The thought of being destined for stardom can create a spark that leads to fulfilling that very destiny. This realization might manifest an innate desire of self-expression in a particular field or through exposure to an environment akin to a supernova. It could even parallel a close encounter with it, where the collision of stars illuminates its brilliance. Dare I say, Janella Salvador could just be it. At times, people may not actively pursue a career path. Still, when opportunity knocks, it becomes difficult to resist, enabling it to flow seamlessly into their lives like a river through the Milky Way. Perhaps, in Janella’s case, her birth was a bright burst of light, with her talent shining and making a big impact. From initially pursuing singing to venturing into acting, a star was born.
Janella’s roots have always been intertwined with singing, from performing in front of her nursery class to accompanying her mother, Jenine Desiderio, a theater actress, to various engagements during childhood. It was only a matter of time before the world would see her light; when it did, it couldn’t look away. With her natural charm and talent, she caught the attention of many. She joined a youthful group called ‘Star Magic Glee’ under Star Magic’s wing, seizing further opportunities as they arose, much like the gradual onset of dawn spreading light for everyone to see. A theater enthusiast, Janella sees singing and acting as her dual passions. Her acting journey began with ‘Be Careful with My Heart,’ followed by opportunities like joining ASAP’s ‘IT Girls’ with Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Barretto, and Liza Soberano. After achieving rising success, Janella led her show, ‘Oh My G!’, and appeared in several films and series. Now, she’s set to star alongside international star Win Metawin in ‘Under Parallel Skies’, premiering in the Philippines on April 17.
As she marks a decade in the industry, Janella’s journey has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations. Though her star seemed to dance across the Milky Way, her radiance has never dimmed, shining brightly like a distant constellation in the night.
A STAR CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO GALAXIES
As they say, time is the ultimate truth-teller. However, just like the seasons, it differs occasionally, much like how it can be night in a country while it’s day in other parts of the world. For her, it felt like her age was caught between two galaxies. The timing of her career breakthrough and rise to stardom has immensely influenced her understanding of what is right for her and her contemplating whether she is truly sure about her path. At a young age, entering stardom may feel like bypassing their teenage years due to the constraints imposed by popularity. Once a normal girl freely navigating life on the streets and elsewhere, she found herself caught up in a celestial cycle that requires averted vision to see a clearer picture, feeling crowded and unable to see everything clearly and as it truly is.
“Since I was 14, I think I was mostly unsure. Feeling ko ‘yan yung nafifeel ko noon. Medyo awkward stage, magdadalaga pa lang ako noon. I was unsure of what is happening around me, it was like a big transition in my life from a regular student to suddenly biglang umaarte na ako sa TV, like I didn’t know what was going on, and I was learning so much. Ang daming nagbago sa buhay ko when I was 14. I couldn’t go to certain places anymore without being stopped, although I appreciate it but sobrang nagbago talaga nagugulat ako na may lumalapit sa akin”, Janella shared with Zeen.
Considering the profound impact of the pre and post-pandemic, it can also be paramount to what she’s feeling in her 20s. From significant transitions reminiscent of movements to the need to stay grounded in what she can control, Janella’s experiences have been instrumental in shaping the person she is today, much like celestial bodies navigating their paths through the cosmos.
“We had to somehow adapt, so I feel like that’s where I am at. I am learning so much and I’m also unlearning so much of what was taught to me. Feeling ko my batchmates can relate to this, parang minsan hindi namin alam saan kami lulugar. Parang sino ba yung kasama namin ‘yung older people or should we hangout with the younger generation”, she added.
The opportunity to explore has given Janella the freedom to climb into a new era slowly. Initially comfortable with the familiar landscape of ASAP, she adapted to its previous dynamics. However, upon returning, she confronted a significant shift, realizing that the environment had evolved beyond her comfort level. Interacting with younger individuals has allowed her to glean fresh perspectives, lighting up her radiance even further.
“Narealize ko bakit parang I feel like an outcast, parang wala akong makausap dito? Parang I can’t relate to anyone because if you notice now yung perfomers are mga batch nila Kyle, AC, sina Francine. I love them though– I love the kids, but like I felt like an outcast na parang ‘Oh My Gosh!’ like hindi ako makarelate sa mga nangyayari ngayon. Pero at the same time there’s like also a group of older people who are all together rin na– hindi ko rin naman sila; I mean I love talking to them, I love learning from them pero saan ako lulugar? So doon ko narealize ang awkward din pala talaga ng timing namin, and I guess I just gotta make the most of what I learned from the older generation and try to adapt as much as I can to this generation”, the IT girl explained.
