has come. “Kapag may mall shows or events ako, nakikita ko kung ano yung nangyayari noon at kung ano yung nangyayari ngayon. Hanggang ngayon, overwhelmed pa rin ako,” she said. For Olviga, the hardships and setbacks she experienced ultimately prepared her for the opportunities she is now receiving. “Okay lang yung mga challenges kasi imo-mold ka talaga nila para pagdating mo sa destination mo, ready ka,” she added.

Source: news.abs.cbn.com