Spotlight on Jane de Leon

Jane de Leon. Image: courtesy of Tyronne Escalante and team

To soar high. To reach for your dreams. To be able to hurdle natural challenges or those man-made challenges that are thrown your way. All of these are no easy feats to accomplish especially if you are a young actress in this rough and tough industry called showbiz. Well, Jane de Leon is no ordinary young actress; she is currently one of the very best her generation has to offer.

Actresses like Jane de Leon come once in a generation and that is exactly why Jane de Leon has to be properly utilized and given the right opportunities to maximize her talents.

Currently, we all know by now the mantle, the throne, and the legend that Jane de Leon has been chosen to bring to life. Probably, the most celebrated, beloved, and heralded hero in local comics, television, and the movies in the Philippines, Darna. For all intents and purposes, Jane de Leon is meant to portray this legendary role because she has all the qualities and traits needed to do so.

Destiny chose her to become the next Darna.

But do we even know anything about Jane de Leon’s humble beginnings in showbiz and her private and personal life? Well, I have the answers here.

I was selected and given access by her manager to conduct this rare and very exclusive one-on-one interview with Jane de Leon:

Below are Jane de Leon’s answers to my questions:

Tell me something about your childhood. What do your parents do? How many siblings do you have? What’s your position among your siblings?

Jane de Leon: I had a normal childhood just like those of my age as I get to enjoy it, especially during my elementary years playing, and going outdoors with my childhood friends and classmates. My parents were both working when I was little. Later on, it was only my mom who used to work and my dad at home took care of us while he attended to his small business on the side. There are only two of us children. I’m the younger one and my brother is the older one.

Who wielded greater influence on you and your siblings, your father or your mother? In what way?

Jane de Leon: I would say both of them because they had, in a way, different parental styles in my growing years. My dad is the disciplinarian. My mom is my “guidance counselor” especially when it comes to my career and love life at present.

How did you mostly spend your free time in your childhood (when you were not in school)?

Jane de Leon: I seldom stayed in the house, hahaha! I would admit that I was kinda extroverted when I was younger. I always loved to be with my childhood friends and play with them outdoors.

What kind of television shows and movies were you exposed to as a child?

Jane de Leon: I love animated and fantasy shows. Also wrestling, hahaha! Those are the kinds of movies and TV shows I used to watch and even until now.

What were some of your childhood wishes or dreams? Can you say that some of those are slowly coming to pass for you now? Which ones?

Jane de Leon: I just dreamt of uplifting our life as a family. Having our own house and car, and travel with my family. I remember… I and my mom used to tell each other whenever we passed by Edsa before that… one day, I will be one of those faces to be seen on those huge billboards. And guess what? This has already happened! I have traveled already. And have my own car and van now. Not the house yet. But that WILL come! Soon, I know!

Who got you into showbiz? Who and what were the circumstances of the moment when you were discovered?

Jane de Leon: It was always my mom who convinced me of joining pageants and model. She was there with me from the very start. Also, it was in one of my modeling stints that I got discovered by a talent scout from the other network before my manager, Tyronne Escalante (chief executive officer and founder at Tyronne Escalante Artist Management), saw me and brought me to Star Magic where my showbiz journey started.

Did you have any expectations or personal standards you had set for yourself when you decided to join showbiz? What are those?

Jane de Leon: Honestly, there was none as I didn’t have any idea yet or experience when I first joined showbiz. But as I went along, I already knew what I wanted. And those are to be able to get to the top also. To be acknowledged and noticed because of my talent, skills and hard work.

How many movies have you been in, thus far? Can you please mention them?

Jane de Leon: All in all, I think around 5. “Guro,” “Ex With Benefits,” “The Debutantes,” “Walwal” and “The Heiress.”

What are the seemingly insurmountable challenges you feel you are currently encountering in this industry and how do overcome them?

Jane de Leon: Challenges? A lot! The pressure, bashers and myself. Me… because I need to push myself more in preparation to become Darna.

Tell me what song quickly comes to your mind that perfectly encapsulates your life’s journey, thus far.

Jane de Leon: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. I can relate to the beautiful lyrics as it also mirrors my life… my journey, especially career-wise.

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