AT 26, Jolina Magdangal is ripe for marriage but she's not yet ready for it.
But it doesn't mean she's loveless. She is, in fact, very much in love with a young lawyer based in New Jersey, USA. The guy works in nearby New York City.
At present, Jolina is neck deep with work as host of "StarStruck" and "SOP" and as the lead star in "Love 2 Love 5."
"High-tech ang love affair namin," she says at the presscon for "Love 2 Love Season 5." "Puro long distance calls and e-mails lang. But happy naman ako."
Meanwhile, "Love 2 Love 5" is another inspiring young love story with two episodes—"True Romance," topbilled by Sunshine Dizon and Antonio Aquitania with Brad Turvey and Jacque Estevez, and"Love Blossoms," starring Jolina, Alfred Vargas and Biboy Ramirez, ably supported by Jake Cuenca, Katarina Perez, Marco Sison, Jan Marini and Gerard Pizaras. Also in the cast of "True Romance" are Railey Valerso, Bettina Carlos, Dino Guevarra, Mariel Rodriguez, with Toni Rose Gayda, Cita Astals and German Moreno.
Two men fight over Jolina
FREEHAND
By Mario Bautista
People's Journal
JOLINA Magdangal is one of the few GMA-7 stars who won as Star best talent competition host but she wasn't there to receive the award personally.
"I have to sympathize with the station," she says. "But I was informed they'll send my trophy to me."
Of course, it's public knowledge now that GMA-7 has deliberately did not participate in the recently-concluded Star Awards for TV.
Meanwhile, in the "Love Blossoms" episode of "Love to Love" that starts this Sunday, she gets two new leading men: Alfred Vargas and Biboy Ramirez. "I play Jasmine, a wedding florist. I dream of having a perfect groom but I'm torn between Biboy, a rich hotel manager, and Alfred, a waiter who's poor but funny and talented. Kasama namin dito sina Katarina Perez, Jack Cuence, Toni Rose Gayda, Cita Astals and Kuya Germs, directed by Gil Tejada."
So how is her new leading men? "Magagaling sila. I'm the most senior among us kaya I noticed intimidated pa sila sa akin, so I have to make them feel na pare-pareho lang kaming artista. So after a while, tulungan na kami talaga para mas mapaganda ang bawat eksena."
Is it true ABS-CBN wants her to do a reunion movie with Marvin Agustin but she rejected it? "No, I accepted it. But what happened was may kundisyon sila. I also have to do a new soap for them, which is hindi puwede because I have a commitment with GMA-7. I can do the movie but not a TV show. E, ang gusto nila, both, so hindi natuloy. In fairness, ang bait sa akin ng GMA because aside from 'Love to Love,' I'm also hosting 'Starstruck' every night at may 'S.O.P.' pa ako kung Sunday that are both topraters."
Jolina's lawyer-boyfriend knows 'how to make me feel good'
Updated 00:37am (Mla time) Oct 28, 2004
By Jocelyn Valle
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page A28 of the October 28, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
JOLINA Magdangal admitted she has found love in a United States-based 30-year-old lawyer who knows "how to make me feel good," but she refused to reveal his identity and how long they have been an item. "I will introduce him to you when he comes home maybe next year," Jolina, speaking in Filipino, told Inquirer Entertainment and two other writers during the press lunch for Channel 7's romantic series, "Love to Love," last Tuesday.
Jolina, who turns 26 on Nov. 6, related that she met her boyfriend through mutual friends a few years ago. She said she wasn't interested when he first courted her.
"We became friends instead," said Jolina. "When he disappeared from my life, I looked for him, and then we became steadies. I've been looking for someone like him who is not intimidated by my show biz status. I used to offer a candle in Baclaran Church for my love life and I believe that he is the answer to my prayers." Jolina said her boyfriend is as tall as Richard Gomez and has a great but subtle sense of humor.
"He knows how to make me feel good," she said. "He only sends me an e-mail once in while but when he does, it's so... wow! "When he was still here, he used to send me food that I craved for, like tapsilog. I also appreciate his positive outlook in life. He encourages me to go into other businesses. "My parents approve of him," Jolina added. "He's very kind to them and to my siblings. I'm also close to his family." The only fly in the ointment is that they are physically apart from each other.
"We really make an effort to make the relationship work," said the young star. "Living in different time zones is tough. We get to talk on the phone usually when I come home late from a taping."
She pointed out, though, that it was too early to tell if they would eventually marry each other, but she stressed that she's so happy with him. "That's why I no longer have a wish for my birthday, except maybe to be ready for the blessings that are still to come my way," he said. "I'm just so thankful and happy."
She said her boyfriend went to New York a couple of years ago to complete his master's studies in public administration at the Columbia University in New York and then he found a job in a law firm there. Prior to that, he obtained his law degree from the University of the Philippines and worked in Malaca¤ang, she added.
"Love to Love" features two continuing stories every Sunday and runs for 13 weeks. The new season's first episode, "True Romance," stars Sunshine Dizon, Antonio Aquitania, Brad Turvey and Jacque Estevez.
The second episode, "Love Blossoms," stars Jolina, Alfred Vargas and Biboy Ramirez. Jolina plays Jasmine, a florist torn between two men. The first is her childhood sweetheart (played by Alfred) and the second is her new suitor (Biboy).
In real life, though, there's only one man in her heart, said Jolina.
Jolina confesses: I’m in love!
By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark
The Philippine Star 10/28/2004
Jolina Magdangal is on Cloud 9. It shows in the way her voice becomes an octave higher when she talks about him. It’s all over her face when it lights up at the mere mention of him and how he makes her feel. Ah, love. It can make even usually sober people like Jolina cover her head in girlish embarrassment while talking about him. Jolina may talk in monosyllables when describing him but it’s obvious the guy deserves her all-out love. He takes Jolina for what she is, not for what she stands for to her fans near and far. "Sometimes, I even have to kid him gently that I am an actress," Jolina laughs. While others feel intimidated, her inspiration, says Jolina, is not. After all, he has his own achievements to speak of. The guy, 30, is a UP law graduate and holds a masters degree in Public Administration from Columbia University. He is now working in New York but plans to come home to the Philippines next year. "When he does," Jolina promises everyone itching to see him, "I’ll introduce him to you." Those who have caught the two dating at Glorietta say the guy is six feet tall and a looker in his own right. Best of all, he is the anchor that steadies Jolina when showbiz intrigues make her want to stop the world in its tracks. "He gives me alternative plans about my life, and so do I," she says. Contrary to common perception, Jolina states a long-distance romance is not difficult, what will all the technology at one’s disposal these days. But Jolina admits sacrifices must be made. For one, the big difference in time zone requires major adjustments. "I get text messages from him during tapings and I text him back in-between taping lulls," reveals Jolina. Thus, she can work in peace, happy in the thought that somebody oceans away is thinking of her. Jolina can’t be any busier these days.
She is in GMA’s Love to Love Season 5 trilogy, which premieres this Sunday, Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. As Jasmine, the florist with romance in her mind all the time, Jolina is caught between two men. The first, her childhood sweetheart (played by Alfred Vargas), is rebellious and passionate. The second is a reliable, predictable hotel manager (Biboy Ramirez). Who will she end up with in Love Blossoms, part of the three stories in the series? "The viewer will know, but not confused, dreamy-eyed Jasmine," Jolina answers. As the most established young star in the cast (the other members are Sunshine Dizon, Brad Turvey, Antonio Aquitania, Dino Guverra, Railey Valeroso, Mariel Rodriguez and Bettinna Carlos), Jolina knows some of her co-workers may feel intimidated towards her. So she makes it a point to make them feel comfortable with her. "I want them to know that all of us are in this together, that they shouldn’t feel uneasy with me," states Jolina. And she does. The other young stars laugh with her, swap stories with her, even off camera. Thus, the mood on the set is always light and easy, conducive to a youth-oriented series like theirs.
Meanwhile, GMA is keeping Jolina on her toes with three shows a week. Jolina hosts StarStruck, whose unpredictable schedule has made her prepare a ready set of wardrobe should someone from the show call anytime and ask her to report on the set. Sundays at noon she has SOP. The latest to join her list of shows is Love to Love. Jolina is not complainng though. If at all, she’s thankful for the blessings pouring her way. "I have nothing to ask for anymore," she replies when asked what her birthday wish on Nov. 6. No wonder she has that unmistakable glow that keeps her looking fresh despite a schedule that takes her from one location shoot to another.
