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 -- Will Ashley opened up about his close relationship with Mika Salamanca, describing his fellow former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate as his “safe space” as their bond continues to deepen outside the reality show.
During his guest appearance on “Oh My Gan!”, Ashley was asked about Salamanca while discussing his song “Paborito,” one of three tracks he personally wrote for his upcoming eight-song album.
Asked whether Salamanca was on his mind while he was writing the song, Ashley did not directly name its inspiration but acknowledged that it was written for someone important to him.
“Lagi ko naman kasi sinasabi, sinulat ko ’tong song na ito para sa special talaga na tao,” Ashley said.
When asked about his current relationship with Salamanca, Ashley said they are happy and have grown even closer following everything they have experienced together.
“Happy. We’re very happy,” he said.
“Sa dami nang nangyari, yun yung naging way para mas maging close kami. Kasi before pa naman, naiintindihan na talaga namin yung isa’t isa. This year, mas lalong lumalim yung understanding namin sa isa’t isa,” he added.
Will Ashley finds his 'Paborito' in debut single
Ashley eventually described Salamanca as someone he could rely on at any time.
“One call away talaga eh. One call away,” he said, before adding: “Safe space ko si Miks.”
Ashley and Salamanca had already crossed paths before entering the PBB house. According to Ashley, they first met around 2023 during a meeting but did not immediately become friends.
Their interactions became more frequent before PBB as they occasionally found themselves spending time with mutual friends.
It was inside the PBB house, however, where their friendship developed further.
“Simula nung pumasok ng PBB, nagkakausap kami mga first few weeks. Tapos hanggang sa naging magkaibigan kami sa loob ng bahay, hanggang sa paglabas,” Ashley recalled.
Their tandem has since attracted supporters who continue to follow them even after their reality-show stint.
Ashley said he appreciates the people who have stayed behind them despite the challenges they have encountered in the entertainment industry.
“Happy ako na merong mga taong sumusuporta talaga sa amin ni Mika,” he said. “We’re just so happy na makita yung mga taong yun after everything na nangyari. Nandiyan pa rin talaga sila.”
The two also traveled together to Vietnam, a trip Ashley described as tiring but memorable.
“Happy, super happy,” he said.
Ashley revealed that Salamanca booked the trip for a vlog after he had previously mentioned wanting to visit Vietnam.
Mika Salamanca and Will Ashley explore Thailand together
“Before pa, parang nababanggit ko sa kanya na gusto ko pumunta ng Vietnam. Gusto ko ma-try. Kasi hindi pa ako nakapunta ng Vietnam,” he shared.
Ashley, meanwhile, has learned to tune out negative comments surrounding him and the people close to him.
He said he used to read online criticism but eventually realized that paying too much attention to baseless bashing was consuming energy that could be spent on more meaningful things.
“Sayang naman yung energy ko kung ibibigay ko pa dito na ang dami kong dapat pagtuunan ng pansin na mas makabuluhan,” he said.
Ashley said he now focuses on people whose criticism comes with genuine intentions and can help him improve.
The actor-singer is currently promoting “Paborito” and preparing for the September 20 launch of his upcoming album at the SM North EDSA Skydome.