Actor-singer Will Ashley interacts with host Ganiel Krishnan on "Oh My Gan" at the ABS-CBN Digital Studios in Quezon City on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Actor Will Ashley is embracing a new chapter in his career as he ventures further into music with an eight-track album that draws heavily from love, personal emotions and his experiences.
In an interview on “Oh My Gan!”, Ashley shared that songwriting has long been one of his dreams, even before his stint inside the “Pinoy Big Brother” house.
“Before PBB pa, parang mga ilang taon ako, 16, 17, nakapagsulat na ako ng song. So parang isa siya sa dream ko talagang gawin,” he said.
It was after PBB, however, that Ashley said he was given the opportunity to seriously pursue music.
“And parang after PBB ako nagkaroon ng chance or opportunity gawin yung music career na yun,” he added.
Ashley described the upcoming album as a project centered largely on love and his current state of happiness.
“Itong album na ‘to, it’s all about love. Love lang talaga eh. Kung ano yung nafe-feel ko at the moment, happy. And naglagay lang ako ng isang song na medyo pang-hugot,” he said.
Will Ashley set to launch first music album in September
The album will contain eight tracks, three of which Ashley wrote himself: “Paborito,” “Sinta,” and “Kasalanan.”
While Ashley usually finds it easier to compose songs based on his own feelings and experiences, he revealed that “Kasalanan” was inspired by a movie he had watched.
“Yun yung first time na nagsulat ako ng song na hindi siya patungkol sa akin,” he said.
Songwriting has also become increasingly natural for the actor. Ashley recalled recently finishing an entire song in just around 15 minutes after lyrics suddenly came to him while lying in bed.
“Nakahiga lang ako sa bed. Tapos naisip ko yung mga words sa utak ko. Tapos sinulat ko siya. Tapos natapos ko siya in 15 minutes,” he recalled.
Ashley admitted that he himself was surprised by his growing ability as a songwriter, having built his career primarily as an actor.
“Hindi naman ’to talaga yung pinaka-work ko dito sa industriya. Acting talaga ako. Pero na-discover ko na lang siya talaga nung two years ago,” he said.
For Ashley, however, acting and music are not entirely different because both allow him to express emotions.
Will Ashley finds his 'Paborito' in debut single
The distinction, he said, is that music gives audiences a glimpse of his genuine feelings, while acting requires him to inhabit someone else’s story.
“Yung totoong emotions ko nalalabas ko sa music. Pero sa acting, nagpo-portray ako ng isang character na hindi ako,” Ashley explained.
He also credited Gian, Maki and Mika Salamanca as among the people who have influenced his musical journey. Ashley said Maki helped him develop the chorus and melody of “Paborito,” which has become one of the key tracks from the project.
The actor is now preparing for his album launch on September 20 at the SM North EDSA Skydome, where he promised audiences a show featuring songs that came “from my heart.”
“Sobrang excited po ako na marinig n’yo itong mga songs na ito kasi it’s from my heart. Sobrang grabe yung collaboration na ginawa namin for this album para mapakinggan ninyo. And I’m sure makaka-relate kayo,” Ashley said.
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Aside from his music, Ashley is also continuing his acting career. He revealed during the interview that he is part of “Amir,” an entry to the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival.
As he marks another birthday on September 17, Ashley said his wish remains simple: good health for his loved ones and more blessings.
“Lagi kong pinagdadasal yung good health. Good health talaga para sa family ko, sa friends ko. Tapos more blessings,” he said.