Elmo & Janine: Why they click

MANILA, Philippines - Their actions speak louder than words. Reel-turned-real-life couple and lead stars of GMA 7’s More Than Words Elmo Magalona and Janine Gutierrez are not shy about their relationship, and it’s making their onscreen team-up more solid and convincing.

Their sweetness was immediately witnessed by select members of the entertainment press, including The STAR, during a set visit recently for More Than Words, currently airing weeknights on the Kapuso primetime slot after 24 Oras.

Unlike other celebrity couples who would rather keep their love life private, Elmo and Janine gladly shared their love story.

Late last year, Elmo admitted to the public that he and Janine had officially gone steady. It was in the Villa Quintana remake in 2013 that Elmo and Janine were launched as the newest love team of GMA 7. According to them, they were already friends but Villa Quintana brought them closer to each other. Their love team was well-received and has since grown a big following.

Elmo and Janine feel so grateful to be able to work together and share billing again in More Than Words.

When asked how More Than Words is helping their relationship, a deglamorized Janine, who donned unusually thick eyebrows and wavy hair as Ikay, said in jest, “At least I have proven na kaya pala akong kausapin ni Elmo kahit ganito ang hitsura ko, hahaha!”

On a serious note though, Elmo and Janine revealed what they admire about each other.

“Physically, I like Janine’s eyes kasi malalim e, parang nahuhulog ako sa kanya. But it goes beyond that (physical attributes)…” Elmo said and paused while he and Janine looked at each other affectionately, then resumed by saying, “what also endears me to her is her being extra caring not only with me but also with her friends. Janine is very thoughtful to everyone around her, she is concerned with her friends and I’m happy that I’m part of the people that she cares about.”

“I like his eyes, too,” said Janine, to which Elmo reacted, “Ginagaya lang niya yung sagot ko.” This prompted Janine to answer, “Uy hindi ah! Dati ko pang sagot yun. It’s because his eyes are expressive, I’m thrilled whenever he stares at me. In terms of attitude, I admire him for many things like he can sense what’s on my mind even if I don’t have to say it (out loud) sometimes, or kung meron akong gusto alam na niya or if I’m hungry, hehehe! (Elmo) is also caring and he’s a manly man.”

Elmo, like Superman to Lois Lane, said that he would always be there for Janine. “As her boyfriend, I want to be there when she needs someone to talk to or when she needs advice. I want to be the one she could count on or trust her thoughts with — the things that are important to her.”

Meanwhile, Janine, who is tackling her most challenging role yet as Ikay, said she sees herself in her character in some ways like “I am sometimes makulit like her and whenever there are light moments, I easily laugh. But when it comes to facing a problem, Ikay is way stronger than I am because she is a fighter while I am a less confrontational one in real life. I would say, even Nanay Precy (Jaclyn Jose) who plays my mom is also makulit and I can see my mommy (Lotlot de Leon) in her,” Janine told The STAR.

Now that Valentine’s Day is nearing, Elmo said that if ever they get a chance, he wants to spend the special day with Janine somewhere private, to break away from the routine. Tightlipped on their anniversary date, a secret they’d rather keep to themselves, both Elmo and Janine earnestly await for that moment to celebrate their first anniversary.

“Sana mag-one year na and we’re praying that this relationship will last long,” ended Elmo, while looking admiringly at Janine who was blushing the whole time.