Perfect choice
The network could not have tapped a better host than Jolina Magdangal for StarStruck's second season. Jolens started her career at about the same age as the finalists. "I can relate to what they are going through. I know how nervous they are," she said. "It's harder to make it now than when I was starting. [I did not have to] go through [everything] they have to face now -- and on cam at that!"
But intrigues? Jolens has survived them all. She gamely clarified all the rumors currently hounding her, like the Star Cinema movie she was supposed to do with erstwhile screen partner Marvin Agustin. "I said yes already, but when ABS-CBN said I should also do a telenovela, I backed out," she said. "My hands are full with all my shows on GMA. I owe ABS-CBN a lot, but I am also grateful to GMA for being there when I needed to recharge my career. I have no contract with GMA [but] I'm staying on... although I don't want to burn my bridges with ABS."
She just laughs off rumors that former StarStruck host Nancy Castiglione is mad at her. "It was management's decision for me to host [the program]. I thought I would do only 'StarStruck Kids.' Nancy and I are okay. I'm sure she will soon be given a good project."
Still another intrigue hurled her way involves Fil-Am celebrity Jasmine Trias. "I'm flattered that people say she looks like me," Jolens said. "'Di naman siya nagtaray [she didn't raise a fuss] when asked how she felt about us looking alike. So why should I react negatively?"
Jolens was bombarded with more provocative questions when she faced the press that night, but she remained as effervescent as ever. Nothing can burst her bubble-that's how it is with deserving icons.
ILAN namang issues tung-kol kay Jolina Magdangal ang nabigyan ng linaw sa presscon ng Love to Love 5th season - ang diumano' y pagpapa-face lift daw niya o pagpaparetoke niya ng mukha.
"Hindi po ako nagparetoke ng mukha. Kaya po si-guro nasulat 'yun dahil medyo pumayat ako dahil sa busy schedule ko at na-wala ang maumbok kong cheeks at kaya rin medyo tumangos ang ilong ko," maikling paliwanag ni Jolens.
With regards naman sa kanyang nalalapit na pag-aasawa. Sinabi ni Jolens na pinagbasehan daw siguro ng reporter na sumulat nito ang minsang nasabi niya sa isang interview na mag-a-asawa siya pagsapit niya ng 27 years old at nasa 25 na siya ngayon.
"Malayo pa naman 'yun 'di ba? Pero, totoo 'yun, dream ko ang isang magandang wedding sa lalaking mahal ko," aniya.
At ang tinutukoy na lalaking mahal ni Jolens ay ang kanyang matagal nang boyfriend na nag-aaral ng abogasya sa New York. Na-tanong tuloy namin siya na magpapatuloy pa ba siya sa showbiz after their wedding? Nakangiting sagot ni Jolens, kung mag-decide daw ang kanyang mister to be na sa US na sila manini-rahan, eh, 'di hihinto na si-ya. Pero kung sa Pilipinas daw sila mananatili, babawasan na lang daw niya si-guro ang kanyang trabaho sa showbiz.
By the way, sa Love to Love season 5 ay wedding florist si Jolina sa papel na Jasmine. Kina-career niya ang weddings ng iba. Si Jasmine (Jolens) is a true-blue romantic na nangangarap ng perfect groom ` guwapo, matalino, successful sa trabaho, at in love na in love sa kanya. Love triangle sila rito nina Edward (Biboy Ramirez), ang guwapo at mayamang hotel manager at ang funny at talented na wedding waiter na si Martin (Alfred Vargas).
Napapanood ang Love to Love tuwing Linggo ng hapon pagkatapos ng SOP Gigsters on GMA-7.
BASTA
Nitz Miralles
People's Tonight
Handa si Jolina Magdangal na ipapisil ang pisngi at ipadalirot ang mga mata para patunayang hindi siya nagpalaki ng mga mata at nagpaumbok ng pisngi gaya ng tsismis.
Sa halip na magalit, flattered si Jolina na matsismis na nagpa-beauty enhance. Ang ibig sabihin daw noon ay gumanda siya sa paningin ng tao. Pero, talagang hindi siya nag-undergo ng mga prosesong nabanggit.
