Move Over, Mikey Bustos. Or at least make room. There’s another Pinoy YouTube sensation who has gotten their p’s mixed up with their f’s.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Ashley Rivera, the talented Pinay who is responsible for the character Petra Mahalimuyak.

Petra’s tutorials (on various topics like surviving a breakup and getting abs in one minute) have become so popular and well-loved among netizens, thanks to her overconfidence, OA dance moves, and laughable accent.

And now, the pretty and witty girl, who just moved to Las Vegas some years ago, is back in the country. Why? Ashley, who actually was a part of Star Magic before, is about to pursue a show biz career. Viva Entertainment just signed her up, so expect the Petra invasion on the boob tube, the silver screen, and maybe even the airwaves.

Meanwhile, get to know more about Ashley (and Petra) as she reveals her favorite (and not-so-favorite) videos, those she finds funny, and how people have been reacting to her YouTube uploads.

What do you in the US? What is a regular day like for you?

I used to work at a cell phone store as a sales person for almost a year. But I wasn’t enjoying anymore. Now that I have more time on my hands, I can focus on my videos. It actually paid off! Thanks to my latest video!

“How to dance in a club” is currently your most viewed video. Do you agree, or do you think another video should be more viewed than this one?

Honestly, I never thought it was gonna be viral. I wasn’t even putting that much effort in that video. I think my other videos deserve more views, like “How to act in a horror movie,” “How to be a soap opera actress,” and “How to be a beauty queen.”

You name dropped Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera in your “How to act like a singer” video. Who—seriously—are your favorite singers, and why?

I love Susan Boyle! I cried when I first heard her sing. Not kidding! And for a male singer, definitely Adam Levine! Just because he’s oozing with sex appeal.

Who will win in a beauty pageant, Tiffany Madison or Petra Mahalimuyak?

That’s tough. But I think Petra’s a beauty queen. She knows how to be confident with her accent, she can be charming and witty, and she knows how to carry herself.

Would you ever join a beauty pageant?

I would love to! But I’m vertically challenged. I’m only 5’4”. If only I could join Bb. Pilipinas or any beauty pageant, I would do it in a heartbeat!

Which video are you most proud of?

My “No Other Woman” parody because I think I was very much in character portraying the roles of both Anne Curtis and Cristine Reyes. I really enjoy acting and putting my own twist on it by adding some funny lines.

Which video was the most challenging to produce?

It would be my short film entitled “Orange Juice (Oreyndz Juz)” because I had to play four characters at the same time. And I usually film myself, which makes it a lot more challenging. But I’m not complaining because it’s my passion anyway.

Hate comments

What’s the most interesting hate comment that you’ve ever received?

I don’t remember the exact words but it was like “You’re the reason why Filipinos are f****d up. No one cares so stop making videos and stop saying your accent is fake because we know it’s real.” It’s so funny how people can be so ignorant. They act like they know me very well when they don’t even have a clue. I refuse to argue with someone who doesn’t abide by the constructs of logic and  reason.

Who are your favorite actresses?

I like Rachel McAdams. I can’t get enough of her beauty! I personally think she’s a great actress as well. I like Kate Winslet, too. I have so much respect for her.

Has anyone ever told you that you look like Isabel Oli?

Yup. People also say I look like Julia Montes. I think I look like Petra Mahalimuyak. Hahahahaha!

Do you think you’re funny?

Yeah. I think so. But I have to admit, I know I’m super corny sometimes. It’s not even funny anymore.

Who are your favorite comedians?

Rex Navarette is my favorite! I also like Sacha Baron Cohen and Chelsea Handler. But I find Remi Gaillard the most hilarious person on earth! He’s not a comedian but he’s like a jackass but crazier! I love him.

I don’t have the patience to check all your almost 3,000 comments, but I hope you do. What’s been the most interesting comment you’ve ever received?

There’s this person who said “Don’t let other people define who you are. You know yourself more than anyone. Go for your dreams.” It’s short but it made such an impact on me. I feel so inspired reading comments like that.

Most (if not all) of your videos are just one take. Do you ever commit mistakes while shooting? What do you do?

Of course. But I learn from my mistakes. So I keep trying and I keep pushing myself to do better until I get the perfect shot.

How do you feel about all the hits and feedback?

I feel very blessed because it’s really overwhelming to be loved by thousands of people. I love what I’m doing, and I’m never gonna stop entertaining.

Do you have a goal as a “YouTube sensation”? What else do you want to do or achieve?

I just want to make people laugh. That’s the point of being a comedian. I like being happy. Good vibes all the way! I would love to be an actress and be on a TV show or a movie.

Among your videos, what pains you the most to watch?

The “How to dougie” video because that’s my least favorite. I find it corny, to be quite honest. But people liked it, so I guess I’m just being too hard on myself.

Do you have a serious side? How serious can you get, and when?

I think everyone has a serious side. I’ve been through so much but I don’t let any crap get to me. I move on and just laugh about it. Life is too short to take things way too seriously. Like I said in my other video, people should just let go and let God.

Check out Ashley Rivera (and Petra Mahalimuyak) on YouTube by searching for the user “ashleyslips.”

Niño Mark M. Sablan, Contributor, Philippine Daily Inquirer