White Castle Whisky Goes Light' with Charming Ashley Rivera for 2026 Calendar

The brand's new Calendar Girl is a charismatic and comedic GMA Network artist, digital creator, and online and television personality

White Castle Whisky proudly names Ashley Rivera, GMA Network artist, digital creator, and one of the country's most recognizable online and television

personalities, as the 2026 White Castle Whisky Calendar Girl. Known for her charisma, comedic ability, and screen presence, Ashley brings out a more refreshing and comical side to the calendar tradition, in line with White Castle Light Whisky's tagline "Dapat light lang!"

The official unveiling of the White Castle Whisky 2026 Calendar will take place during a special press conference on December 19, 2025 at Rampa Drag Club, Quezon City, 3 to 6 pm.

This moment makes Ashley the newest addition to the iconic line of White Castle models such as Evangeline Pascual, Lora Tolentino, Techie Agbayani, Carmi Martin, Maria Isabel Lopez, Cristina Gonzales, Glydel Mercado, Roxanne Ginoo, Ninong Ry, Sassa Girl, Ria Atayde, Angelie "Pench" Andanar, and more.

This year's calendar aims to showcase a fusion of classic White Castle allure and contemporary Filipino pop culture, with Ashley embodying confidence, charm, and the spirit of today's empowered Filipina, while showcasing her natural wit and humor. Her selection is a testament to White Castle Whisky's brand values of encouraging individuality, authentic expression, and lighthearted enjoyment of the moments in one's life.

"I'm incredibly honored and thrilled," Ashley shares. White Castle Whisky has such an iconic place in Filipino culture. To be chosen as the 2026 calendar girl feels surreal—l've been dreaming about this after being inspired by Tita Carmi Martin, and I can't wait for everyone to see what we created."

A GMA Sparkle Artist, Ashley Rivera attracted fans as a former regular cast member of the longest-running sketch comedy and gag show Bubble Gang, and other shows on the network. Before her career in mainstream TV acting, she was famous on TikTok and YouTube for her comedic persona "Petra Mahalimuyak.*

In 2024, she started her podcast titled Chicks 2 Go, where she hosts with fellow comedian and internet personality Hershey Neri as they talk, joke, and share random relatable stories. In one of the earlier episodes of the said podcast.

Tanduay Enters an ‘Iconic Era’ with Andrea Brillantes as 2026 Calendar Girl

MANILA, Philippines -- Tanduay, the world’s number one rum, unveiled Andrea Brillantes as its 2026 Tanduay Calendar Girl in a glitzy media event held at The Elements at Eton Centris, celebrating not just a new face, but a renewed spirit of confidence, authenticity, and empowerment.

For decades, the Tanduay Calendar Girl has been a yearly highlight in local pop culture and known for merging glamour, artistry, and empowerment. Every calendar has reflected the evolving image of the Filipina: confident, self-assured, and multifaceted.

The 2026 edition, themed “Iconic Era,” continues that tradition while redefining it for a new generation. Instead of focusing on allure, this year’s campaign celebrates individuality and authenticity, which are qualities that both the brand and its newest muse share.

“When I found out, I was honestly shocked. Like, ha? talaga ba?” Andrea recalled, laughing as she took the stage. “Growing up, I’d always see the Tanduay Calendar Girls as these strong, confident, iconic women, so to actually be one now feels surreal. It’s such an honor and definitely a huge milestone for me.”

The Making of an Icon

Brillantes admitted that becoming a Tanduay Calendar Girl required more than physical preparation.

“It really took a lot of preparation, both mentally and physically,” she said. “I had to be disciplined with my meal plans and make sure I felt good inside and out. I also studied each concept with the team because I wanted every photo to show a different side of me.”

Each layout in the 2026 calendar tells a story of growth, power, and transformation. From soft and introspective portraits to bold, fashion-forward imagery, the visuals are meant to reflect Andrea’s evolution and the brand’s message of confidence through self-awareness.

“Being a Tanduay Calendar Girl is about being real and confident,” she explained. “You have to embrace who you are, including your flaws, strengths, everything. Whether I’m soft, strong, playful, or fierce. That’s all me, and I’m proud of that.”

Andrea Brillantes is now stepping into her career with a renewed sense of maturity.

“People have watched me grow up, and now they’re seeing me as a woman,” she said. “I’m more sure of myself, more intentional with the things I do, and more confident to take control of my career. Hindi na siya about proving anything. It’s about enjoying where I am and celebrating how far I’ve come.”

Her new role as Tanduay’s ambassador seems to mirror the brand’s own evolution from a long-standing local distillery to an internationally awarded label that continues to innovate while staying true to its roots.

“I’ve made mistakes, learned from them, and now I know myself better,” she shared. “Mas marunong na akong pumili. Whether it’s people, projects, or where I put my energy. I’ve learned to protect my peace, trust my gut, and stand by my choices. I feel stronger and more grounded now.”

For Andrea, stepping into her Iconic Era means staying true to her core.

“Perhaps, people feel that energy because I try to stay authentic,” she said. “I grow, I

learn, I change, but I stay true to myself. I leave it up to them to see me as I am.”

For Tanduay, this new chapter continues its mission to honor not only beauty but also strength and individuality, which are values that have anchored the brand for more than 170 years.

As the night drew to a close and images from the Iconic Era calendar illuminated the screen, the message was unmistakable: both Tanduay and Andrea Brillantes are embracing change, growth, and authenticity.

A Daring Julia Barretto Is Tanduay’s New Calendar Girl

Tanduay has chosen actress Julia Barretto as its 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl. 

“Tanduay will be celebrating its 170th anniversary in 2024 and we wanted a strong, confident, and hardworking personality to represent the brand. Like Tanduay, Julia has weathered many challenges in her career and has emerged happy and successful,” the brand said in a statement.

The World’s Number 1 rum added that Barretto has a fire in her soul and is not afraid to show the world her truest self. 

“In representing Tanduay, she shows the world that the brand champions courage and empowerment,” Tanduay said.

The 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl was presented to the members of the media at Elements in ETON Centris. According to Tanduay, their creative team worked with the actress’ style team for the upcoming calendar and they tapped top editorial and commercial photographer BJ Pascual to do the shoot.

Barretto is one of the most popular and talented actresses of her generation. She has been in the industry since she was a child, appearing in numerous top-rating television shows and movies throughout her decades-long career.

The actress is also considered a style icon and is one of the most-followed Filipino celebrities on social media, with 11.4 million followers on Instagram as of this writing.

As the 2024 Tanduay Calendar Girl, Barretto is also scheduled to appear in the brand’s promotional events and materials in the coming year.

“2024 is a big year for Tanduay as it celebrates its 170th anniversary. We have lined up activities that will showcase the brand’s evolution, how it captured the hearts of Filipinos, and how it is now also gaining the attention of rum aficionados in the biggest cities in the world. Julia is going to be a part of these major events,” Tanduay said.