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After taking a break for a couple of months since her last drama series Hearts on Ice, Kapuso star Ashley Ortega is making her comeback in the showbiz industry with another highly anticipated GMA drama series, Pulang Araw.

During her interview on GMA Integrated News' podcast show, Update with Nelson Canlas, Ashley shared some of her experiences regarding her decision to return to television after her break.

The Sparkle star revealed her desire for her next role to be intense and somewhat villainous, which is why she eagerly accepted the role in Pulang Araw as soon as it was proposed.

"Itong next na gusto kong gawin, alam mo 'yung, 'yung grabe 'yung batuhan ng lines. So, sa Pulang Araw, when they told me about that project, umoo ako agad. Kasi, it's a beautiful project, it's a beautiful role," she said.

As it's a challenging drama that tackles the historical times during World War 2, Ashley made sure to prepare for her role as a comfort woman.

"'Yung role ko, medyo, kailangan ko rin kasi siyang timplahin. Kasi, mabigat 'yung pagiging Comfort Women. But, at the same time, ako rin kasi 'yung medyo masama doon. So, kailangan ko timplahin kung paano gawin 'yun. 'Yung nakakaawa na masama or ano," Ashley explained.

As part of her preparation, Ashley visited two former comfort women from the Japanese colonization era. Alongside her co-star Sanya Lopez, they listened to the elders' dark and emotional stories, which further inspired them to portray their roles authentically, paying homage to all former comfort women.

"We're doing this, I'm doing this role for them. Sa lahat ng mga comfort women," she said.

Besides Sanya and Ashley, other famous stars Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Alden Richards, and Dennis Trillo are included in the cast.

Meanwhile, Ashley will be busier in the upcoming months as many projects are set for her this year. One of them is her future activities as part of the new confident women group, Sparkle 10.

Related gallery: The stylish looks of Ashley Ortega