Ashley Ortega shrugs off ‘starlet’ bashing, inks endorsement deal with Luxe Slim

Kapuso actress and Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition ex-housemate Ashley Ortega has learned to focus on the positive aspects of her career, despite facing negative comments, including being labeled a “starlet.”

During a press conference for the beauty brand she endorses on April 21, Ashley Ortega candidly shared how she handles bashers, a challenge she encountered since entering showbiz.

“Kahit no’ng five years pa lang ako sa showbiz, meron na po talagang mga, you know, there are people talaga sa mundo na has something negative to say. It’s up to you how to handle it. Pero ako naman po talaga super dedma lang po talaga ako. Kasi mas nagfo-focus po talaga ako sa mga blessings ko in life. Sa lahat ng mga positive na nangyayari sa life ko. At sobrang daming nagmamahal sa akin ngayon. So, parang natatabunan na yung mga bashers, So, parang ‘bahala na kayo dyan. Ako grateful sa life’ So dedma lang po talaga,” Ashley explained.

While she never directly engages with her bashers, Ashley admitted that the “starlet” label once deeply affected her. The term, often used to undermine her achievements, was particularly hurtful.

“Never ako pumatol, actually, sa mga bashers. Pero may mga bash before na medyo naapektuhan ako as a human being. Pero ngayon kasi parang dedma na lang ako sa kanila e. I think there was a time in-open up ko sa PBB na medyo naapektuhan ako sa mga sinasabi nila towards me [like] …alam mo yung parang ang tagal na sa industriya tapos parang wala pang masyadong napapatunayan — sabihin ko na po, ‘starlet’. …So, I would always prove myself na I’m more than that. So, yon yung parang pinaka-bash na siguro na medyo na-hurt ako pero aside from that wala. Puro pagmamahal na lang,” she recalled.

Although Ashley admits that being called a “starlet” was painful at the time, she now views it as part of her journey. Instead of dwelling on the negative, she uses these moments as motivation to prove that she is more than the label.

“So, I’m just really grateful and actually sa bash sometimes mga negative criticism na sinasabi ng mga tao, I would use it as a motivation to become a better actor, to become a better person. Win-win situation. Ako naman hindi naman ako yung nagho-hold ng grudge sa isang tao kasi parang hindi ko kayang magalit ng matagal, so, nile-let go ko na lang yung mga negative energies,” she said.

Ashley’s approach to handling criticism is clear: instead of focusing on the negativity, she channels it into personal growth. By focusing on her blessings and letting go of the negativity, Ashley continues to rise above the hurtful labels and comments.

Ashley Ortega has officially joined the Luxe Slim family as its newest brand endorser. Known for her elegance, poise, and authenticity, Ashley was introduced in a contract signing ceremony held on April 24 in Quezon City, together with Luxe Beauty and Wellness Ventures Corp. Founder and CEO Anna Magkawas.

Ashley, dubbed the Independent Tis-Ice ng San Juan during her recent stint inside ‘Bahay ni Kuya’, expressed how much the endorsement meant to her, especially after her reality show journey.

“I’ve always believed in taking care of my body and my well-being—not for anyone else, but for myself. That’s why I’m honored to be the newest face of Luxe Slim. This brand aligns with what I personally stand for: confidence, strength, and self-love,” she shared.

The event was graced by key executives from Sparkle GMA Artist Center, including First Vice President for Talent Development and Management Joy Marcelo, Senior Talent Manager Junalyn Navarro, Assistant Vice President for Talent Sales, Branding, and Marketing Anne Puno-Ignacio, Senior Manager for Sales Renze Banawa, and Senior Account Executive Albert Cruz.

Anna Magkawas’ visionary leadership drives Luxe Slim’s continued rise

Luxe Slim, a proud sponsor of the current iteration of ‘PBB’ airing on GMA Network, found an ideal match in Ashley Ortega—an empowered woman whose journey mirrors the brand’s commitment to confidence, transformation, and inner strength.

Anna Magkawas shared her excitement about the collaboration, saying, “Ashley represents the kind of beauty that comes from within—grounded, strong, and inspiring. We’re proud to have her as part of Luxe Slim. She’s not just an endorser; she’s a symbol of what our brand is all about.”

This very statement reflects the values that have shaped Luxe Slim into what it is today. With a clear vision, tireless passion, and strong leadership, Magkawas has brought Luxe to remarkable heights—building not just a brand, but an advocacy-based movement rooted in the transformative power of beauty, wellness, and purpose.

From launching sought-after innovations to forging meaningful partnerships with different artists, she continues to inspire her team and elevate Luxe Beauty and Wellness Ventures Corp. as one of the most trusted names in the industry.

A shared vision for growth

With Ortega on board, Luxe Beauty and Wellness Ventures Corp. looks forward to reaching more individuals seeking holistic beauty and wellness solutions. 

The brand remains committed to encouraging Filipinos to feel good from the inside out, and Ashley’s presence is expected to spark a deeper connection with a new generation of empowered consumers.

As Magkawas has always been saying, “We are Luxe. We are beauty. We are wellness. And… we’re just getting started.”

Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group Products are AVAILABLE at Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and authorized dealers worldwide! Luxe Slim products available in Watsons.