Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) is the longest-running reality show in the Philippines and its current edition—the Celebrity Collab Edition—is an extra special one. Not only is it the 18th edition overall but it is also the third and latest celebrity edition since 2008.
Notably and true to its name, the Celebrity Collab Edition highlights the collaboration between GMA and ABS-CBN, having a cast of housemates from both Star Magic and Sparkle. This edition also makes history as the first season of PBB to air on the Kapuso Network.
With both talent agencies represented on the show, PBB introduced a twist where the housemates will compete as a duo—one Kapuso, one Kapamilya. The duos will take on challenges throughout their stay and will be eliminated week after week until the ultimate duo emerges as the big winner.
One of the Kapuso housemates this edition is Ashley Ortega, who entered the house as the "Independent Tis-Ice Princess ng San Juan." Ashley was initially paired with Ivana Alawi, who was revealed to be just a guest housemate, then was paired with AC Bonifacio.
Unfortunately, Ashley and AC were one of the first batch of duos nominated for the first eviction night and with only 17.25% of votes, became the first duo to be evicted from the edition.
As Ashley is welcomed to the outside world, let's get to know the actress more below.
Who is Ashley Ortega?
1. Ashley Ortega is her professional name
Her real name is Ashleigh Marguerretthe Krystalle Nordstrom Samson. She was born to a Filipino-German mother and a Spanish-Filipino father.
2. She is a Capricorn
Ashley was born in San Fernando, La Union on December 26, 1998. She is 26 years old.
3. She has been in the entertainment industry for 14 years now
Ashley's first TV appearance was for a GMA commercial when she was 12. She eventually transitioned into TV series and films in 2012.
4. She aspires to become an interior designer
She is currently taking up interior design at the SoFA Design Institute.
5. She is in a relationship with Mavy Legaspi
Ashley confirmed their status during an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda. Mavy is one of the hosts of the Celebrity Collab Edition and even became a guest housemate.
6. She is an award-winning actress
She won Best Actress at the 2024 Harlem International Film Festival for her performance in As If It's True, which was part of the 19th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. She also won the Media Excellence in Television Acting at the Laurus Nobilis Media Excellence Awards 2025 for her role in Pulang Araw.
7. She is a professional figure skater
Ashley started figure skating when she was three years old. She went on to compete internationally in Thailand, China, and Malaysia, where she won a total of eight medals. She revealed that she took a break from skating because of its expensive nature and her desire to focus on acting and studying.
8. She is a model
Before entering show business, Ashley worked as a model. She was scouted at Philippine Fashion Week and was invited by GMA to audition. She then starred in her first teleserye, Cielo de Angelina.
9. She is close with her younger sister
She is two years older than her younger sister, Allyzza. Both of them are actually born on the 26th—Ashley in December, Allyzza in March. Ashley once shared that her younger sister knows her best. In fact, Allyzza choreographed a dance for Ashley when she competed in Miss Olive C Campus Model in 2014. And yes, Ashley won!
10. You can follow her on Instagram
Don't miss out on updates from the Sparkle actress by following her on Instagram at @ashleyortega.
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