Ashley Ortega to appear in 'Hating Kapatid,' admits initial awkwardness working with Mavy Legaspi

Ahead of her upcoming lead series, "Apoy sa Dugo," Ashley Ortega is set to introduce her character, Angel, through a crossover appearance in "Hating Kapatid."

According to Aubrey Carampel’s report on "24 Oras" Thursday, the Sparkle star will share scenes with her real-life boyfriend, Mavy Legaspi, marking their first time working together on the same project.

"No’ng una, may konting awkwardness. Tapos medyo kinabahan din ako kasi parang ito nga, first time namin magka-work. Pero habang tumatagal naman, nagiging OK na. And of course, working with someone you love, it makes you feel like home," Ashley said.

They also had to shoot a daring scene together.

"Nung magpapalapit na ‘yung mga mukha namin, nag-cut. Sabi namin, 'Direk, sorry. Wait lang.' Hindi kaya magseryoso. Seryoso kasi ‘yung mga lines. Eh sa totoong buhay, nagbibiruan lang kami lagi. So kaya siguro kami natatawa," she said.

Mavy, for his part, expressed excitement about Ashley's guest appearance.

"I’m so happy na siya ’yung napili at siya ’yung nag-guest dito sa ‘Hating Kapatid,’ kasi syempre no need for any chemistry work or whatsoever. At super excited ako kasi makikita ko na ‘yung character niya sa upcoming show niya," he said.

Meanwhile, Ashley also opened up about preparing for "Apoy sa Dugo," where she will portray Angel, a character she described as challenging due to having a mental disorder.

"Kumausap din kaming mga writers ng psychiatrist para malaman namin kung anong klaseng disorder na meron siya para accurate pa rin. Kasi syempre if you talk about mental health, medyo sensitive 'yun lalo na sa mga taong merong gano'n talaga," she said.

"Hating Kapatid" airs Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. while "Apoy Sa Dugo" will begin airing in March.