It’s a big move indeed for someone like Desiderio whose career first took off when she was chosen to be part of the original London cast of the acclaimed Cameron Macintosh musical Miss Saigon in 1989. On the West end stage, she rose from being part of the chorus to lead as she took on the characters of Gigi, Yvette and finally, the most coveted role of Kim in her almost five-year stint in the UK.
While she did shows left and right after she came home from that enriching experience, Desiderio also focused on the affairs of her heart, falling in love and marrying band vocalist Juan Miguel Salvador. The union, which unfortunately did not stand the test of time and loyalty, produced a daughter, named Janella Maxine, now four-years-old.
"There were so many lessons learned the hard way," Desiderio says, adding that the break-up surely made her rethink her priorities. Now, she proudly says that she’s over and done with that tumultuous chapter and ready to move on, both as a single parent and as an artist.
She tried dipping her fingers in movies but the roles she got were mostly forgettable, except last year, when she was offered an important role in Mama San. Desiderio tells us that her experience in doing the film opened her eyes to the many possibilities that might give her more fulfillment as an actress.
"After doing the film, I developed more courage and confidence as an actress. I also realized that as a true artist, one should never limit himself to just portraying the same roles over and over again. That’s why when the lead role in Bangkero came along, I said yes right away," she explains.
She says that she has already psyched her mind in getting a lot of negative and judgmental reactions with her decision of crossing over to sexy roles, but in the end, she tells us that she just doesn’t care. "It’s a job. It’s a role, and I have to be as realistic as I can in order to give life to that role, regardless of what the moralists have to say. I don’t think there’s anything I should regret about because I sincerely believe that it’s not a crime to go sexy. Ang hirap minsan dito sa atin, masyadong judgmental ang mga tao.
She admits that she’s raising her daughter on her own and she also needs to survive. "Mahirap umasa. Sometimes, you have to chart your own course and find your own route to happiness."
Desiderio is happy that Bangkero has established her as a serious sexy actress and she looks forward to more projects after the success of her first big outing. "I like working. I like playing roles. I like the process of creating something out of nothing. I like interpreting songs and giving them feelings," she explains.
When it comes to being a singer, she says that sincerity is a big factor. "You can never fool your audience. They would know if you’re just acting, not only with what you say but with how you interpret a song." Desiderio admits that even if she has already successfully conquered the movie scene, there’s still a special place for singing in her heart.
"That’s where I started. That’s something I know I can do well. I will always be a singer, first and foremost. It opened a lot of doors for me," she says.
Jenine is happy that she’s loaded this coming Valentine’s. She’s singing in her show with crooner Chad Borja at the five-star Island Cove Resort in Cavite tomorrow. Billed as Lovestruck on the Island (A Romantic Rendezvous), the concert will highlight the strengths of the two singers with the island setting serving as a most interesting backdrop.
In the meantime, Desiderio continues to shuttle between her singing engagements and acting, as she divides her time between being a good mother and being a first-rate artist.