Pumayat daw talaga siya at nagkaroon ng talukap ang mga mata dahil bronze ang ginagamit niyang make-up. Ilang buwan na ang tsismis, pero ito pa rin ang itinanong kay Jolina sa presscon ng Love to Love kasama sina Alfred Vargas, Biboy Ramirez, Toni Rose Gayda, Mariz, Marco Sison, Katarina Perez, Jake Cuenca, Cita Astals at German Moreno, sa direksyon ni Gil Tejada.
When Jolina Magdangal’s contract with ABS-CBN expired a year ago, not a few anticipated her to quickly fade away from the limelight. They asked themselves, “Where does she go from ABS-CBN?”
Apparently, the youthful pop icon knew there was going to be life outside of ABS-CBN. Now, she is proving that her decision to seek greener pastures somewhere else was right and she is successfully convincing many of those who believed that her popularity and ABS-CBN were one and the same thing that she has the staying power of a real star wherever she chooses to be and which organization she decides to be part of.
Jolina is very thankful that, after a year and despite all the cynics in the business who continually believed her survival in the business was hinged on the “benevolence” of the country’s largest network, her fans have not abandoned her.
The 25-year old singer/actress recently came back from Japan where she was the country’s official representative at the Japan-Asean Pop Festival held in Yokohoma.
The Japan Foundation office in the country chose the diminutive singer to be the voice of the Philippines at the annual music festival in picturesque Yokohama. No, she didn’t just dish out Filipino songs. She also sang a Japanese inspirational song, in Filipino, of course.
Jolina is incredulous of her good fortune, saying, “I don’t expect a lot from life. I only do my best and try to make everyone happy with what I do as a singer and actress.”
For someone her size, you’d think she’d easily be bent by intrigues, innuendoes and putdowns. She has weathered those and emerged unscathed. Her only fault, perhaps, is she doesn’t engage in a verbal tussle with her critics. She lets them be. “They are entitled to their opinion,” she’ d say, no matter how clichéd the statement would sound. She just doesn’t care.
If there’s anything she would love to talk about it’s her trips abroad. Like her recent trip to New York. “I’ve finally seen snow,” she said, like a child who finally got her wish. “I had a great time but I didn’t stay long as I was already freezing to death.”
She went to the US for a couple of weeks of break after a very hectic schedule that included the Japan trip, shooting for the one-year-in-the-making Annie B., and taping for her top-rating TV drama Narito ang Puso Ko. Add to that the Sunday noontime show S.O.P. in which she shares stellar billing with Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, and Jaya.
And before she left for her brief vacation, she made sure her new album was ready to be shipped to stores nationwide.
Recently, she launched Forever, a fitting addition to her collection of gold, platinum, double, triple, quadruple platinum award-winning albums. The album is the first under the newly established GMA Records — she is also the first artist signed on for the GMA Network Inc. affiliate — and is released nationwide by Warner Music.
According to record executives, the album is doing better than their projection. It’s going to cross the threshold of a gold record in a couple of days more and should be on the way to platinum soon.
But Jolina Magdangal isn’t about to rest on her laurels. After the launch of her album, she is back at work, this time in the movies as the star of Viva Films’ Annie B. The movie—which also stars Dingdong Dantes and Jordan Herrera as her leading men—is Viva’s first offering for the year following the company’s entries to the recent Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) — the glossy family drama Filipinas and the fantasy komiks superhero Captain Barbell, which topped the box office for the duration of the festival.
In Annie B., Jolina plays a salesgirl in an ukay-ukay (used clothing) shop. Her life changes when a talent scout discovers her in a club dancing with friends. She is cast in a TV commercial after which she leaves her ukay-ukay days behind.
Annie B. is an updated version of the ’80s iconic film starring the superstar Nora Aunor, based on the song “Annie Batungbakal” that was originated by the group Hotdog.
Like her predecessor, Jolina showcases her singing, dancing, and comedic skills in playing the role. This will be like an acid test for Jolina who has not been seen in a movie for close to two years. But, already, fans of the talented singer are looking forward to watching the movie when it opens nationwide this month.
Annie B. is a movie that blends all the elements of a musical, comedy, and romance in one exciting and entertaining package.
Jolina says she was excited when Viva Films offered her the chance to star in the movie. “I already miss making movies,” says Jolina. “TV is also exciting, but the experience is different when you make movies.”
