Jaclyn Jose: Family above all else

Because she grew up in a broken family, Jaclyn Jose (real name: Mary Jane Guck) knows how it is to struggle and keep her siblings intact especially in the face of adversity. That’s why as a single mother, Jaclyn works hard to make her two children, Andy and Gwen, feel that they belong to a normal family just like those of their play/schoolmates.

"I grew up in a family where members helped each other unconditionally," said Jaclyn who was born in Angeles City to a Filipino mother and an American serviceman she last saw ages ago. "We had a hard life then and whoever was earning more contributed more to the family coffers."

As a working mother busy with movies and television, Jaclyn often feels guilty about not being home.

"Andy is now in high school while Gwen will soon go to school, too. When Andy was small, she would sulk everytime I left home for work. I would explain to her why mom had to work and be away from home. A few years later, I got so exhausted from constant shooting and taping so I took a break. At that time, Andy was fast growing up. I was staying home at si Andy naman ang palaging wala sa bahay. It was then that I realized how big she had grown! Dati, ako ang walang time sa kanya; and then, siya naman ang parang walang time sa akin. I thought, ‘Hindi ko namalayang lumaki na pala ang anak ko!’ I cried. Imagine, I wasn’t there when she was growing up. I didn’t notice her grow up."

Since then, Jaclyn has been staying home most of the time, putting her family above all else.

"Even to Gwen," said Jaclyn, "I have to explain again and again why Mommy has to work. Young as he is, he understands. They understand me in the same way that I understood why my own Mom had to work hard when we children were small."

Jaclyn makes sure that she’s home before Andy leaves for school.

"I get up one hour before she does no matter how tired I was the night before. I prepare Andy’s baon which I personally cook; inaayos ko rin ang kanyang uniform. Gwen is growing up to be so malikot, so kailangan siya bantayan all the time. Soon, mag-aaral na rin siya."

Her manager, Ed Instrella, said that Jaclyn carries her "maternal" or "big-sister" instincts even to the set.

"Like in Naglalayag (Angora Films’ Manila Filmfest entry)," added Ed.

"On the set, Jane acts like the big sister of Nora (Aunor, the female lead) and the nanay-nanayan of Yul (Servo, the male lead). She treats Iza (Calzado, her co-star in the GMA teleserye Te Amo) the same way."

Would she allow Andy or Gwen to join showbiz when they grow up? (Andy’s father is Mark Gil and Gwen’s father is a member of a band.)

"Why not?" Said Jaclyn. "It’s their choice. Showbiz is a noble job. Pinalalaki ko sila through my showbiz earnings. But then, like all parents, I want them to finish their studies first. That’s the best thing I can give them – education."

A Small World, After All!

Here are interesting trivia contributed by Allure/Entertainment Assistant Editor Ann Montemar-Oriondo (an avid showbiz-watcher), showing that, yes, "it’s a small world after all!"

• When he separated from Alma Moreno, Rudy Fernandez married Lorna Tolentino. When he separated from Alma, Dolphy lived with Zsa Zsa Padilla. Lorna and Zsa Zsa are first cousins (their mothers are sisters).

• When Dayanara Torres came to the Philippines in l994 to crown that year’s Miss Universe, the Philippine representative was Charlene Gonzalez. Dayanara became Aga Muhlach’s girlfriend but later left and married salsa singer Marc Anthony. Aga eventually married Charlene Gonzalez. Coincidentally, Dayanara was the first host of the ABC 5 show, Eezy Dancing. When she left, it was Charlene who replaced her.

• Maricel Soriano was the TV daughter of the late Nida Blanca in the hit show John n’ Marsha. One of Nida’s former flames was Romeo Jalosjos (the congressman now serving time in jail). Romeo’s brother Cesar is the father of Maricel’s son Sebastien.

• Jinggoy Estrada once courted Lani Mercado who eventually married Bong Revilla. Jinggoy and Bong are the sons of actors (Joseph Estrada and Ramon Revilla, respectively) who both became senators, and are now themselves senators-elect.

• During the early ’80s, Sharon Cuneta was a candidate in the Binibining La Salle (Greenhills) contest in which former Regal baby Chatty Ramirez was adjudged the winner. One of the members of the graduating high school class in La Salle that year was Francis Pangilinan, who would become Sharon’s husband.

• Aga Muhlach was once romantically linked to Mikee Cojuangco. Mikee married now Rep. Dudut Jaworski, the ex of Aga’s wife, Charlene Gonzalez.

• Fernando Poe Jr. has a son by former actress Anna Marin who later became the partner of businessman Conrad Leviste (they have since parted ways). Conrad is the twin brother of former Batangas Gov. Tony Leviste, who is the husband of Sen. Loren Legarda, Fernando Poe’s running mate in the last elections.

• Ara Mina’s grandfather, Ismael Mathay was defeated in the last elections by Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte. Ara is Jomari Yllana’s girlfriend. Jomari’s ex, Aiko Melendez, running in Mayor Belmonte’s ticket, topped the race as QC Councilor.

• Kris Aquino almost married Robin Padilla, who had once courted Sharon Cuneta, who was once married to Gabby Concepcion, who was once linked to Kris Aquino.

• Vilma Santos’ former flame was Romeo Vasquez, the father of Liezl Sumilang, the wife of Albert Martinez, whose brother William was once the boyfriend of Maricel Soriano, whose former husband Edu Manzano was also Vilma’s ex.

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