JANINE Gutierrez. RICHARD REYES
Janine Gutierrez says watching the old movies of her parents, former teenybopper love team Lotlot de Leon and Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez, thrills her.
“Kinikilig ako. I get goosebumps. They were so cute. I saw their romantic comedies like ‘Love Boat (Mahal, Trip Kita)’ on TV,” she says. “I found it funny that they would have a musical number in the middle of the movie. My siblings and I also enjoyed watching ‘Tiyanak.’”
Now that she has followed her parents’ footsteps as a regular on GMA 7’s Sunday variety show, “Party Pilipinas,” she admits that her show biz pedigree can be a source of stress, too.
After all, she has to live up to the achievements of, not only her parents but also those of other famous relatives—from grandmoms Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor to uncles Richard and Raymond Gutierrez.
“I know I’m the only one who’s putting pressure on myself. In fact, all of my relatives are very supportive,” says Janine, who’s 21.
Even her relatives’ fans have been kind, she notes. “The Noranians saw us grow up. They used to visit us when we were little.”
Mom Lotlot, who’s also her manager, made sure that Janine was ready for the biz. “Our deal was that I finish school first,” she recounts.
Last March, she graduated with a degree in European Studies from Ateneo de Manila University. Apart from the diamond earrings that Lotlot gave Janine on graduation day, she also gave her blessing to follow her heart.
Janine’s Mamita Pilita is generous with tips. “I idolize her. I want to emulate the way she handled her career. She works hard, but remains loving to her family,” says Janine.
Being the ate (oldest sister), she can be as nurturing as her mom. “I always remind my sisters Jessica and Maxene and brother Diego to do their homework.”
She says she looks up to her parents. “Even though they’re separated, they always make us feel that the family is still intact. They attend graduations and other school activities together. For them, parenting is about teamwork.”
As for having her own Monching in the future?
“I’m open to being teamed up with anyone. I’ll be fine with whoever the network chooses as my ka-love team,” she says.
“Apart from singing, I’d love to act in rom-coms, too. I love Adam Sandler movies like ‘50 First Dates’ and ‘Just Go With It.’ I’m currently taking acting workshops, along with voice and dance lessons,” she adds.
E-mail: bayanisandiego@hotmail.com