The lead stars of the Filipino adaptation of ‘Fight for My Way’ say they are happy for other pairings as their first series together nears its premiere
Ashtine Olviga and David Licauco are not looking at other popular love teams as rivals as they get ready for the premiere of their first lead series together, the Filipino adaptation of the hit 2017 Korean drama “Fight for My Way,” the pair said at the show’s grand media conference, as reported on Monday and Tuesday, November 2 and 3, 2026.
Olviga, who used to be paired with Andres Muhlach, said competition is not on her mind. “Ako po, I really don’t compete with anyone and happy po ako sa success ng nakukuha ng ibang mga kasamahan namin sa Viva,” she said. “Naniniwala rin po ako na kung para sa kanila ‘yon, ‘yun ang para sa kanila and I have my own din po.”
Licauco, formerly paired with Barbie Forteza, agreed with his new leading lady. “I agree with what she said na ‘yung Viva One, ang galing nilang magpasikat ng mga artista,” he said. “I feel like hindi lang siya sa artista but also sa mga director, production.”
The actress also opened up about dealing with bashers and toxic fans. “Hindi po kasi natin maiiwasan ‘yung mga ganoong klase ng tao so ako po, tina-try ko na i-understand na lang sila,” Olviga said, adding that she does not encourage such behavior. “Kung magiging mabuti tayo sa kapwa natin or magbibigay lang tayo ng smile, ano ba naman yung magbigay ng encouragement kesa i-pull natin yung mga tao pababa?”
Olviga admitted she was intimidated by Licauco at first. “Medyo na-intimidate ako sa kanya noong una kasi tahimik, hindi ngumingiti at all. Pero eventually, lumabas din yung kakulitan niya, yung playfulness niya,” she shared.
“Mahiyain talaga kasi ako and more often than not, I’d rather keep to myself,” Licauco explained, recalling that Olviga told him to smile during their look test. “It made me relax a bit. Pero masakit sa panga ang mag-smile parati,” he said, laughing.
The Kapuso actor also acknowledged the pressure of being compared with Park Seo-joon, who starred in the original. “Because it’s an adaptation and people are bound to compare it with the original,” he said. “But it’s good to feel that kind of pressure cause it pushes you to do better, work harder.”
Directed by Crisanto B. Aquino, “Fight for My Way” also stars McCoy de Leon and Aubrey Caraan. It premieres on Viva One on November 20, with new episodes every Friday.