Jolina is not an exclusive star of Viva, and neither she is of GMA Network Inc. Says Jun Magdangal, her father who also acts as her business manager, “For now we only consider things as they come. We don’t want Jolina to be tied down to a long-term contract as we have learned from our experiences in the past.”
Whatever the result of Annie B. at the box office will determine the direction of Jolina’s career in the next couple of years. But, Jolina is no longer as queasy as she was, perhaps, five years ago. “She has learned to take things easy,” say people close to her. “Although she worries not for herself but for others, she just wants to make sure that everything is okay because what irritates her most is when people starts throwing the blame on her for the booboos of other people.”
Her co-stars in Annie B. like Gloria Romero, Armando Goyena, Ronaldo Valdez, Amy Austria, Janice de Belen, Sarah Geronimo, Mark Bautista, Iza Calzado, Bobby Andrews, and Mel Martinez as Annie’s gay best friend, have nothing but nice words for Jolina. In essence all they want to say is, “Jolina is such a sweet girl.”
GMA Network snubbed Star Awards due to controversies
Updated 00:03am (Mla time) Oct 28, 2004
By Jocelyn Valle
Inquirer News Service
Editor's Note: Published on page A3-1 of the October 28, 2004 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
GMA Network did not participate in the staging of last Saturday's 18th Star Awards for Television because of the controversies that accompanied last year's proceedings. This was according to the network's publicity head, Jayce Perlas, quoting an official statement. He did not elaborate.
"Although GMA management has decided not to participate in the activities of the award-giving body this year," said Perlas, "GMA Network is not closing its doors on the prospect of joining the PMPC Star Awards in the future."
He made it clear to Inquirer Entertainment in a phone interview last Monday that management did not prohibit its talents from attending the event however.
Vicky Morales, who won best public affairs program host for another winner, "Wish Ko Lang," said she wasn't aware that there was a boycott. "I wasn't able to go because I watched Rico J. Puno's concert at the San Lazaro with my husband," said Vicky. "He's a big fan of Rico's. I was being a dutiful wife."
Producers forewarned
Jolina Magdangal was performing in a private function in Tagaytay, according to her father Jun Magdangal, also her manager. The singer-actress won for best talent search show host, along with Luis Manzano and Jodi Santamaria of Channel 2's "Star Circle Quest."Jolina's father said that he already told the people behind Airtime Marketing, the TV producer of the Star Awards show, weeks ago that Jolina would be booked on the date of the awards night.
But he said that a week before the event, he got a call from PMPC president Julie Bonifacio-Gaspar, inform him about Jolina's nomination and participation in the awards night. "So I asked Airtime what Jolina would do (in the show)," said Jolina's father in a phone interview. "I wanted to know if she would host or do a production number. That's what I always ask those (who want to get my daughter for shows). What is she going to do and with whom? But I was told that Jolina won't do anything."
He said he called Airtime again three days before the awards night to make it clear that Jolina wouldn't go to the event, but he was told that she had to be in the show. "But we had already committed Jolina's services to a private function in Tagaytay so there was no way that she could make it to the awards night," he pointed out.
Same compound
He said Jolina was in a similar situation last month when The Entertainment Press Society Inc staged the First Golden Screen Awards for TV at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo. Jolina was able to attend that awards night because her other engagement was in the same compound, he said.
Jolina on Star Awards non-appearance
ABA
Noel Asiñas
People's Tonight
TOTOO palang in love ngayon si Jolina Magdangal, pero hindi sa dalawang leading men niya sa bagong season ng Love to Love (Love Blossom episode) na sina Alfred Vargas at Biboy Ramirez, kundi sa 30-year-old lawyer mula sa New York City. Pinoy ang lalaki na pumasa sa bar, tapos kumuha ng masters sa Columbian University. Doon na siya nagpa-practice ng law.
"Ayokong magsabi ng pangalan. Kundi man maging sikreto ito, dapat lang na aminin kong my bf ako sa edad ko ngayong 26,"pahayag ni Jolina sa presscon ng Love to Love kahapon.
Bale tatlo na ang shows ni Jolens sa GMA: SOP, Love to Love at StarStruck II. Ang soap niya'y magsisimula sa January pa. Tungkol sa issue ng 'di niya pagpunta sa Star Awards for TV, walang katotohanan na namimili siya ng partner sa production number. Bagkus, sadyang may prior commitment lang siya.
