AS in any rags-to-riches story, the rags came first. Well, not exactly rags, but Jennylyn certainly knows what it’s like to be helpless, hungry and poor. Like fairy tale heroine Cinderella, Jennylyn Mercado had a childhood that was far from idyllic. When she was three years old, her biological parents separated and she was left in the care of a stepfather when her mother went to work in Dubai.
Jennylyn was on the front page of various broadsheets and tabloids in May 4, 1991 as a battered child who was beaten black-and-blue by her stepfather. Her back was even once burnt with an iron.
Jennylyn’s aunt, "Mommy" Lydia Mercado, legally adopted Jen after these harrowing, traumatic experiences.
As time passed, more miraculous magic that could only have been provided by a caring fairy godmother came Jennylyn’s way. In her early teen years, Jennylyn was already singing in music lounges and appearing in TV commercials and teledramas.
Then came GMA’s StarStruck, which in one night magically transformed this survivor of a difficult childhood into the Ultimate Survivor of a phenomenal artista search. The fairy dust which StarStruck sprinkled on Jennylyn’s career has not only allowed her to have a more comfortable life. She has, more importantly, also become the idol of millions of fans.
As one who continues to dream, believe, and survive, Jennylyn is truly living a fairy tale life. When she was asked how she wants to celebrate her 18th birthday, the popular Jennylyn simply says, "Sana marami pa akong matulungan, at marami pa akong mapasaya."
This simple, practical girl never wanted a big debut. As a matter of fact, she spent her birthday visiting abused children from the Christian Mission Service Philippines (CMSP), distributing gifts and just spending quality time with the children.
Come May 30, however, whether she wants it or not, MAQ Productions and SM Megamall Cinema are throwing Jennylyn what has to be the Philippines’ first ever movie premiere and birthday debut. For starters, she’ll wear a dress created exclusively for her by fashion genius Rajo Laurel.
It is a dreamy, creamy dress that’s fit for a Disney Princess, a long-sleeved ball gown with cloud-like patterns covering the skirt. "Jennylyn has a figure which most girls wish they had," says Rajo, "so the dress I’m designing for her will not have to distract from any flaws. Rather, it will complement her already flawless figure and complete the princess motif."
Debonaire Mark Herras, Jennylyn’s real-life beau and leading man in Say That You Love Me, will escort his lovely leading lady on her very special evening, together with other handsome young guys from Jennylyn’s family, StarStruck, GMA Network, and Regal Films. Confirmed to participate in the traditional 18 Roses Dance are the following: Vincent Pineda (Jennylyn’s father), Rainier Castillo, Jake Cuenca, Tyrone Perez, Bearwin Meily, Benj Pacia, Dion Ignacio, Christian Esteban, Anton dela Paz, Alvin Aragon, Kirby de Jesus, Kevin Santos, Ken Punzalan, JayR, James Blanco, John Prats, Marco Alcaraz, Dennis Trillo, and Mark Herras.
Well wishers will include Say That You Love Me director Mac Alejandre and producer Roselle Monteverde-Teo. High-ranking executives from GMA Network, including Annette Gozon-Abrogar, Jimmy Duavit, Ida Henares, Marivin Arayata, Lilybeth Rasonable, Reggie Acuña-Magno, Bang Arespacochaga, Darling de Jesus, and lawyer Felix Gozon have confirmed their participation.
Angel Locsin, Lolit Solis, Jeff Paulino, Becky Aguila, Jennylyn’s "Mommy" Lydia Mercado and "Mother" Lily Monteverde will also grace the event.
Three hundred guards will add even more pomp to the glittery affair, which will climax with the premiere of Say That You Love Me in cinemas 3 & 4. Cinema 3 will be for the stars, staff, and special invited guests, while cinema 4 will host sneak preview ticket-holders. A sumptuous dinner will also be prepared for invited guests.
For those who can’t be present at this once-in-a-lifetime event, the giant plasma screen hanging from the EDSA façe of SM Megamall will allow commuters and passers-by to see the celebration. There will also be a live feed to GMA’s top-rating news program 24 Oras that will allow TV viewers to witness the revelry from the comforts of their living rooms. Award-winning production designer Edgar Martin "Egay" Littaua will put his unmistakable stamp on the glittery, flowery affair, which will begin at the Julia Vargas entrance to Megamall Building A and wind its way to cinemas 3 & 4.
And how much will all this cost? Insiders won’t give exact figures, but rumor has it that the price tag is in the seven figure region. Says producer Roselle Monteverde-Teo, "Money is no object because this is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration in Jennylyn’s life. Say That You Love Me also happens to be the youth romance of a lifetime. Through this event, we also want this generation of movie fans to be part of a premiere that’s as lavish as the ones the studios had in the 50s and 60s. No one has premieres like those anymore."
Sounds like it’ll be a fairy tale affair for everyone.