Keann Johnson (right) with best friend Jane de Leon
In spite of Jane de Leon’s status as an “It Girl,” the actress, who is set to play the latest version of the Pinoy superheroine Darna, still winds up in the “friend zone.”
This is as far as actor Keann Johnson is concerned. Keann, however, stressed that Jane’s isn’t unrequited love at all. It’s just that he and Jane went through a lot together, “from moments at work to the really personal ones, that’s why I can confidently say that what we have is a very platonic relationship,” he declared.
Keann, who played Luke in Dolly Dulu’s romantic film “The Boy Foretold by the Stars,” recently announced on his Facebook account that he got included in the newly formed group of ABS-CBN talents called “Squad Plus.” On the same Facebook post, Keann also thanked Jane, whom he described as his “best friend.” This got their supporters intrigued and began romantically pairing the two.
“We knew each other even before we had managers in the industry. We both started off in modeling. We had the same agency. Out of all the models that we were surrounded with, we clicked. Even our parents love each other. We became best friends ever since,” Keann told Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive Zoom chat. “At that time, we had a mutual friend who was also a manager (Tyrone Escalante). That’s when we agreed to go under the same management.”
Beautiful friendship
Keann further said: “Off camera, I don’t think you can expect us to be together in a romantic relationship. If you’d ask us in person, we’d both go, ‘Ewww,’ but in a good way. Our friendship is so beautiful. I get the reason people think it’s more than that.”
If they weren’t so focused on their respective showbiz careers, would there be a chance for them to date each other? “Work-wise, we also talked about how it would be nice if we’re in a love team because we really have no problem with chemistry. But really, we’re so hooked into our ‘best’ friendship that we don’t see ourselves together in a romantic way. We’re so comfortable with each other. We hang out. We still do sleepovers.” He added: “We love each other so much and we have this special bond. We don’t really want to ruin it. There are so many instances when two best friends decide to get into a relationship but fail to make it work, and they also ruin the bond that they have as best friends. They can’t hang out anymore because they see each other as exes. We’re happy where we are now. Why would we want to ruin it?” Jane announced in a press conference that she is taking a break from love after her heart got broken recently. When we asked for his reaction to the fact that some guy had broken Jane’s heart, the actor replied: “I was there for her 90 percent of the time when she got heartbroken, but not during this recent one. I only found out about it when she was already OK. I kind of regretted not being around this time, so bumabawi ako sa kanya. I’d go to her place, especially after every time I get tested (for COVID-19) and know I’m negative,” Keann recalled.
The actor said he would bring food and play video games with Jane as a form of bonding. “I honestly didn’t know she was going through something. She kept it to herself. I respected that. I told her, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I love you. No guy is ever going to change that. No matter what happens, I will always be here for you as your best friend.’”
Meanwhile, Keann is busy preparing to go inside the bubble for the digital series version of “The Boy Foretold by the Stars.” He and costar Adrian Lindayag will start taping in May.
“It’s going to be a continuation of the movie. The fans were so hooked that they demanded a Part 2 or a series. We’re actors; we aim to please. Because of them, I now have a huge following online. I kind of owe it to them to make sure this project ends with a bang,” explained Keann.
Self-love
He added that while the series will still focus on the love between Luke and Dominic (Adrian), there will also be discussions on family and self-love. “They will also go through so many obstacles related to high school life. Important decisions are going to be made. Every episode is going to hook you and make you watch some more. When I was listening during the story conference, I got goosebumps on so many of the scenes. As they say, ang haba ng buhok ni Dominic! I’m excited to start working on it.”
Keann said new characters will be introduced, too. The digital series will also touch on spirituality, “since people still say homosexuality is a sin.” He said being part of the movie, which premiered at the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival, has changed him in so many aspects.
“It’s given me a better understanding of what it’s like to be a part of the LGBTQI+ community. It has also given me so much blessings. For example, because of this movie I’ve earned a little and was able to provide for my family, especially now that we’re in a tough situation due to the pandemic,” he said. “When it comes to career, it opened so many doors for me. I’m now part of Squad Plus and will be seen in a ‘teleserye’ soon.” INQ