Ashtine Olviga to hold first solo concert in August

Ashtine Olviga, who’s preparing for her first solo concert in August, feels honored by her recent career milestones, as she’s coming into her own as a solo artist.

“I feel honored sa lahat ng natatanggap kong opportunities ngayon, and pressure in a good way kasi tina-trust ako na kaya kong gawin ang ibang bagay (I feel honored with all the opportunities I’m receiving now, and the pressure in a good way because I’m being trusted to do other things),” she said in a media con for her upcoming concert. 

Olviga started her entertainment career as a member of P-pop girl groups UGG, Ppop Generation, and LITZ before transitioning to a solo career. Years later, she experienced a resurgence with her onscreen partnership with Andres Muhlach. 

But this time, the actress-singer is carving a path of her own. “Sanay po ako na nasa girl group palagi, and now na gina-guide ako na gawin on my own, hindi ako makapaniwala. Nakukuha ko ang tiwala sa’kin ng tao para maniwala sa sarili ko,” she said of the seeming shift in her career. 

(I’m used to constantly being in a girl group. I’m guided to do things on my own, and I can’t believe it. I learned how to believe in myself more, thanks to the people around me.)

Olviga admitted that reaching her level of success was a dream that she and her mom had, making it more meaningful for her. 

“I feel really blessed lang talaga because bukod sa projects and endorsements, tine-treasure ko ang love na nare-receive ko kasi ginamit silang instruments ni Lord para maabot ang pangarap ko (I feel really blessed. Aside from the projects and endorsements, I value the love that I’ve been receiving since they’re instruments from God for me to reach my dreams),” she said.

Even though Olviga’s concert is still in pre-production, she shared that a mini-album is currently in the works and that she’s excited to dance again. At the same time, she said that she’s focused on her music career for now. 

“[Going solo is for] growth din, and ma-experience ang iba’t ibang bagay para mag-improve pa. Gusto kong magkaroon ng yearner and bida-kontrabida role, and anything na macha-challenge ako,” she said. “Pero sa ngayon, I’m more focused sa music since I’m trying to write and release a mini-album. Feel ko kailangan ng 100% d’un.”

(Going solo is for my performance growth. I want to experience different things to improve more. I want to have a yearner and bida-kontrabida role. I want to try things that will challenge me. But for now, I’m more focused on music since I’m trying to write and release a mini-album. I need to put my 100% on that.)

Olviga released her solo single “Love Like U” last April, written by hitmaker Thyro Alfaro.

Her concert is scheduled for Aug. 22 at the New Frontier Theater. /ra