The mother in Jackie Lou

MANILA, Philippines - More than being a passionate actor in movies like Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit, Jackie Lou Blanco is first and foremost a doting mother of three.

“It’s difficult,” describes Jackie Lou of motherhood. “My children have different needs. They need different parenting styles since they are different individuals. However, the joy of being a mom outweighs the difficult times. I love being a mom. And I cannot imagine myself not being one.”

In GMA 7’s Sine Novela presents Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat sa Akin, where the actress was part of the movie version, Jackie Lou still plays a mom but with a mean mien. Her rebellious, spoiled Gladys Andrada character will be essayed by Glaiza de Castro on the small screen. The sine novela will premiere today on GMA 7’s Dramarama sa Hapon.

“I play the mom (of Glaiza),” relates Jackie Lou, also the host of Walang Tulugan. “I have to think of why my character Clara hates the adopted kids and at the same time I draw from my experiences as a mother. Bottom line is Clara waited for this child and when she finally arrived, there were two other children vying for my husband’s attention. The two adopted kids are hindrances for him to see (the goodness in) my daughter.”

Just like in the Viva Films movie, Jackie Lou is expected to deliver a convincing performance.

“What’s good in playing kontrabida is hindi lang ito isang anggulo,” shares the actress. “A person who plays a villain thinks why the person acts that way. It’s important to show you are a kontrabida and why — where the character is coming from. You’re not just bad from the beginning but there are reasons why. You should show the human side.”

“Doing kontrabida roles is physically draining especially when you are angry and do emotional scenes. You have to pace yourself.”

Does being part of the sine novela bring memories of the movie version? Yes, it does, says Jackie Lou.

Kung Aagawin Mo ang Lahat sa Akin was Jackie Lou’s third movie for Viva Films working again with Sharon Cuneta. She says Ricky Davao was only her boyfriend then. It was her first kontrabida role after My Only Love and Friends in Love.

Asked if she had apprehensions when the movie was offered to her, Jackie Lou replies, “I was a bit nervous because the role was something new. But I took it as a challenge.”

In the TV version, there are two adopted children played by Maxene Magalona and Jackie Rice. Maxene is the kind-hearted, diligent Maureen originally played by Sharon. The sine novela remains faithful to the movie as it tells the story of a family divided by jealousy and hatred. Also in the cast are Nonie Buencamino, Emilio Garcia, Lovely Rivero, Patrick Garcia, JC Tiuseco, Joanne Quintas, Rich Asuncion and Jace Flores.

“I’m happy,” says Jackie Lou of the way her career is going. “I started with Sinasamba Kita. Then Magdusa Ka, Babaing Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang came. GMA always gives me good roles. I’m blessed. And God has been very good.”

What’s her take on movie actors crossing over to TV?

“TV is another medium where actors can be actors,” answers Jackie Lou. She is happy people have work given the present scenario of movie making in the country. Jackie Lou hopes that more movies will be made the way it was before.

Although she is busy acting and hosting, Jackie Lou’s priority remains her “family and children. I can’t think of not being with them.”