After PBB fame, Will Ashley faces law school, and life, in MMFF 2025 entry

Why “Bar Boys: After School” hits close to home for Will Ashley.

After his stint on “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition,” actor Will Ashley trades reality TV for the courtroom as Arvin Asuncion in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Bar Boys: After School,” where he takes on law school and the life lessons that come with it.

“Never stop dreaming, never stop learning. Gusto po namin na mapulot po nilang aral dito is to learn how to fight for what is right,” said the MMFF Best Actor nominee, addressing student moviegoers.

The 23-year-old actor, after landing television roles in GMA Network’s “Pari Ko’y” and “Primadonnas,” pursued computer science and engineering at De La Salle University. Alongside his studies, Will shared his struggles with balancing academics and a career in acting, an experience that mirrors his character, Arvin.

“‘Yung pagod, yung puyat, yung pressure—’di naman maiiwasan dito sa industry, so somehow nakaka-relate din po talaga ako sa kanya.”

“Syempre naman darating tayo sa punto ng buhay natin na meron tayong ibang bagay na babagsak tayo, na hindi natin magagawa nang tama. Wala naman pong taong perfect, eh.”

Will added that he has had his fair share of rejection, even in auditions. What strengthens his resolve is how he chooses to bounce back: “Inisip ko na kung paano ko gagawing better ‘yung sarili ko, kung paano ko aayusin sa mga susunod ’pag gagawin ko ‘yung auditions.”

Faith strengthens his resolve as he reflects on the challenges of law school and the hardships of being a working student—both as Will and as Arvin.

After placing second in “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition,” he continued to push forward, landing his first solo concert at the New Frontier Theater last October and performing at GMA Network’s New Year countdown at the SM Mall of Asia.

“Lagi ko po ’tong pinangarap talaga. Lagi ko ’tong pinagdasal. Ngayon, unti-unti ko na po siyang nakukuha, kaya sobrang grateful lang po ako—and gusto ko po talaga siyang alagaan hanggang dulo.”