Jolina nagparetoke ng mukha; magpapakasal na kasi?
PROFILE
Butch Roldan
Taliba
ILAN namang issues tung-kol kay Jolina Magdangal ang nabigyan ng linaw sa presscon ng Love to Love 5th season - ang diumano' y pagpapa-face lift daw niya o pagpaparetoke niya ng mukha.
"Hindi po ako nagparetoke ng mukha. Kaya po si-guro nasulat 'yun dahil medyo pumayat ako dahil sa busy schedule ko at na-wala ang maumbok kong cheeks at kaya rin medyo tumangos ang ilong ko," maikling paliwanag ni Jolens.
With regards naman sa kanyang nalalapit na pag-aasawa. Sinabi ni Jolens na pinagbasehan daw siguro ng reporter na sumulat nito ang minsang nasabi niya sa isang interview na mag-a-asawa siya pagsapit niya ng 27 years old at nasa 25 na siya ngayon.
"Malayo pa naman 'yun 'di ba? Pero, totoo 'yun, dream ko ang isang magandang wedding sa lalaking mahal ko," aniya.
At ang tinutukoy na lalaking mahal ni Jolens ay ang kanyang matagal nang boyfriend na nag-aaral ng abogasya sa New York. Na-tanong tuloy namin siya na magpapatuloy pa ba siya sa showbiz after their wedding? Nakangiting sagot ni Jolens, kung mag-decide daw ang kanyang mister to be na sa US na sila manini-rahan, eh, 'di hihinto na si-ya. Pero kung sa Pilipinas daw sila mananatili, babawasan na lang daw niya si-guro ang kanyang trabaho sa showbiz.
By the way, sa Love to Love season 5 ay wedding florist si Jolina sa papel na Jasmine. Kina-career niya ang weddings ng iba. Si Jasmine (Jolens) is a true-blue romantic na nangangarap ng perfect groom ` guwapo, matalino, successful sa trabaho, at in love na in love sa kanya. Love triangle sila rito nina Edward (Biboy Ramirez), ang guwapo at mayamang hotel manager at ang funny at talented na wedding waiter na si Martin (Alfred Vargas).
Napapanood ang Love to Love tuwing Linggo ng hapon pagkatapos ng SOP Gigsters on GMA-7.
Jolina Magdangal, hindi nagparetoke ng mukha!
Ang mukha kaagad ni Jolina Magdangal ang isa sa mga inurirat ng press sa launching ng StarStruck ng GMA 7. Sinipat-sipat ng press ang mukha ni Jolina para suriin kung totoong may ipinaretoke ito.
"Oo nga eh, may tsismis na nagparetoke raw ako, nagpadagdag daw ako. Saan naman nila nakuha `yun? Ano naman ang ipapadagdag ko?
"Wala naman akong gustong ipadagdag at kung meron man, ipabawas siguro, ang pisngi ko."
Sabi nagpa-deep set daw ng mga mata si Jolina para mas mabawasan ang pagiging singkit niya?
"Nagpa-deep-set? Eh, deep-set na nga ang mata ko. Tignan ninyo nga kung may tahi. Wala naman, di ba?" nakangiti niyang sabi.
Hindi rin naiinis si Jolina sa mga nasusulat na kamukha niya ang Fil-Am American Idol Finalist na si Jasmine Trias.
"Bakit naman ako maiinis? Sinabi naman ni Jasmine na she heard so much about me nga raw. Nagsimula kasi `yan noong in-interview ni Marvin (Agustin) si Jasmine and sinabi niya na kamukha raw siya ng dati niyang ka-love team.
"Okey lang `yon. Maiinis siguro ako kung nagtaray si Jasmine. Ang dami-rami ko namang kamukha. At saka walang problema kasi Filipina rin naman siya."
One-Of-A-Kind JOLINA
From kikay to advocate, trust
youth icon Jolina Magdangal
to wear many hats – and
wear these with megawatt charm.
STAR QUALITY
Jolina Magdangal enters the studio in a whirl of color and laughter, greeting everyone with a bright smile and a firm handshake. Apparently, this is how Jolina is all the time – ebullient, cheerful. . .delightfully sincere. How often do you meet a celebrity of her stature – a youth icon, in fact – who remains so unfailingly courteous and down-to-earth that she is easily a novelty in showtown?
