“I HAVE five kids to remember them (Aga and John) by; that’s enough.”
I’ve known Janice de Belen since her “Flor de Luna” days. She’s my mom’s other daughter. Janice has not only survived love’s many battles; she has prevailed as well. The Kapamilya star is one of my fave interviewers and interviewees. A one-on-one with her always leaves you with something more. Read on and you’ll see what I mean.
You’re a survivor of love’s many battles. What lessons can you share about moving on?
Things can’t be rushed. Moving on is a process. It can be hard and painful when the loneliness kicks in. Instead of evading it, you should bask in it and cry your heart out until you get really tired of it. Find something productive to do; when you find your worth in other things, your self-esteem comes back.
What do you remember most about Aga and John?
Hahaha! I have five kids to remember them by. I think that’s enough.
Has your definition of love changed through the years?
I have matured; so has my view of love. I used to think love had no ugly aspects. Now I know that getting through the ugly parts determines whether the love you have is worth keeping.
What do you think is the secret of the success of “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” (ABS-CBN teleserye)?
I am happy to be a part of it. I guess it appeals to everyone because it’s about the struggles that families go through.
How do you handle being [caught] in the crossfire while working with Maja and Kim? Are they still at odds with each other?
Initially, there was a little discomfort but, after a while, work went on as it should.
Tell us about your giraffe collection.
Someone gave me a giraffe stuffed toy that was so very cute. Since collecting angels, pigs, etc. was, I figured, already common, I decided to collect giraffes [instead]. I didn’t think my collection would grow this big. Now I have to keep building new shelves just for my giraffes.
Why are you a big fan of (Maroon 5 vocalist) Adam Levine?
OMG! He’s super hot and super cool at the same time! Hahaha! Unfortunately, I had work when he had a meet-and-greet the last time he was here. Sayang! I watched the concert [last year]. I was very close to the stage. Grabe, na-star-struck ako nang bongga (I was very much star-struck)! I tried hard not to show it, but I think a few “I love you Adam” screams came out of me!
What’s the state of your heart right now?
My heart is fine. I think it is at its best!
Do you see yourself getting married again or would you rather stay single? Why or why not?
I’m done with marriage. I used to fear growing old alone… not anymore. I’ve been independent for a long time now. I make my own decisions. I do what I want. Yeah sure, it’s lonely sometimes pero okay lang (but it’s okay) I snap out of it soon enough.
Your career zoomed when you transferred to ABS-CBN. What’s the difference between the Kapuso and Kapamilya networks in the way they take care of their stars?
I will forever be grateful to GMA for taking me in and giving me jobs after my separation [from John]. I was there for 10 years. My move back to ABS-CBN was perfect timing. I wanted a change, and their offer came. I no longer had a daily show and had just finished a series. I think “Budoy” was also a good comeback project. I’m very thankful to ABS-CBN for their faith [in me] and for entrusting me with all of the projects I’m doing now.
We learn from our children sometimes. What have your kids taught you?
[I have learned] to never under estimate their capacity to understand. I am very open with my children about everything; we can talk about anything. I think it works better that way… tell them the truth, no matter what.