ABS-CBN ‘ban’ fails to faze Jolina

MANILA, Philippines -- Singer-actress Jolina Magdangal isn’t making a fuss even if ABS-CBN, her former home network, has reportedly banned her and co-star Judy Ann Santos from promoting their latest film “Ouija,” which is co-produced by Viva Films and ABS-CBN’s rival network GMA 7.

“The only question on my mind is, why?” Jolina says. “I don’t want to feel bad about it. Dead-ma na lang ako (I’ll just ignore it).”

She asserts: “I’d rather devote all my efforts to

ensuring that our movie is promoted well [even without ABS-CBN]. I’d rather enjoy myself. If you take these things seriously, you’ll go crazy. I’ve come to accept that intrigues can’t be avoided in this business.”

She has been in the biz for 20 years and has learned to roll with the punches.

“I’ve changed a lot,” she admits. “You need to learn to play the game. You have to constantly adjust and manage your feelings.”

If she speaks like a seasoned pro, that’s because she is.

She started singing at age 11 and has seen peaks and valleys through her two decades in the biz.

Jolina admits that she shares a lot of things in common with “Ouija” co-star Judy Ann, who also celebrated her 20th anniversary in show biz recently.

It’s as if they are living parallel lives. Jolina points out: “We’re both very happy.”

Jolina’s boyfriend, Bebong Muñoz, and Judy Ann’s, Ryan Agoncillo, fully support the two stars’ careers. So much so that the two men consented to guest in “Ouija.”

“It was just for fun,” Jolina says.

Indeed, they all had a blast on the set of “Ouija.”

“It didn’t feel like we were doing a horror movie because we kept laughing on the set,” Juday relates.

“The set was overflowing with food,” Jolina agrees. “I was in charge of bringing chips and junk food. Juday cooked healthy meals for us—pasta dishes and salads. Iza (Calzado) always brought fruits.”

And their young co-star, Rhian Ramos—well, she never failed to bring her appetite.

“She’d eat anything,” Jolina says of Ramos, laughing.

She is thankful because “Ouija” has allowed her to bond with Iza, Rhian and Juday.

“I’ve always been close to Juday, but we were both busy with work when we were younger,” Jolina says.

On the set of their old ABS-CBN youth show “G-Mik,” Jolina remembers that they wrote letters to each other. “Like typical teeners, we would talk about our ka-love team (screen partners).”

Now, she and Juday are constantly rumored to be altar-bound with their respective boyfriends.

“I can’t really say anything since there are no new developments,” Jolina insists.

Though Bebong lost his bid for a congressional seat in Caloocan, Jolina says, their relationship is going strong.

If Bebong chooses to return to the US and pursue his legal career, Jolina says, she’ll back him up.

“But he also has offers here,” she notes. “We both know our priorities. That’s why we don’t get pressured even if a lot of people ask about our marriage plans.”
Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer