SOME STARS ARE BORN

Contemplating the prospect of destined stardom ignites a flicker of that very destiny. This realization might manifest as an innate desire to express within a particular field or through exposure to an environment akin to a supernova. It might even parallel a close encounter with it, where the collision of stars exponentially intensifies their brilliance. At times, people may not actively pursue a career path, but when opportunity knocks, it becomes difficult to resist, allowing it to flow seamlessly into their lives like a river through the Milky Way. Perhaps, in the case of Janella Salvador, her birth was like a bright burst of light, with her talent shining and making a big impact. From initially pursuing singing to venturing into acting, a star was indeed born.

Janella Salvador’s roots have always been intertwined with singing, from performing in front of her nursery class to accompanying her mother, Jenine Desiderio, a theater actress and musician, to her various engagements during childhood. It was only a matter of time before the world would see her light; when it did, it couldn’t look away. With her natural charm and talent, she caught the attention of many and joined a youthful group called ‘Star Magic Glee’ under Star Magic’s wing, seizing further opportunities as they arose, much like the gradual onset of dawn spreading light for everyone to see.

A woman who is fond of her love for the theater scene, viewing both singing and acting as gateways to immerse herself in both worlds. Her journey into acting began with the beloved TV show ‘Be Careful with My Heart’, which held sway over Philippine daytime television for years. Opportunities continued to present themselves, such as her involvement in ASAP’s ‘IT Girls’, alongside esteemed artists of her generation like Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Barretto, and Liza Soberano. These women served as pioneers of their generation, shaping the future of women in the Philippine showbiz industry with their influence and unwavering beliefs. As she continues her momentum after the success of ‘Be Careful with My Heart’, she also took the lead in her own show, ‘Oh My G!’, and expanded her horizons into a variety of movies and TV series, such as ‘Darna’, ‘Mallari’, ‘The Killer Bride’, and ‘Born For You’. Now, she’s poised to share the screen with international sensation Win Metawin in her upcoming film ‘Under Parallel Skies’.

Most of the time, I would say I was lucky becuase they gave me good projects. For someone who’s really just beginning, I’m very blessed to have been given those projects. Kasi after Be Careful With My Heart, they gave me Oh My G!– I was already the lead and not everybody gets that opportunity so, as much as wala talaga ako masyadong say kasi nga bata pa lang ako, I was still discovering myself. Medyo feel ko naguide din ako ng tama na, ‘Ah buti medyo maganda rin pala yung projects na nabigay sa akin’, Janella shared.

Marking a decade in the industry, Janella’s journey has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and tribulations. Though her star appeared to rise and fall, her radiance has never dimmed.

A STAR CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO GALAXIES

As they say, time is the ultimate truth-teller. However, just like the seasons, it differs occasionally, much like how it can be night in a country while it’s day in other parts of the world. For her, it felt like her age was caught between two galaxies. The timing of her career breakthrough and rise to stardom has had immense influence on understanding what is right for her and contemplating whether she is truly sure about her path. At a young age, entering stardom may feel like bypassing their teenage years due to the constraints imposed by popularity. Once a normal girl freely navigating life on the streets and elsewhere, she found herself caught up in a celestial cycle that requires averted vision to see a clearer picture, feeling crowded and unable to see everything clearly and as it truly is.

‘Since I was 14, I think I was mostly unsure. Feeling ko ‘yan yung nafifeel ko noon. Medyo awkward stage, magdadalaga pa lang ako noon. I was unsure of what is happening around me, it was like a big transition in my life from a regular student to suddenly biglang umaarte na ako sa TV like I didn’t know what was going on, and I was learning so much. Ang daming nagbago sa buhay ko when I was 14 like I couldnt go to certain places anymore without being stopped, although I appreciate it but like sobrang nagbago talaga like nagugulat ako na may lumalapit sa akin’,

While these significant transitions were akin to celestial movements, allowing her to radiate unapologetically in the industry and attract attention like a shining star, her age at the time played a pivotal role in shaping her worldview and navigating it. Emotions may have posed a concern for her as she matured. Still, beyond that, it’s about how she perceives herself caught between two different epochs—one youthful, the other characterized by growth and gradual change, prompting her to introspect and assess her evolving identity. Consequently, issues surfaced when too many individuals intruded upon her essence, imposing expectations and leaving her feeling adrift in the vast expanse of the Milky Way.

