Jaclyn: Family comes first

Filipinos all around the world celebrated the momentous victory of veteran Kapuso actress Jaclyn Jose when she was named as 2016 Cannes Film Festival Best Actress for her role in the Brillante Mendoza directed film Ma’Rosa.

One could just see the genuine shock on her face when her name was announced. After all, Jaclyn not only brought honor to the country, but she also became the first Southeast Asian actress to win the award.

To recall, as she made her way to the stage to receive the award, Jaclyn was trailed by director Mendoza and her daughter Andi Eigenmann who also played as her daughter in the movie.

Jaclyn Jose considers her children, Andi Eigenmann and Gwen Garimond Ilagan Guck, and her grandchild Ellie (Andi’s daughter) as the people she treasures the most

She could have seen the award as her chance to shine solo on the world stage but she shared it with those whom she considered instrumental in her win. That could have been just an immediate and natural reaction on her part, but that moment alone showed how important family is to the veteran actress.

After all, Jaclyn considers her children, Andi and Gwen Garimond Ilagan Guck, and her grandchild Ellie (Andi’s daughter) as the people she treasures the most. Her most treasured possessions, meanwhile, are the pictures of her children from the time they were born until the present.

“Every time I look at the pictures, they bring me back to the time they were taken — when I was with them at that age,” she shares. “I know them by heart. I know when each of these photos were taken and I enjoy looking back at the good times with my children.”

Her two children may already be young adults — now with their own lives and even concerns — but Jaclyn continues to want the best for them.

She has this advice for Andi: Enjoy your moments, enjoy your child who is growing up. Kasi hindi mo na maibabalik yan and it is gonna be fast. Ang bilis ng panahon e.

For her son Gwen, who is 15 and still in school: Finish your studies, live a regular life, have a career. When the time comes, have children, have a family and be faithful to your wife.

Talking about the many movie and TV roles that she has portrayed throughout the years, Jaclyn shares that she was already a Kapuso when she realized that one can also find humor in playing villain roles.

“Dito ko nakita na ang kontrabida ay hindi palaging black. Minsan pa nga nakakatawa sila kasi napakasama nila. Yung kasamaan nila yung beyond compare na, ‘yung nakakaloka na. And being given the opportunity to do these kinds of roles is what I particularly treasure in my stay here in GMA.”

The Kapuso actress currently stars in the late-night sitcom A1 Ko Sa’Yo that pokes fun at stereotypes and which she describes as an “experimental” sexy comedy series.

But whether it’s the role of a sensual, middle-aged woman in A1 Ko Sa’Yo or a mother who deals drugs to make ends meet in Ma’Rosa, viewers can always expect Jaclyn to give it her all.

“Every role is a treasure... I always see to it that I give it justice, I give my best,” she says. “I’ve always believed that every individual is important no matter what role you have in life.”