Ashley Ortega, Marriam of 'Legal Wives,' reveals her kontrabida idols

Ashley Ortega has been getting lots of great feedback for her portrayal of "Marriam," a kontrabida character in primetime drama "Legal Wives."

In an interview with Cata Tibayan on Monday's "24 Oras," Ashley said is happy with the audience response to her performance.

She also revealed that her acting is inspired by her idols Gina Alajar, Cherie Gil, Jaclyn Jose, and Irma Adlawan.

"Talagang kitang-kita mo sa mga mata nila 'yung emotions [You can really see the emotions in their eyes]," she said.

While Ashley gets praises for giving justice to her character, she is also no newbie to getting hate. She appreciates them, though, as it simply shows that she is effective as a kontrabida.

"'Pag wala akong ginagawa, I would read comments tapos I would reply to them. Nag-te-thank you ako sa mga praises nila na magaling akong kontrabida, na effective ako," she said.

["When I'm not doing anything, I would read comments and I would reply to them. I say thank you to their praises that I'm a good antagonist, that I'm effective."]

She also explained why Marriam is a "brat" in "Legal Wives."

"Siguro nadala lang siguro siya sa galit niya sa buhay. 'Di niya lang ma-handle 'yung rejection na natanggap niya from Ismael. Eventually, 'di rin siya na-guide nang maayos ng parents niya."

("Maybe she was just carried away by her anger. She couldn't handle the rejection she got from Ismael. Eventually, she was also not properly guided by her parents.")

Aside from being an actress, Ashley is also a host and a businesswoman. She launched Ashleigh Collection, a sleepwear line inspired by vintage fashion, in October last year.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News