After a lengthy conversation with her, one realizes that her optimism and bright outlook in life is no Pollyanna act. Far from being naïve, this young celeb has been through the wringer many times over, as evidenced by her stoic attitude toward the downside of the entertainment world. Surprisingly, however, she seems untouched by it all. At the very least, the multi-awarded singer/actress/entrepreneur is simply too nice to be bad.
Jolina is also as real as they get. She won’t mince words, even for the sake of finesse. But with her megawatt charm, she can get away with . . . mayhem.
This is one girl who embraces life wholeheartedly. “Ganito talaga ako eh, gusto ko laging masaya,” she says. “I like to make people laugh. And when I’m at home, walang arti-artista. I pitch in with the chores, just as my siblings do. I cherish the values taught in my family.”
CLAIM TO FAME
Serendipity played a part in how Jolina strayed into show business. A career in the limelight seemed to have been cut out for her, with Fate casting a benevolent eye on her childhood dream.
Jolina was only 11 years old when her dad came home from work one day and bid her to join the auditions for 14-K, a singing group trained by Ryan Cayabyab. She passed the tryouts and went through her stint with the group much as a child at play would. Then at age 13, Jolina tried out for Ang TV, her key to the showbiz mainstream.
Since then, Jolina has been seen in various TV programs, blockbuster movies and big product endorsements. And after raking in multi-platinum sales for her solo albums, she steadily earned great repute as a famous young star.
Ironic – that was Jolina with her quirky fashion sense and sense of bravura. Little girls started sporting the same eyebrow-length bangs long after the star grew out hers – and wore the same colorful accessories that became her signature.
Quick on the uptake, various NGO’s and government institutions rode on her wholesome image to promote their cause. Jolina was made a spokesperson for the National youth Commission, as she started to lend her considerable influence in numerous charity fund-raisers.
MOMENT OF GLORY
Through her socio-civic work, Jolina is now living out her dream of helping the less fortunate. A political career is not in her agenda. “I’m doing this because I’d love to share what I have with the youth,” she stresses.
And the cosmos has taken notice: Jolina continues to reap success as her karmic award. Her most recent achievement was her hit concert held last March 2003 at the Araneta Coliseum. Hopping over to GMA-7 also proved to be a boon to her career, as she snagged the starring role in the soap opera Narito Ang Puso Ko.
A hobby and craftsmaking venture has also been parlayed into a flourishing business. During tediously long tapings, in fact, Jolina would pass the time by creating bracelets for herself. When friends started asking where she bought the trinkets, she decided to make money out of her pastime. The result: Jolina’s Fashion Gallery. This simple enterprise has since expanded to include other items like toys, including the now-famous “Jolina Dolls”.
HEARD THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
It was always the “I” word. Many times Jolina nearly felt crushed by the vicious rumors. Her growing-up years were marked by run-ins with the nasty movie press, yet these never broke her spirit. Jolina credits her family’s support – and her cheerful disposition – for her survival.
“There were times when I got so hurt I would cry,” she relates. “I’m just in showbiz to work and enjoy. Bakit may kasamang heartache at pagtatraydor ng kaibigan? Ang sabi ni daddy, ‘Pumasok ka dyan ng buo ka, lumabas ka ng buo.’”
His advice has held her up. And Jolina has culled precious lessons from the distressful times. “Dito na ako nagdalaga eh. Dito ko napatunayan na when you’re down, people you didn’t realize cared about you will help pull you up.”
HERE AND NOW
Jolina’s fans are due for a big treat in her latest film outing with Viva Films titled Annie B (Bida Ng Ukay-Ukay, Bongga Siya ‘Day) where she reprises the role of Annie Batungbakal originally portrayed by Nora Aunor.
With the shooting done, Jolina is now able to cast her full attention on her regular hosting chore for the Sunday variety show SOP and for the government show The Working President. There’s also her twice-a-week tapings for her soap drama Narito Ang Puso Ko.
Jolina is undaunted by her killer sked. She finds extra time for work in many foundations she supports, her out-of-town concerts and her creative output for her Fashion Gallery.
FUTURE PERFECT
After more than a blessings-filled decade in the biz, Jolina still dreams big – perhaps bigger than the goals she has achieved. With the kind of drive, the optimism and the bright outlook this young woman possesses, a bigger and brighter future is not far behind.