‘My biggest battle would be yung confidence and security like you’re secure with yourself kasi I was put in the industry at a young age. I was prone to all this comparison, parang people really love to pit you against each other lalo na before, actually mas worse pa nga before kasi parang you are taught na it’s a competition, and you have to be the best and like yeah, parang it kind of eats you up like if you have a lot of insecurities’.

Despite the industry’s reputation for being as unforgiving as a black hole, if there are legitimate reasons for its merits, why settle for something that engenders individual turmoil? While it’s essential to acknowledge the perspectives of older generations, we must also avoid romanticizing them like distant constellations. Janella’s narrative, echoing those of countless artists before her, is a poignant reminder of the industry’s complexities. For young artists like Janella, navigating such circumstances can serve as a journey of celestial self-discovery, essential to exploring the depths of a cosmic abyss. However, it’s important to recognize that this path isn’t a guaranteed trajectory for every artist, much like how only some stars shine with the same intensity in the universe.

‘So parang nung era na ‘yun, I was learning to discover myself pa lang. Hindi ko pa alam kung sure na gusto ko talaga. Tapos sasabihin nila ‘Uy dapat ganito ka, dapat maging ganyan ka’, like there’s a standard. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to own who I really am, to love myself and that came from experience din experimenting on what I love, the things that I don’t want to happen anymore. The things I cannot tolerate’. 

Janella’s experience of feeling adrift in the cosmos, while inevitably normal, underscores the journey towards the light, which is a meeting point of self-taught lessons amidst experiencing a dense mass of nothingness – not even a glimmer of light – as it threatens to swallow and place you in a black hole. These may have shaped her journey in the limelight, but it’s important to recognize that her star will continue to radiate even amidst darkness, never fading away.

A SPACE TO EXPLORE

When a star becomes lost, it can only be found by traveling to the center of its own light. In Mandy Moore’s song ‘Only Hope,’ a song Janella used to sing in her youth, there’s a passage that resonates with her journey over the past decade of her career:

Sing to me the song of the stars

Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again

When it feels like my dreams are so far

Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again

It’s a manifestation of Janella’s longing to be in a place where she feels prepared, having gained clarity about her desires as the years go by. Yet, this journey was transformative, particularly during her time as one of the IT girls of ASAP. She grappled constantly to discern what truly suited her while maintaining profound respect for her elders. However, she found their guidance reminiscent of nebulas—enigmatic and illuminated by nearby stars. The catch is that time is ever-changing, with new ways sprouting out, perspectives shifting, and the rise of newer generations causing an interchange in how the world navigates.

Yung batch namin na yun, I feel like we were born in such an awkward time. Where we were taught, because you know how each generation we have to adapt to like different practices, different trends. I feel like we were at the awkward time where were taught the ways of the millennials, the ways of the older generations na you should be like this– this is how a leading lady should be… and then suddenly we were thrown into this Gen-Z era’.

While Janella identifies herself as part of Gen-Z, it’s impossible to overlook how her environment shaped her, akin to being influenced by older generations.

‘We had to like somehow adapt, so I feel like that’s where I am at. I am learning so much and I’m also unlearning so much of what was taught to me. Feeling ko my batchmates can relate to this. Parang minsan hindi namin alam saan kami lulugar, parang sino ba yung kasama namin yung older people or should we hangout with the younger generation’.

The opportunity to explore has given Janella the freedom to transition into a new era. Initially comfortable with the familiar landscape of ASAP, she adapted to its previous dynamics. However, upon returning, she confronted a significant shift, realizing that the environment had evolved beyond her comfort level. Interacting with younger individuals has allowed her to glean fresh perspectives, lighting up her radiance even further.

‘Narealize ko bakit parang I feel like an outcast parang wala akong makausap dito, parang I can’t relate to anyone because if you notice now yung perfomers are mga batch nila Kyle, AC, sina Francine. I love them though– I love the kids, but like i felt like an outcast na parang ‘Oh My Gosh’ like hindi ako makarelate sa mga nangyayari ngayon. Pero at the same time there’s like also a group of older people who are all together rin na– hindi ko rin naman sila; I mean I love talking to them, I love learning from them pero saan ako lulugar? So doon ko narealize ang awkward din pala talaga ng timing namin, and I guess I just gotta make the most of what I learned from the older generation and try to adapt as much as I can to this generation’.

Circling around the galaxy, surrounded by stars of different sizes, Janella realized that no matter her brightness, she still needed to adapt to avoid clashing with other entities in the galaxies. This sparked a realization of the importance of embracing openness over maintaining the enigmatic persona of the past, as it distances one from the untouchable aura. It’s a recognition that artists like Janella are simply ordinary individuals with their own lives and experiences.

