Janine Gutierrez has joined the growing roster of exceptional artists under Star Magic, the premier talent management agency of ABS-CBN.
Despite her outstanding legacy in the industry and as a Kapamilya artist, some seem not to have recognized that Janine’s brilliance and charm also shine brightly behind the scenes.
Janine joined a fun hangout session where she responded to prompts drawn from a bowl filled with lighthearted questions and dares.
A line from her character in “Ngayon Kaya”—the 2022 romance-drama film where she starred alongside Kapamilya actor Paulo Avelino—was the first quote Janine recalled when asked about her favorite from a book or film: “Try na lang natin. Kaysa naman ‘pag matanda na tayo, do’n pa tayo mag-iisip na, what if?” For the award-winning actress, there is greater merit in taking a chance and failing than in never taking a risk at all.
Janine’s definition of “sexy” goes beyond its usual physical implications. “Sexy is really [about] being confident and comfortable sa sarili mo,” she said. In her view, it also involves making other people feel at ease in your presence.
The coffee-loving superstar shared a superstition she can’t help but believe in. Every time she receives a pair of shoes as a gift, she gives a peso coin in return—otherwise, the gift giver might “walk away” from her life.
In several prompts, Janine took the opportunity to celebrate the legacy of her grandmother, Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales. The one Pilita song she fondly recalled most was “Ang Pipit.” She even performed a duet of the song with her Mamita in one of her acclaimed concerts.
One of her fondest memories with the late icon was when Pilita would donate her clothes and accessories to her grandchildren. Proud as ever, Janine would wear them on television appearances.
It came as no surprise that the most influential figures in Janine’s life were her Mamita and her mother, Lotlot de Leon. These two inspiring women became her role models in professionalism, serving as her mentors in both life and career. They taught her to love her craft and to value the people she works with.
Living on her own— something Janine considers one of her best decisions —taught her to be more independent and to take better care of herself and her loved ones.
Lastly, she reflected on the choice between loving deeply and being deeply loved. Framed as a “lover or the loved one” situation, she ultimately chose the latter. Janine believes that being deeply loved empowers a person to feel secure enough to love freely, without inhibition or fear. “Kasi alam mo na ‘yung taong ‘yun, mahal na mahal ka, at sinusuportahan ka no matter what,” she said.