Janine Gutierrez on carving her own path amid family’s legacy: ‘One day at a time’

Janine Gutierrez. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

It’s common knowledge that Janine Gutierrez comes from a prominent showbiz family, but she confessed that following in their footsteps is not her goal as an actress. She wants to carve her own legacy—one day at a time.

During the press conference for her contract signing with ABS-CBN, Gutierrez said she initially didn’t aspire to become an actress. She didn’t want to be as famous as her relatives either because of the pressure.

“Hindi ko pinangarap na maging kasing-sikat ng mga kamag-anak ko kasi grabe ‘yung [magiging] pressure at intimidation [para sa’kin]. Noong bata ako, ayokong mag-artista kasi feeling ko, hindi ko kayang ma-achieve ‘yung na-achieve ng nanay ko or ng mga lola ko,” she said.

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(I never dreamed of being as famous as my relatives because the pressure and intimidation are too much. When I was young, I didn’t want to become an actress because I felt that I wouldn’t achieve what my mother or grandmothers had done.)

The actress is the daughter of screen veterans Lotlot de Leon and Ramon Christopher. She’s also related to Pilita Corrales, Eddie Gutierrez, Ruffa Gutierrez and Richard Gutierrez, to name a few.

But when she finally decided to enter show biz—which was initially a way of helping her yaya—Gutierrez instead focused on doing a good job and maximizing her potential.

“Ang focus ko lang talaga n’un ay mag-workshop, sipagin sa trabaho, at maging professional. ‘Yun lang talaga ang finocus ko. One day at a time,” she said. “Subukan na galingan sa trabaho at patuloy magsipag at mag-aral.” (I just focused on attending acting workshops, working hard and being professional. One day at a time. I just want to do my job well and be diligent with what I do. And study my craft.)

Yet, despite her success, the actress will always find a way to put her family first.

“Malaking inspirasyon talaga sa’kin ang pamilya. Ate kasi ako eh, so lahat ng desisyon ko, iniisip ko kung paano makatulong sa mga kapatid ko, family. Diba ganyan naman tayong mga Pinoy (My family is my big inspiration. I’m the eldest daughter, so my decisions usually revolve around how I can help my siblings and family. Aren’t we Filipinos like that?)

Earlier this year, Gutierrez made waves for her portrayal of Alexa Salvacion and Mila Dela Cruz in “Dirty Linen.”