ASHLEY RIVERA aka PETRA MAHALIMUYAK Is Your WHITE CASTLE CALENDAR GIRL for 2026

 

I've heard of her a couple years back, but my first personal encounter with her was during an event in San Juan and I was hailing a car to go home with a TV. She was a guest too of the brand and she had to go to another event/go home but she preferred a motor ride through a ride hailing app so she could get there early. Needless to say, I thought celebrities would prefer to have their drivers and car, but she's a cowboy, didn't even mind what people would say. She's beautiful, like a ball of energy, and she's super down to earth. I said, I like her already!

I've covered several calendar girl launches, but this year, White Castle was the last one to actually do it. They've been looking for someone who could fit their brand, someone who could represent them in so many ways, and when the choice was made, I was so happy to hear it was going to be Ashley Rivera aka her alter ego Petra Mahalimuyak.

White Castle's VP for National Sales Brandon Jon Limpe-Aw says "Thank you for being here despite the traffic, rain and all. For the upcoming year, we are going to introduce our 2026 Calendar Girl. After Ninong Ry, Sassa Gurl, Ria Atayde, and more, we want to have the persona of White Castle on social media. We looked for someone humorous, funny and a really great personality. We found her in a podcast, this was also something that she wished for, and we got interested about her. We scanned her social channels, and found out how she aligns with our brand. Cheers!"

He also mentioned why they chose her and said "Her energy is really big, and that's why we chose Ashley Rivera aka "PETRA MAHALIMUYAK". I think the universe really just transpired, and we really wanted Ashley to be our White Castle Calendar Girl for 2026!"

Ashley says "They're right because I really wished for it during a podcast, and there's so many women to choose from. White Castle trusted me and I am so grateful. I will have those life sized photos of me and put them in the lobby of my condo. I would like to dedicate this to my Mom who's here. My Mommy Vicky already has her own followers, I'm glad netizens are also having fun with her on social media. When I found out, I was shocked because it's something that happened before the year ends. When I was chosen, they shared the story board and I was so happy because it's in a ranch, classic, I was speechless when I saw the layout. Let's see because I have so many plans about content we're going to come out with after this launch! Watch out for that!"

Here's some more videos from the launch, particularly her dance number when she went on stage!

Congratulations Ashley! You're gorgeous, funny, so eloquent, and really deserve this recognition! You're one remarkable lady that people should discover even more!

POKWANG Transfers to GMA: Her Shows and Future Plans

Word spread like wildfire last week as news of her transferring networks was being talked about in the grapevine. I love her and her husband, more so when I got the chance to talk to them in different projects over the years. She's no less than Pokwang, I usually call her Ms. Pokie of course. She's very nice, she keeps to it that she always is when she works people and its evident that even if this is a major change, everyone is still supportive of her. That alone is a testament how she's been able to keep friendships tight.

Ms. Pokie says "The process was good, we didn't ruffle feathers. My transition overall was smooth. It wasn't easy though because I've been there for years. I'm an artist and I wanted to do more things. Although we were given a lot of things, we were just too many, so I had to decide. The contract is also 3 years in GMA Artist Center. I've wanted to work with Alden, Rayver, Jennelyn, Dingdong, Dennis Trillo, Marian Rivera, Carla, Aiai, Uge, but I've had the opportunity to work with Michael V recently for Pepito Manaloto, so you'll see that soon."

Asked for what she'll bring in GMA, she says "When I was an OFW, I was a choreographer. Maybe if I'll do things here, I can sing and dance while I'm cooking. I'm a happy Mom, it's not easy I know, but I hope they get to know me as a resilient artist, one who would give smiles no matter what happens. I can't really stop doing my businesses because I have a lot of people that I need to help with regards to that business. I don't want to stop that because they also need that to live, to earn, we need to fight for that."

 

The hardest person she had to say goodbye to was ABSCBN Entertainment Executive Deo Endrinal whom she mentioned during this interview.

She also talks about her business and says "I'll be launching a few new products soon, so I hope people still patronize that. It's not that easy to do this, and of course, but they're really forward thinking, they were open to accept my decision so in a way, they really did support me. Like what I said, I left a mark when they say my name, they know I treat people equally. It's not everyday that you are on top, you have to treat everyone equally and accept them fully. This is my passion, I'm an artist, I still have a lot of things I want to do, I'm a comedian, I'm a businesswoman, my flamboyant character would never go out, I'll still do that when there are huge events. I want to thank the people where I started, ABSCBN, I want to also thank for whatever I have now, the people who supported me and continue to do til now. Thank you. Thank you also to God who protects us, keep us healthy. I'm giving GMA the trust because I see how they take care of their talents, I see them shine, this decision wasn't easy but it's a good one. I had to wake up early, write dedication on all of my products, I get to be part of every customers celebration. I also give messages to people, to give them smiles, to make them happy, it's priceless. I even have to give messages to the sick, encourage them to take the next day. Everything is possible in prayer, it's not just money, but the friendships you keep, even if you end up in other networks, everyone will be your friend if you stay nice. Everyone will be excited to work with you if you do that."

And now, you'll see Ms. Pokie on GMA shows like the "Tekla and Boobay Show", Sarap Diva, Wish Ko Lang on their anniversary special. She will also be in Magpakailanman, All Out Sundays, and regularly on Pepito Manaloto. You'll also be seeing her in other shows soon, so make sure you follow her journey as a new Kapuso.