Jessy Mendiola moves on

YOU ACCEPT things as they are, then you move on,” mused Jessy Mendiola, who is now the subject of tabloid stories after she confessed to breaking up with JM de Guzman for the second time.

Jessy said they both decided  on the split because they needed to focus on their respective priorities. She added that they remain friends and continue to communicate.

They first broke up in 2013, shortly before JM was admitted to a drug rehabilitation facility. JM is rumored to be showing signs of drug and alcohol relapse.

The actress said that she chose to be optimistic rather than wallow in depression over the split.

“I tell myself, ‘You are so blessed. Can’t you see that a lot of people love and care about you?’ I’m grateful for my family and friends who help make things bearable,” Jessy told the Inquirer during the “Sexy Starry Night Slumber Party” hosted for her by Avon Philippines. The 22-year-old actress is the endorser of Avon’s newest line of scents, Sheer Passion.

“I think happy girls are the prettiest and the sexiest—that’s from Audrey Hepburn, but I modified it,” said Jessy. “I choose to laugh things off. Everything happens for a reason. I may not know why at this point in time, but I will figure it out eventually.”

The actress added: “When you go through a breakup, you feel as if a big part of you is taken away. You work on regaining it. I choose to focus on my dreams and short-term goals, which are losing weight and buying a new car. They’re small things that help build confidence.”

What is it about you that makes guys go gaga?

Being sexy can be physical—with the way you walk or talk, or how you project with your face or body—but, for me, it’s being comfortable in your own skin. You become sexy when you are confident and are able to share a little of yourself with others.

What specific advocacy do you intend to promote?

I’m all for the promotion of the right of every child to have a good future. I celebrate my birthday every December by visiting different charitable foundations and spending time with children.

With women, I want them to feel empowered—to speak up.  That is why I’m very vocal on certain social issues. I make this known through my social media accounts.

Speaking of strong-willed women, you play one in the indie movie, “Salvage.”

Yes, I play a segment producer in the movie. People come to me if they have problems that need fixing. I want to make a mark through the roles I play. It’s very physical—it required a lot of running. The movie focuses on the search for a news crew that got lost in a mysterious forest. It opened on Nov. 14.

You’ve received negative comments from netizens on your alleged involvement in certain issues. Do you think you’re misunderstood?

I think so—but, I choose not to make a fuss about it. I’ve always been the shy and quiet type.

People aren’t used to me speaking up about an issue, but I don’t sugarcoat. I also get affected by hurtful comments, but answering them is just a waste of time.

([email protected])