Janine Gutierrez is set to unveil a new side of herself as she steps into a more daring and mature role in the upcoming psychological thriller series The Loyalty Game. She stars in the series alongside her real-life boyfriend Jericho Rosales, with the two portraying a married couple.
Having led notable projects such as Dirty Linen, Lavender Fields, and the critically acclaimed film Babae at Baril, Janine shared that the project marks a shift from the more wholesome characters she has portrayed in the past. This time, she is embracing a character that leans into a sexier and bolder persona, something she admits required a deeper level of confidence and preparation.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, she spoke candidly about what audiences can expect with this latest role.
“Oh my gosh, itong the The Loyalty Game, medyo may pagka sexy... So syempre, bilang lumabas ‘yung Esquire, before the shoot, parang feeling ko kailangan ko din talagang maging confident dun sa mga ganoong klase ng eksena na medyo may pagka-sexy,” she shared.
“Medyo matured din ‘yung tema nung show eh so kailangan talaga ‘yung mga eksenang ‘yun for the narrative ng palabas,” she added.
The actress emphasized that while the role may be more provocative, it remains grounded in storytelling. For her, every scene, no matter how daring, must serve a clear purpose.
“Yes... hindi [rin] ako gagawa ng sexy scenes just because. Parang kasali siya dahil may halaga siya sa kwento or meron siyang sine-serve na purpose doon sa kabuuan ng series so it’s always din naman tasteful,” she maintained.
Asked directly about the support of Jericho and her family, she affirmed that both have been fully supportive of her decision to take on more mature roles, reinforcing her confidence as she navigates this new chapter in her career.
Back in March, Janine was named Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Philippines, a recognition that she views beyond physical appearance. For her, being “sexy” is deeply tied to confidence and how one carries themselves in relation to others.
“For me, [sexy is] confidence and ‘yung energy mo kung paano ka makitungo sa ibang tao and how there are people who also make other people feel good about themselves. Feeling ko that’s super sexy kasi it means na komportable ka sa sarili mo and nashe-share mo din yun sa mga tao sa paligid mo.”
She added that true attractiveness is beyond age, appearance, or profession, and instead reflects what a person holds within.
“No matter what you look like, no matter kung how old you are, no matter kung ano ‘yung ginagawa mo sa buhay, it’s really about what’s in your heart and in your mind.”
Joining Janine and Jericho in leading the series is Sofia Andres, further raising anticipation for the show’s ensemble. The Loyalty Game is presented by star Creatives and is set to premiere this July on Prime Video.