Jen stays where she is

MANILA, Philippines - For Jennylyn Mercado, 2013 is a milestone year; after all, it’s her 10th year in showbiz.

Jennylyn was obviously in a celebratory mood when she signed a three-year contract last Wednesday with GMA 7, her home network since she was discovered and became the pioneering female winner of the reality artista search StarStruck.

“They never left me. All this time and after all that I’ve been through — after I got pregnant and after so many intrigues and issues — (GMA) has been there to support me,” the actress said of her Kapuso family.

GMA executives — led by chair and CEO lawyer Felipe Gozon, president and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr. and Entertainment TV OIC Lilybeth Rasonable — were on hand at the contract renewal, especially noting Jennylyn’s accomplishments and sense of loyalty as a homegrown artist.

“This is where I’ve grown as an actress, singer and host... Of course, I’m happy because they appreciate my loyalty. I’m glad that, that’s how they see me — very loyal, very loving — because I treat GMA like family,” she said.

Reacting to comments as to how much she has bloomed since her StarStruck days, Jennylyn said with a laugh, “(Yes, people didn’t think I would win then because) I’m not mestiza. Tatanggapin ko yung comment na di ako maganda nuon, hahaha, because what’s important is today.”

Jennylyn didn’t deny that she had her share of offers from other networks. But she claimed she never considered switching networks because “we would always think, what for? I’ve been receiving good projects (from GMA) and they’ve been appreciative of my talent as well as the effort that I give into my work, so why should I transfer? That’s our way of thinking.”

Boyfriend of over-a-year, Luis Manzano, belongs to GMA’s No. 1 rival ABS-CBN. Surely, they have talked about the idea of working together in the same network, haven’t they?

“When it comes to things like that, we have separate lives… We don’t meddle in each other’s (career) plans,” she said.

As for marriage plans, she said there’s none. At least not yet.

“I still have a contract (with GMA). That’s a breach of contract,” Jennylyn joked, adding, “And there are so many things that I still want to do in life. Also, my son (Alex Jazz) is still so young. I want him to enjoy. There are still a lot of things that I want for us to enjoy together.”

Nevertheless, she said, that despite belonging to different networks, Jennylyn’s relationship with Luis is going strong, which she credited to its “perfect timing.” She said that Luis came at the right place and at the right time, adding that it works “maybe because our relationship is peaceful, kasi ayaw din namin na masyadong exposed. Ayoko yung relationship namin magagamit sa trabaho.”

Amidst Jennylyn’s visible happiness at the way her career is going — aside from acting-singing, she’s enjoying and busy honing her newfound hosting career — one issue, though, slightly dampened the mood at the contract-signing.

Jennylyn couldn’t hold back tears when queried about the reported issue with Patrick Garcia, the father of her son Alex Jazz, who’s turning five years old. At first, she didn’t want to address the issue, but eventually, she spoke up and denied reports that she’s preventing Patrick to see their son after he reportedly discontinued to give Alex Jazz financial support. 

When she was able to compose herself later on, she clarified that she became emotional because the issue is affecting her son. “The negative issues are not helping us, especially my son,” she said.

According to her, Patrick can see his son anytime he wants to. What’s important for Jennylyn, she and her son won’t “be used” and dragged into the issue.

Jennylyn can be seen in Indio weeknights and appears in H.O.T. TV and Party Pilipinas on Sundays, and will soon star in a Regal Entertainment movie with Lovi Poe and Paulo Avelino.