It’s Janella Salvador’s time to shine

Janella Salvador

The time is ripe for OPM (Original Pinoy Music) “Pop Sweetheart” Janella Salvador to achieve full stardom. That’s why Mother Lily and Roselle Monteverde tapped her to headline Regal Entertainment’s 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Haunted Mansion.” It picks up from where the horror trilogy, “Shake, Rattle & Roll,” leaves off.

In the movie, Janella portrays gifted Ella, who sees dead people around her.

The teen sensation is no longer known just as the daughter of artists Juan Miguel Salvador and Jenine Desiderio; she has already found her niche and carved her name in the biz. Que bella Janella!

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Janella:

What was your spookiest experience?

I personally did not have a spooky experience in the mansion, but as soon as I got inside, it was really creepy! It felt like… someone was watching you.

I’ve heard stories from others about their experiences. According to one of my fellow actors, his assistant saw an old man with a bloody head standing right outside my standby area after I left!

If your house were haunted by the spirit of a famous dead person, who would you want it to be?

I’m a scaredy cat, so if someone haunted me, I’d want it to be someone I want to meet (laughs). So I guess it would have to be Audrey Hepburn! I love her and I’d ask her for tips.

How has your mom and dad’s separation made you stronger?

I honestly have no memory of the actual separation, and I grew up perfectly fine without feeling incomplete. I guess my mom did a pretty good job at being both parents.

In what ways are you like your mom and like your dad?

I am like my parents in terms of musicality. I feel like I’ve had it since I was a baby, because music is such a big part of my life.

My mom, we love to eat a lot. We both love cats…I have 10—we love all animals, actually. And sometimes, my mom and I even share clothes.

How would you describe your relationship with your dad after rekindling ties with him recently?

It wasn’t exactly a big change, but at least I feel like there was an opening. It’s a start.

What things about boys don’t you understand?

I observe people individually, and I’ve never had the chance to actually be with a guy, but… [I] want guys to be gentlemen.

Why should people watch “Haunted Mansion”?

The experience of watching horror movies is a thrilling experience. I’ve seen the very scary parts of our movie. I’m a horror fan. I got my full dose of its scariness. We have a lot of ghosts to show—and each has a story to tell!

Plus, my character here, a bullied person, will inspire a lot of people. I’m proud to say that this is one of Regal’s biggest horror films ever. If that doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what will!

It’s directed by Jun Robles Lana. We all worked so hard on this film, so hopefully everyone will be able to appreciate it.