'Hearts on Ice' stars Xian Lim, Ashley Ortega on working with Olympic ice skater Michael Martinez: 'Meant to be'

When you're thinking of who to cast in the first-ever skating TV series in the Philippines, is there anyone better than Olympic skater Michael Martinez?

Michael, a two-time Olympian, is set to appear on the show, which also stars Xian Lim and Ashley Ortega.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Michael Martinez | Athlete (@mz_viral)

As seen on Lhar Santiago's report on "24 Oras," Xian and Ashley talked about what it's like to work with Michael.

"Never in a million years kong naisip na sa showbiz magkaka-work kami as figure skaters din so, talagang siguro meant to be ba or what? But everything is just worth it," said Ashley.

Xian added, "He was really open to teaching naman giving tips: 'O, Xian, Xian, use the legs more.' Nakakatuwa naman."

"Trained by an Olympian," Ashley said.

"Yes," Xian said, laughing.

Ashley also shared that the skating community is excited about the show, saying, "Finally mabibigyan ng pansin ng mga tao how beautiful our sport is, how difficult it is to train."

According to the "24 Oras" report, the romance drama series also trended on Twitter, and many netizens also praised the unique story and the cinematic look of the series.

Xian also said, "We're very excited kasi we can feel na lahat ng pagod, lahat ng puyat -- nandito na, mapapanood na namin -- 'yung mga twist and turns ng story."

"Parang bawat character aabangan," he added.

Interested viewers can get to know more about Xian and Ashley characters, as well as the rest of the cast, in a recent trailer.

Last December, Ashley and Michael also ice skated together for the fundraiser, "Carols on Ice," to help local talented skaters be able to go abroad for competitions.—Kimberly Tsao/LDF, GMA Integrated News