Ashtine Olviga calls for support of David Licauco pairing, urge kindness over hate

“Grateful and thankful po ako sa mga natatanggap naming pagmamahal sa mga tao, lalo na po sobrang unexpected po ng pairing namin for this project. Ang love na nakukuha namin, ginagamit po namin ‘yon para mas ma-push pa kami, para pagbutihin pa po ang trabaho namin,” Ashtine shared.

David echoed her sentiments, expressing gratitude not only for his own supporters but also for those who have welcomed their on-screen partnership.

“Sobrang grateful na nangyari ’to, nagka-work tayo, and I’m also thankful sa mga supporters mo, supporters ko, and nating lahat. Sobrang grateful,” he said.

Feeling eager fandom pressure

While the growing fanbase gives them another reason to look forward to the series, David acknowledged that having an eager audience even before the premiere also comes with pressure.

“In a sense, may pressure rin na even before the release of the show ay mayroon nang mga supporters, and that’s because the fans are very engaging,” he said. “Ang sa amin naman is to do better sa show, kaya ginagalingan talaga namin.”

For the actors, the challenge is to channel that excitement into their work and deliver a series that lives up to the expectations surrounding their first collaboration.

However, the enthusiasm of fandoms can sometimes take a negative turn, particularly when online discussions become hostile or fans resort to tearing other people down. Ashtine recognizes that such behavior exists but believes it should not be excused, simply because people may be dealing with their own struggles.

Handling online fan hostility

Asked how she handles negativity on social media while protecting her mental well-being, the actress said she tries to understand where hurtful behavior might come from without encouraging it.

“Kasi hindi naman natin maiiwasan yung mga ganung klase ng tao,” she said.

“Ako po, tina-try ko na i-understand na lang sila na, baka may pinagdaanan silang masama or masakit, kaya ‘yon ang way nila to cope. Pero at the same time, I don’t encourage them na i-continue nila that kind of behavior kasi lahat naman tayo may pinagdaraanan,” she explained.

Rather than responding to hostility with more hostility, Ashtine encouraged people to be more mindful of how they treat others, especially online.

“So kung magiging mabuti tayo sa kapwa natin, magbigay na lang tayo ng smile. Ano ba naman yung magbigay tayo ng encouragement kaysa i-pull natin ang tao pababa? Mas okay ‘yon,” she added.

Her message offers a timely reminder that supporting an artist should never come at the expense of another person’s well-being.

Fans can express their excitement, defend the performers they admire, and celebrate their favorite pairings without resorting to personal attacks or toxic comparisons.

Filipino spin on K-Drama

Joining David and Ashtine in “Fight for My Way” are McCoy De Leon and Aubrey Caraan, completing the lead cast of the highly anticipated adaptation directed by Crisanto Aquino.

The Viva One series puts a Filipino spin on the hit Korean drama originally headlined by Park Seo-joon and Kim Ji-won.

Blending romance, comedy, friendship, and the challenges of pursuing one’s ambitions, the story follows young people determined to fight for their dreams despite life’s setbacks.

“Fight for My Way” premieres on November 20, exclusively on the Viva One app.