Being a mother to two-year-old son Jude Trevor, Janella Salvador described motherhood as “the best thing, experience of my life so far.”
“I am happy. It’s nice to see… I have a two-year-old now. It’s nice to see him growing into the person that he is turning out to be,” she said during the finale media conference of the recently-concluded ABS-CBN series Mars Ravelo’s Darna where she played the role of Darna’s nemesis, Regina/Valentina.
“Actually ‘pag Valentina, he doesn’t recognize me. Pero when I play Regina, nakikilala niya ako, ‘Mama.’ Gumaganun siya,” she shared when asked about the reaction of Baby Jude whenever he would see her on screen.
When further queried if she will support Jude if he decides to join showbiz in the future, just like his parents, she answered, “If he wants to. Only if he wants to but I’m not going to push it. But if I see that he has the talent, maybe I will bring him to workshops. But hindi ko ipipilit.”
She also keeps Jude in mind whenever she accepts acting projects. “Actually, pipiliin ko pa rin, of course, yung mga roles. Hindi naman pwede na basta-basta lang na tatanggap lang ako ng tatanggap. It really depends on how the role is portrayed, if there’s redemption or if it is properly portrayed. I want my son to be proud of me like, ‘My mom did this,’ even it is a daring role. I want him to appreciate my craft.”
Portraying Regina/Valentina in Mars Ravelo’s Darna is Janella’s first role after motherhood and it boosted her confidence in her craft. “I’m not sure if it’s because of (me being a) mother or the role is so well-written, but as what I’ve said I’ve really grown as an actress. I have gained more confidence to take on different roles. I loved my craft even more because of this role. I am excited to essay other roles that will give me more challenge.”
The character Regina likewise inspired Janella to “fight for what is right.” She said, “I really look up to her and I really wanna be like her. I really wanna fight for what is right. I wanna be able to have a voice and be the voice of the generation.”
Janella also recalled feeling “discomfort” while taping due to her costume every time she would transform into snake-haired Valentina, who wore a head cap and a blue and green body suit. “My costume kasi hindi nag-flo-flow yung blood ko, especially the head part because I’m wearing a head cap most of the time. So, I’d get chronic headaches all the time. It’s tight (suit). Yung costume nga restricted siya, it’s not stretchy. So, it’s very difficult (to move) and discomfort lang talaga.”
She told the wardrobe team about it, but “they couldn’t do anything about it,” said Janella. “Maybe because of a lot of factors. Maybe they were not that prepared. Maybe that was the cause of the problem. But as an actress, wala na yun sa part ko. As an actress, I just gave my best.”
On her Valentine’s Day plans, Janella said she will celebrate “self-love.” “I will spend time with myself and my son. He is my Valentine.”
Janella and ex-boyfriend Markus Paterson called it quits more than a year ago, but they have maintained a good co-parenting relationship for their son Jude.
“OK naman. We are co-parenting ng maayos. Wala namang problema,” said Janella and added that they follow a “system” as co-parents. “He borrows Jude when he is free but he (Jude) stays with me talaga.”
She is also open to be working with Markus, saying, “Maybe in the future, why not? Yeah.”
The 24-year-old actress is also open to try a new relationship, “Yes, I guess.”