In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, actress Ashley Ortega has finally broken her silence about her experience working with seasoned actress and host Carmina Villarroel. Fans were caught off guard when Ashley, known for her composed and graceful persona, decided to open up in a recent interview about the real dynamic between her and Carmina while filming a past project.

Ashley described her early excitement upon learning that she would be working alongside Carmina—someone she had looked up to since her childhood. “I was genuinely thrilled. I grew up watching her, and to be in the same scene with her was a dream come true,” Ashley shared.

However, the dream reportedly turned into a confusing reality.

Without revealing too many specific incidents, Ashley hinted that she often felt left out or “cold-shouldered” on set. “There were moments when I didn’t feel very welcomed. I tried my best to connect and be respectful, but it felt like my presence wasn’t really appreciated,” she admitted.

Fans quickly took to social media, some expressing disappointment, while others came to Carmina’s defense, suggesting that perhaps there was a misunderstanding or pressure from the project that may have affected the dynamics.

Ashley was careful not to bash Carmina outright. Instead, she maintained a respectful tone, emphasizing that she just wanted to be honest about her experience. “I’ve always been quiet about these things, but I think it’s important to speak up—not to cause drama, but to be real.”

As of now, Carmina Villarroel has not responded to the statements.

The entertainment world now waits to see if this revelation will spark a broader conversation about how younger talents are treated by veterans in the industry—and whether it’s time for the silent treatment to be addressed openly.

Is Ashley Ortega scared of Carmina Villarroel? Actress answers

Ashley Ortega guested on Mikee Quintos’ “Lutong Bahay” Friday where she answered if she’s scared of her boyfriend Mavy Legaspi’s mom, Carmina Villarroel.

According to the Sparkle star, she isn’t scared of Carmina.

“No, I’m not scared of her. I love Tita Carmina, and I’ll answer that wholeheartedly,” she said.

Ashley shared that she and Carmina got to work together in GMA’s murder mystery series “Widow’s Web,” which aired in 2022.

“We were locked in for two months, that’s where I actually met her for the first time, but when me and Mavy started hanging out, Mavy and I got to know each other and last Christmas, they invited me to Christmas dinner,” she added.

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Ashley Ortega, has a giant bouquet from Mavy Legaspi this Valentine’s Day
As to how they broke the news to Mavy’s parents that they’re dating, Ashley said that it was Mavy who told them.

“I don’t have that, of course. When I said when we were hanging out, ‘[Do] your parents know that you’re hanging out with me or trying to court me?’ ‘Yes,’ Mavy’s very open with his parents.”

Ashley admitted that she and Mavy are in a relationship during her guesting in “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” in February.

Ashley starred in the Kapuso family drama series “Pulang Araw” in 2024. She is currently among the housemates in the “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition.”

Meanwhile, Mavy was officially named the second house guest in the show after he was left inside the house as punishment. This was after he and his fellow hosts Gabbi Garcia, Melai Cantiveros, and Alexa Ilacad failed the task they had to do in the pilot episode on March 9.

The “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” is in celebration of the reality show’s 20th anniversary this year.

The show airs weekdays on GMA Network at 10:00 p.m. and weekends at 6:15 p.m.