In this heartfelt episode of VegasVibes Junction, host Esmeralda Padilla-Gould welcomes the vibrant and multi-talented Ashley Rapuano Sanchez—a Filipino-American actress, musician, filmmaker, and publicist who’s made it her mission to amplify diverse voices in the entertainment industry.
Ashley is a proud member of the AAPI creative community, best known for her work as the bass player of the band Sanalba, co-host of the Tremendous Talk podcast, and Publicity Manager at Tremendous Communications, which champions AAPI talent in media. Her passion for storytelling and cultural celebration resonates across all her artistic endeavors.
Currently starring as Nollie in the groundbreaking Filipino-American TV series Maid to Shine, produced by FilAmTV Network and directed by Giovannie Espiritu, Ashley is helping make history as part of one of the first Filipino TV shows shot in Las Vegas. The show highlights the lives of Filipino casino workers and families in the heart of the entertainment capital.
Ashley’s journey into entertainment began early, inspired by childhood performances and a deep love of comedy and music. Her musical roots trace back to vintage rock influences like the Beach Boys, Michael Jackson, and Led Zeppelin—a sound she now channels into performances with Sanalba and her former band, Take the Skies, whose music features in Maid to Shine.
Beyond performing, Ashley is committed to cultural advocacy. Through her work in publicity and her podcast, she seeks to showcase AAPI voices with honesty, heart, and humor. Notable guests on Tremendous Talk include Vincent Rodriguez III, Josh De La Cruz, and Kelly Marie Tran.
In our conversation, Ashley shared her insights on overcoming rejection, staying grounded, and using her Filipino heritage as a foundation for storytelling—from the way characters speak and eat to how they connect with the world around them. Her ultimate aspiration? To become a showrunner or creative executive shaping powerful, inclusive narratives.
Ashley’s energy, humility, and artistry light up every room she’s in, and her passion for representation continues to drive her forward in all she does.
Where to Find Ashley:
As Esmeralda beautifully puts it, Ashley is a “total package”—creative, kind, and deeply committed to making space for Filipino-American stories on every stage and screen.
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We are Vegas Vibes Junction, we focus on music, pageantry, and live production scenes in the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas. Hosted by Esmeralda Padilla-Gould, singer, tv host, and beauty queen rolled into one.
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