Siguro ang mga natutunan ko is, before kasi the truth is, in the previous era mas nagwowork kapag mysterious ka so okay lang kahit hindi ka masiyado magpost. Mamimiss ka nila and you can just live your life… I was fine. I was doing fine by just doing that before tapos narealize ko na parang hindi na pala pwede yun ngayon. People are looking for visibility since there’s social media right now, people are constantly looking for– parang you have to stay relevant somehow like on social media’.

In today’s generation, it can be challenging to be visible and share your life with others. However, Janella demonstrates the importance of being open and vulnerable to bring authenticity and allow herself to be true to her identity. Even though society may expect women to fit into a particular mold, Janella stands firm and continues to explore and find her voice, always staying true to herself.

How do I still translate to this generation by not changing myself totally? So binalikan ko rin yung roots ko. What are the things that I love? I love to sing, I love to perform, I love jazz music, I love oldies, so I said– I’ve loved oldies ever since teenager pa lang, yun talaga yung pinapakinggan ko. So, sabi ko why don’t I release music that’s true to what I really like and at the same time I’ll be able to let people know who I really am by sharing the things that I like. Doon ako nagdecide na okay this is the path I want to go and I started’.

A STAR SHINING IN HER OWN TERMS

‘I feel like this is an era of a more assertive Janella. A Janella who knows exactly what she wants is not afraid to go for it’.

When you’ve been in the eyes of the stargazers for over a decade, you learns to protect your light and shine by your own rules. Recently, Janella was embroiled in controversy from her steadfast boundary-setting and affirmation of her right to decline. This resonated with many Filipinos, who often perceive refusal as impolite. Mentioning her voice could have been more optimal, and she chose not to commit to the hosts’ requests, which was a valid decision. It’s puzzling how social media’s response could have done better for Janella. Perhaps she said it in the heat of the moment, intending it as a joke, but it failed to convey as she wished. Nevertheless, is it truly such a cosmic event?

Like a distant star emitting a unique aura, an introverted woman finds herself amidst the glittering cosmos of the entertainment industry, often misunderstood by many. Her energy resembles the enigmatic beauty of a nebula, shaped by the celestial experiences of her decade-long journey in showbiz. Once hailed as the shining star of her era, she now embarks on a reimagined celestial exploration, confidently charting her course and passionately expressing her love for music and her cherished son, like constellations in her personal universe.

Janella’s journey may have diverged from her past self; she now stands more resolute in her convictions. Once beholden to the expectations of others, she was shaped by the environment in which she grew up. However, as the stars in the night sky remain constant, so too are the people who truly love her for who she is.

Hindi lang siguro ako ganito ka assertive before. Kasi growing up a lot of us were taught to become people pleasers. Parang it’s something many of us had to unlearn, it’s one of my resolutions talaga, I don’t know where it started pero I just realized na I can still love others but at the same time assert my boundaries. 

Looking back on her journey, Janella felt a profound shift within herself, driven by her deep-seated love for music. This realization struck her in a room where the executives were all ears. She keenly acknowledges the transformative power of music in her life and is eager to share its influence with those who will listen to her music.

‘I was really firm about it. Music is something na hindi ko kayang tanggalin sa everyday life ko so sabi ko I would love for my music to be out there. Kasi it really affects me eh, it affects my mood. So sabi ko how great would it be if my music would do the same for others like my music would affect others in the same way it affects me’.

With her assertiveness, often perceived negatively, Janella is not hesitant to express her boundaries. These boundaries are essential for self-care and growth, a path to celestial orbits guiding her journey. They also promote harmony and balance in her interactions.

The center stage, despite its harsh critics, becomes a battleground for empathy and understanding. The collective impact of challenging norms should be a constant presence, valuing authenticity over conformity. One’s essence should never be sacrificed, even amidst confrontational energy. Rather than avoidance, embracing openness and setting boundaries should be celebrated and normalized.

Her assertiveness in pursuing music has led her to stage her first solo concert on April 19. While it may resemble a culmination under different circumstances, the management heeded her preferences and choices, like stars aligning in her favor.

I feel like by now, a lot of people know na medyo palaban ako, pero aside from being palaban. I feel like what really makes up a strong woman are the moments where she’s vulnerable. I want them to see na tao lang din talaga ako na ang dami ko rin nararamdaman minsan but at the end of the day I just– we’re all just trying to survive. Im just trying to live my life and inspire people hopefully through the music that I make and know that I have good intentions for it all and know that I’m just here to spread love.