Circling around it, surrounded by stars of different sizes, Janella realized that no matter her brightness, she still needed to adapt to avoid clashing with other stars. This sparked a realization of the importance of embracing openness over maintaining the persona of the past, as it distances one from the untouchable aura. It’s a recognition that artists like Janella are ordinary individuals with their own lives and experiences.
“Siguro ang mga natutunan ko, before kasi the truth is, in the previous era mas nagwowork kapag mysterious ka so okay lang kahit hindi ka masiyado magpost. Mamimiss ka nila and you can just live your life… I was fine. I was doing fine by just doing that before tapos narealize ko na parang hindi na pala pwede ‘yun ngayon. People are looking for visibility since there’s social media right now, people are constantly looking for– parang you have to stay relevant somehow like on social media”, she shared.
As she navigates the complexities of today’s era, maintaining visibility and sharing one’s life poses significant challenges. Nonetheless, Janella shows the importance of openness and vulnerability in fostering authenticity and remaining true to her identity. Despite societal pressures for women to conform to certain standards, Janella remains resolute in her individuality, persistently exploring and asserting her voice while staying grounded.
A SPACE TO EXPLORE
When a star becomes lost, it can only be found by traveling to the center of its own light. In Mandy Moore’s song ‘Only Hope,’ a song Janella used to sing in her youth, there’s a passage that resonates with her journey over the past decade of her career:
Sing to me the song of the stars
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again
Janella’s experience of feeling adrift in the cosmos, while inevitably normal, underscores the journey towards the light, which is a meeting point of self-taught lessons amidst experiencing a dense mass of nothingness – not even a glimmer of light – as it threatens to swallow and place you in a black hole. These may have shaped her journey in the limelight, but it’s important to recognize that her star will continue to radiate even amidst darkness, never fading away.
“How do I still translate to this generation by not changing myself totally? So binalikan ko rin yung roots ko. What are the things that I love? I love to sing, I love to perform, I love jazz music, I love oldies, so I said– I’ve loved oldies ever since teenager pa lang, yun talaga yung pinapakinggan ko. So, sabi ko, why don’t I release music that’s true to what I really like, and at the same time, I’ll be able to let people know who I really am by sharing the things that I like. Doon ako nag decide na okay this is the path I want to go, and I started”.
Her roots are a guiding light, blazing her path and revealing her true direction. Despite occasional frustrations with her passions, the heart always speaks truthfully; it cannot be ignored or left behind. Following the heart’s desires is not just self-discovery but also a journey of healing, reclaiming what once sought to create its own path, even amid conflicting influences.
A STAR SHINING IN HER OWN TERMS
When you’ve been in the eyes of the stargazers for a decade, you learn to protect your light and shine by your own rules. Recently, Janella was embroiled in controversy for her steadfast boundary-setting and affirmation of her right to decline. This resonated with many Filipinos, who often perceive refusal as impolite. Mentioning her voice could have been more optimal, and she chose not to commit to the hosts’ requests, which was a valid decision. It’s puzzling how social media’s response could have done better for Janella. Perhaps she said it in the heat of the moment, intending it as a joke, but it failed to convey as she wished. Nevertheless, is it truly such a cosmic event?
In the glitzy entertainment world, an introverted woman navigates her way, often misunderstood by many. Her energy reflects the depth of the sky, shaped by the experiences gained during her decade-long journey in showbiz. Celebrated as a shining star, she takes on a reimagined journey, confidently and passionately expressing her love for music and her cherished son, much like the unique elements that make up her personal universe.
“My biggest battle would be yung confidence and security like you’re secure with yourself kasi I was put in the industry at a young age. I was prone to all this comparison, parang people really love to pit you against each other lalo na before, actually mas worse pa nga before kasi parang you are taught na it’s a competition, and you have to be the best and like yeah, parang it kind of eats you up like if you have a lot of insecurities”.
