In spite of the general observation that she is a beauty queen material, Janine Gutierrez downplays any future possibility that she will end up as one.
“I believe I’m not cut for that,” she avers. “If ever I will join a beauty pageant because the majority thinks that I have a huge potential, but my heart is not really into it, it will be futile. It’s not fair as well to all the candidates who’ve exerted a lot of efforts to make their dream come true. I feel I will just spoil the competition. Ha-ha-ha!
“There are people who are destined to become what they’ve envisioned themselves to be. Just like many of our beauty titlists. They worked and prepared hard just to win the crown. Beauty pageants are definitely prestigious, but as I’ve said earlier, it’s not my cup of tea. What I really want is to be an actress since obviously, acting runs in my blood.”
The daughter of Lotlot de Leon and Ramon Christopher and granddaughter of Nora Aunor, some quarters wonder if she is under pressure due to the public’s high expectations.
“Initially, yes! Who wouldn’t be, right? But fortunately, I’ve learned to embrace it and make it as a motivation instead for me to always give it my best shot. I think that there is always room for improvement. I know that I still have a long way to go in improving my craft.”
Speaking of honing her acting skills, Gutierrez reveals her dream role.
“Actually, I want to breathe life to the role of a killer or hit man on screen. That would be very challenging since I’m always the meek, sweet, kind and girl-next-door type in most of my portrayals. I want to do something offbeat like Angelina Jolie in Girl, Interrupted or something close to my character in the indie film Lila, which is a suspense-horror. That would truly be a welcome change,” says the actress.
As a proof of her growing popularity, she’s a sought-after endorser at present for various products and services like shampoo, bank and clothing line, to name a few.
“I’m really humbled by such blessings. Honestly, it’s my dream to have TVCs or have huge billboards along EDSA. When I wasn’t in showbiz yet, that was something I really wanted to do. I’m overjoyed that it’s happening now.
“It gives me a different high seeing the fulfilment of my cherished dream. Imagine the trust bestowed upon you by advertisers. It’s just elating. The more I get inspired to do my best in my job.”
Same with beauty contests, the charming young actress doesn’t see herself doing sexy pictorials as well.
“I’ve had offers before but I turned them down. I feel I’m not yet ready for it. Of course, I don’t want to end my sentence with a period but at this point, I’m not going to do it. Let’s see in the future,” ends Janine.
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A new travel show will soon air over at ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel). Titled Becoming Filipino, Your Travel Blog, it is hosted by Kyle “Kulas” Jennermann, cited by the Huffington Post as one of the Top 5 Best Male Travel Bloggers in the World. What’s admirable about the 28-year-old Canadian is his immense love for the Philippines.
“I’ve travelled (to) 29 countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America but I was totally smitten by the Philippines’ natural charms. I’ve never been in your country before but once I stepped foot in here, I instantly loved it. I realized its positive side right away.” states Kyle.
What are the things he adore about the Philippines?
“The people! They’re such kind, giving, friendly, hardworking, outgoing, proud and basically happy individuals. I’ve never experienced a culture like the Philippines. It inspires me every single day. There’s also its beautiful natural environment: the beaches, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, etc. It’s also in here where I find smiling is genuine and where giving and sharing are a part of everyday life.”
What can the tele-viewers expect from BFYTB?
“The program will actually feature not just lovely scenic spots but compelling stories of the people whom I meet in my travel. People will know their sentiments and aspirations as well as their unique values and traditions,” says Kyle.