MANILA, Philippines — After five years of not appearing on TV, actress Jessy Mendiola is slated to return to acting as she recently accepted the offer of ABS-CBN for a teleserye.
She recently met with her Star Magic family, who offered her a new series, “Nobody,” that will mark her TV reunion with Gerald Anderson, whom she previously worked with in “Budoy” (2011), a series about a mentally-challenged boy.
“That should start mid-year,” Jessy said about “Nobody.” “I told my bosses hindi ko kayang pagsabayin because I really value my time with my family. My bosses will give me fair scheduling. I will also be working with RK Bagatsing and JC De Vera.”
Jessy last worked together in the primetime series, “Sandugo” (2019), even before the pandemic.
“I really took a break,” Jessy said. “I think sabi talaga ni Lord, ‘Unahin mo muna ang personal life mo.’ I really needed that. I healed a lot. I’ve grown so much.”
Before that drama starts, Jessy has apparently prepared herself to go on a rigorous campaign trail as she committed herself “one million percent” to support her husband, Luis Manzano, who is running for vice governor in Batangas.
“We are very excited and at the same time, we are very nervous,” Jessy said. “Of course, this is a new world for Luis and I. I know how hard it is. I know how challenging it is. He’s a celebrity. But he’s very generous, very smart. He’s willing to give his heart to everyone. I hope he’ll be given a chance to serve.”
Luis will be running in tandem with his mom, Vilma Santos, who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat anew. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Ryan Christian, will run for representative of Batangas’ sixth district.
Jessy knows her husband really has the potential to become a public servant even before. “There had been a number of people convincing Luis to run even before,” Jessy granted. “But it was only recently that he got convinced to really run.”
Meanwhile, was Jessy was recently renewed as the brand ambassador of Manila Diamond Studio. Her relationship with the company started when she purchased her wedding bands in 2021 for their marital date in Lipa, Batangas.
She also bought her diamond earrings in the same store. “I love jewelry,” Jessy said. “More than bags and shoes, I invest on jewelry. But I go for earrings more.”
She refuses to disclose the cost of her recent purchase, her diamond earrings. “I really worked hard for these,” she said. “This is really my dream since I started working and saving for this.”
Her engagement ring from Luis is admittedly her most expensive jewelry.. “I removed all my jewelry before coming here because I had to change the nappy of the bagets,” she said. “I told her I had to leave after and she gave me her smirk. Marunong na siya.”
Even before she started working, Jessy received her first piece of jewelry from her mom. “It was a bracelet,” she shared. “I cherished it. I wore that every day at school. But that got lost through the years. I bought something like that when I started working.”
She buys responsibly and not just on a whim. While she considers diamonds as investment, the jewelry has more of a sentimental value for Jessy. “All my purchase of diamonds, I really value them,” said Jessy.
“I know I will turn them over to Rosie later on. She has a bracelet and a stud (earrings). For me, I consider that as investment but more importantly, it’s the sentimental value.
“Luis is not really into jewelry, but more into watches. He buys jewelry because he gives them to me. Jewelry appreciates in value. Diamonds have symbolism.”
Jessy spent the Christmas holidays with her family. “From Christmas celebration to New Year’s Eve until the birthday of Tito Ralph Recto (last Jan. 11), we were all together,” she granted. “Now, it’s back to work for all of us.”
She plans to get the elections over and done with before getting pregnant again with her second baby. “As of now, it’s not the right time yet,” Jessy said. “But I really want lots of kids.”
She plans to have three children, hopefully a boy next and another girl. “If the Lord gives us that, that’s great,” Jessy said. “If not, that’s okay, too.”
This early, she can tell that her daughter is a “drama queen,” perhaps taking after the grandma, Vilma.
“Rosie is such a happy baby,” Jessy said of her daughter. “Easy and very malambing. She just turned two last month. ABS-CBN bosses promised me they will be strict with my hours when I start working again.”