Andres Muhlach and Ashtine Olviga shine in their debut film "Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna," a tender love story that proves young romance still has the power to move us all. I actually agreed to do a cameo as their school principal in "Minamahal" so I could get an interview with the son of my forever idol, Aga Muhlach, and I did!

So here are Andres's top three things about Ashtine in his own words, “Dami kong puedeng sabihin about Ashtin, I actually appreciate a lot about her, but here are the top 3. Top 3 is that I love na wala siyang ka-arte arte sa kahit ano. If Direk Paul or any other director in the past tells her what to do, gagawin niya. If she has to crawl in the mud, hindi ‘yan magrereklamo. Top 2, Ashtin is very hardworking. I have been working with her on our TV series, Mutya ng Section A, and she is never late, even when we have a tight schedule the day before. She is prepared and has memorized her script, and acting-wise, she is really good. Sobrang sarap niya ka-trabaho on and off screen. I guess our chemistry really works because we are going to start shooting season 2 of Mutya ng Section A. And the top 3, her personality. I suppose that is why our love team is thriving: her personality and mine are so similar. We are not opposites because I do not really believe in the saying that opposites attract. When there are too many opposites, you will annoy each other. Ashtine and I are alike. We enjoy doing the same things and eating the same food, especially the dishes our fans prepare for us. By the way, Miss Giselle, thank you for mentioning our fandoms in your last column. I want to give a special shout-out to the fandoms Circle of AshDres, Amigas of AshDres, AshDres After Hours, and, of course, AshDres Officials for all their gifts to me and Ashtine. Thank you po sa pagkain sa set – araw araw meron kaming pa-lechon, pa-coffee, stalls, shaved ice, and sometimes even a buffet spread. Sobrang salamat sa pagmamahal. Minamahal ko kayong lahat. Sana panoorin po ninyo ang movie naming. Showing pa rin siya in some cinemas on its second week. Salamat din po sa mga fandoms that hosted block screenings. Sobrang touched po kami ni Ashtine.”

Of course, I had to watch the movie since I missed the premiere, as I had just arrived from my European trip. As I sat in the cinema watching "Minamahal," I realized that my cameo role as their school principal had tied me to a story bigger than myself. It was a story that reminded me of first loves, first heartbreaks, and the bittersweet innocence of youth. Watching AshDres on screen, I saw not just two young actors, but two hearts learning how to risk, stumble, and rise again. Andres, despite being a first-time leading man in a movie, carried Raffy with sincerity. His occasional awkwardness only made the character more endearing, as though we were witnessing the genuine fumbling of young love. Ashtine, on the other hand, infused Luna with depth and quiet strength. Her performance had a natural maturity that balanced Andres’ raw energy, creating chemistry that felt real rather than rehearsed. Jason Paul Laxamana’s direction deserves credit for allowing silence and stillness to breathe. Not every frame was polished like a postcard — and that was the point. The film felt lived-in, with quiet hallways, cramped dorm rooms, and sunlit paths providing a relatable backdrop for the romance. While the pacing faltered in the middle and a few subplots overstayed their welcome, the final airport sequence made up for it with emotional resonance. Without revealing too much, I can say this: the film bravely admits that love is not always about holding on, but also about knowing when to let go.

Now, the question on everyone’s lips: how did it do at the box office? On opening day alone, by 3 p.m., "Minamahal" had already earned over P2 million across 200 cinemas — a remarkable start for a launching movie. Industry insiders predict that if the momentum continues with block screenings and strong fan support, the film could reach the P40–50 million mark during its run. As of press time, no official announcement has been made about an extension, but with the buzz from AshDres’ fans, I would not be surprised if the film gets at least another week in major cinemas.

Is “Minamahal” perfect? No. Some scenes drag, and specific emotional beats could have been developed further. But what it has is something far more important: heart. The kind of heart that resonates not only with teenagers but with anyone who has ever loved and lost. As I left the theater, some fans recognized me from my cameo and teased, “Ma’am Giselle, ikaw pala yung principal!” I laughed, but deep inside, I was touched. To be part of a film that reminds us — whether we’re 18 or 48 — that every heart deserves to be loved. "Minamahal" is a privilege I will always cherish. Thank you, Viva and Direk Paul, for getting me to work with such a wonderful loveteam.