Jennylyn Mercado
As we shift to general community quarantine mode today, my QuarantInterview series continues. This time around, I’m putting the spotlight on Jennylyn Mercado.
I’ve always like her “simple pero rock” style. The Kapuso hottie is genuinely warm. Jen is not the type of star who just goes through the motions whenever we chat at show biz functions.
Even if she’s with GMA 7, Jen has been tapped to be the leading lady in many Star Cinema (ABS-CBN’s film production company) movies. That says a lot about her bankability.
Recently, Jen and her beau, Dennis Trillo, joined Maestro Ryan Cayabyab in spreading cheer via “Bayanihan Musikahan.” The couple keeps their passion for music burning through a project they aptly call “CoLove.” That’s bound to last longer than COVID-19. Let there be an epidemic of love, instead.
Here’s my chat with Jen:
How do you and Dennis keep your relationship strong in the time of Covid-19?
We find time to bond with each other, and we switch off social media for an hour or two. During those few hours, we work out or do some sample baking for my business. That quality time is something we both look forward to every day.
What’s the most productive thing you’ve done during quarantine?
I am thankful that I have the privilege to be indoors and pursue my hobbies during the quarantine. One of the things that keeps me busy is baking. I want to master it since it’s been my passion ever since.
What’s your biggest realization during this pandemic?
That no amount of money can replace a life lost. That’s why every moment I spend with my family is a blessing.
What are your plans for your son’s schooling in the time of COVID-19?
Since everything is uncertain at the moment, Jazz is being home-schooled. I teach him using the modules from his school.
How did you explain the pandemic to your son?
Jazz is too young to understand the weight of the consequences of the pandemic. I would rather not alarm him. I play with him so he won’t get bored. I don’t let him use his Ipad too much. We watch educational shows. I’m maximizing our bonding time till I get busy again when work resumes.
Any suggestion on how to keep the TV/movie industry alive amid the pandemic?
It could be years before the industry recovers. Create content for streaming that will give viewers an escape from reality now that they need it the most. We must level up in our storytelling. We have to be competitive with international films online.
What excites and scares you about the “new normal?”
I am excited to see the people I’ve worked with and how we will adapt to the changing times. Everything scares me because it’s a major change. It’s fear of the unknown, but we all just have to conquer it.
Jordan’s wife a no-show in ‘The Last Dance’
To welcome June with some good vibes, let me share parts of the funny Ilonggo phone convo I had with my ever cool “migo,” James Yap.
Me: Tingala ako nga-a waay interview sa “The Last Dance” (“TLD”) ang asawa ni Michael Jordan (MJ). (I wonder why the wife of MJ has no interview in “TLD.”)
James: Kay basi damo nga bayi mag-imon. (Maybe because many girls would get jealous.)
Me: Amo gani. Maski tigulang na si MJ, gurado damo pa bayi maluyag sa iya kay isog siya gihapon. “Last dance” na siya sa NBA, pero “last wife” n’ya ka dugay pa. Subong naka dalawang asawa pa lang si MJ. (That’s right. Even if MJ is old already, for sure many girls would still fall for him because he’s still virile. He had his last dance in NBA, but it’s still a long time before he will have his last wife … he’s had two wives.)
We both had a good laugh. INQ