Despite the industry’s tough reputation, if there are legitimate reasons for its merits, why settle for something that engenders individual turmoil? While it’s essential to acknowledge the perspectives of older generations, we must also avoid romanticizing them like distant constellations, which, in any case, are not her fault at all. Like many artists before her, Janella’s story highlights the industry’s complexities. For young artists like her, navigating these challenges can be a journey of self-discovery. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not every artist follows the same path, just as not every star shines equally in the universe.
“So parang nung young era na ‘yun, I was learning to discover myself pa lang. Hindi ko pa alam kung sure na gusto ko talaga. Tapos sasabihin nila ‘Uy dapat ganito ka, dapat maging ganyan ka’, like there’s a standard. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to own who I really am, to love myself and that came from experience din experimenting on what I love, the things that I don’t want to happen anymore. The things I cannot tolerate”.
Janella’s journey may have diverged from her past self; she now stands more resolute in her convictions. Once beholden to the expectations of others, she was shaped by the environment in which she grew up. However, as the stars in the night sky remain constant, so are the people who truly love her for who she is.
“Hindi lang siguro ako ganito ka assertive before. Kasi growing up a lot of us were taught to become people pleasers. Parang it’s something many of us had to unlearn, it’s one of my resolutions talaga, I don’t know where it started pero I just realized na I can still love others but at the same time assert my boundaries”.
Looking back on her journey, Janella felt a profound shift within herself, driven by her deep-seated love for music. This realization struck her in a room where the executives were all ears. She keenly acknowledges the transformative power of music in her life and is eager to share its influence with those who will listen to her music.
“I was really firm about it. Music is something na hindi ko kayang tanggalin sa everyday life ko so sabi ko I would love for my music to be out there. Kasi it really affects me eh, it affects my mood. So sabi ko how great would it be if my music would do the same for others like my music would affect others in the same way it affects me”.
Janella’s assertiveness, though sometimes viewed unfavorably, allows her to communicate her boundaries confidently. These boundaries are essential for her self-care, growth, and navigation through life. They also contribute to harmony and equilibrium in her relationships. Despite criticism, the center stage is a platform for empathy and comprehension. Challenging norms should be a constant presence, prioritizing authenticity over conformity. Her core identity should never be sacrificed, even in the face of confrontational situations. Rather than shying away, embracing transparency and establishing boundaries should be championed and integrated into our societal norms.
By living up to it as she should, Janella’s unwavering determination to pursue her music has paid off. She recently released a new era of her music in the form of a jazz-type track called ‘Headtone’. Beyond mere accomplishment, this milestone represents the fruition of her relentless dedication and assertion of her worth and capabilities. As Janella takes the spotlight, it’s as if the stars themselves recognize her remarkable journey and talent, shining even brighter in approval of her unwavering belief in herself. Gradually, the stars have aligned in her favor, not just in a reimagined version, but much shinier on her own terms.
“I feel like by now, a lot of people know na medyo palaban ako, pero aside from being palaban. I feel like what really makes up a strong woman are the moments where she’s vulnerable. I want them to see na tao lang din talaga ako na ang dami ko rin nararamdaman minsan but at the end of the day I just– we’re all just trying to survive. I’m just trying to live my life and inspire people hopefully through the music that I make and know that I have good intentions for it all and know that I’m just here to spread love”, Janella expressed with a smile on her face.
Janella Salvador is starring alongside international star Win Metawin in the upcoming movie ‘Under Parallel Skies’. The movie is set to be shown in Philippine cinemas on April 17. In addition to her movie role, Janella’s recently released music single ‘Headtone’ is now available on all major streaming platforms. To stay updated on all of Janella Salvador’s latest news and content, make sure to follow Zeen Magazine on all of our social media channels.
Interviewed by Editor in Chief | Mark Ghosn
Creative Direction | Mark Elwyn Baccay
Photography | Paul Rana
Words by | Earl Taruc
Multimedia Editor | Yanyan Gervero
BTS | James Calinaya
Videography | ProdAxia
Editorial Assistant | Earl Taruc, Ristichen Condrillon
Hair Stylist | Kiel Otilla
Styled by | Perry Tabora
Archival | Mark Bumgarner
Assisted by | Kris De Leon
Make Up Artist | Cielo Medved
Intern | Arlie Mamaradlo
Special Thanks to CPMP Studio
