Denise is home

MANILA, Philippines - Denise Joaquin stars in the upcoming teleserye You’re My Home with Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta and Jessy Mendiola.

Someday, in God’s perfect time, Denise would also like to build her own home with someone.

“I may not know God’s plan for me but I do pray and hope to have a God-centered family of my own. Have a responsible and loving husband who holds on to the same faith I have. If it’s not God’s plan for me to get married and start a family, then I will continue my journey with a smile on my face and believe in God’s perfect plan,” shares the 28-year-old Denise, who started in showbiz when she was 14.

She did several movies with Premiere Production before ABS-CBN called her to be part of Star Magic. She immediately said yes. It’s been 14 years since, and Denise has done numerous showbiz projects, playing different roles, both bida and kontrabida.

“I learned that in showbiz or in life, you just have to be yourself. People around you would know if you’re just faking it and it’s a big turn-off. And you don’t need to please everyone — not all people will like you for being you but that’s normal. That’s their problem, not yours!” says Denise.

Denise says that her stronghold is her Christian faith.

“I may not be able to attend church (Victory) every week, but I see to it that I read my Bible every day. I have a strong faith — I lift and trust my life to God,” she adds.

Denise is happy and content with her life now. She considers being able to live her life the way she wants to, investing her own sweat, blood and tears, her greatest achievement.

She has learned to be stronger and wiser in every decision she makes, to manage herself even when surrounded by complicated situations and people. Above all, Denise has learned that to be truly happy, one needs to love and respect him/herself first.

“People will come and try to destroy you, let you down, criticize you, but if you know and love yourself enough, and trust that God will protect you, those kinds of people won’t succeed,” she says.

Because of this thinking, Denise is very careful to maintain her close circle of friends. She admits she is a very moody person, unpredictable even, so she prefers being with only a few people, friends whom she trusts and is comfortable with, and those who do not treat her like a celebrity.

The self-proclaimed independent woman likes watching movies a lot and does not mind going alone.

Inspired by her family, Denise was able to hold on despite all the struggles she had to encounter and endure.

Denise believes she is home — with the love of her family, the support of her friends, and her strong faith in God. And her optimism tells her that there is more to hope for, to look forward to, to wait for.

“I walk by faith and not by sight,” Denise ends.