No ‘English’ reunion–yet

Jennylyn Mercado’s previous MMFF entry “Rosario” was a drama film, but she eventually won for a comedy. JILSON SECKLER TIU

Jennylyn Mercado’s performance in the romance-comedy flick “English Only, Please” was praised by movie critics as “believable,” “endearing” and “natural.” Still, some insist she’s undeserving of the Metro Manila Film Festival best actress award she won last month.

But Jennylyn, still high on that victory and seemingly unperturbed by the issue, told reporters recently that such is the nature of show biz.

Pressure

“You can’t please everyone,” she said at the press conference for her new TV series on GMA 7, “Second Chances.”

“Sanayan lang ’yan (you get used to it),” said the 27-year-old star, adding that the recognition pushes her to strive harder and do better. “Yes, there’s a little bit of pressure.”

In her 10-year career, Jennylyn starred mostly in heavy dramas. She found it interesting that she didn’t get an acting trophy until she dabbled in comedy. She told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, “Comedy is tough—it’s all about delivery and great timing.”

Giggling, she said, “Maybe I should be doing more of this! I wasn’t expecting to win. I was already satisfied that we worked well and came up with a good product.”

Fourth place

“English Only, Please,” whose ticket sales moved at a snail’s pace at the onset of the festival, surged to fourth place after collecting seven trophies, including second best picture, best actor for Derek Ramsay, best director for Dan Villegas, and best screenplay for Antoinette Jadaone and Anj Pessumal.

“It’s heartening to know that people liked our film and my screen partnership with Derek,” said Jennylyn. “It’s good to be able to work with people outside your home network.” Derek is a TV5 talent.

Another one

Jennylyn, who rose to fame after being declared champion of the reality talent search “Starstruck” in 2003, was happy to relate that, within a week of her win, she received two endorsement offers and another movie with Derek. “I can’t reveal details yet,” she said. “But it’s not a sequel of ‘English Only, Please.’”

On top of her regular stints on “Sunday All Stars” and “Sarap with Family,” Jennylyn is set to start rehearsals for a Valentine’s Day show. Her new drama program, “Second Chances,” meanwhile, debuted on Monday, Jan. 12.

In the new primetime soap, Jennylyn plays Lyra Bermudez, whose life turns upside down after losing both her husband and son in an accident. Also in the soap helmed by Laurice Guillen are Raymart Santiago, Camille Prats and Rafael Rosell.

No breather

Jennylyn isn’t getting much of a breather at the start of 2015, and it goes without saying that she doesn’t have much time for romance. That’s why, she said, she is surprised when she hears rumors that she’s been spotted on a date with this or that guy.

“Honestly, it’s not possible for me to squeeze a love life into my schedule—I’m focused on work at the moment,” she said, adding that she does get miffed by the persistent rumors.

There has been talk that she was spotted with Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson in Boracay; and that she has been frequenting her ex-boyfriend Dennis Trillo’s condo unit.

“I get frustrated because they’re not true. I just try to laugh and shrug those issues off,” Jennylyn said.

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