Even now that she’s already 18 years old, Jillian Ward thinks there are no major changes in her life. Despite her youth, she is demonstrating a level of emotional intelligence and responsibility beyond her years.
“Perhaps, it’s because I’ve been working since I was a child. Early on, I already knew the responsibility and value of toiling hard for my family,” Jillian states.
At this point, she’s more focused on handling the pressure to improve and better her craft.
“I know that I have a long way to go and can still learn a lot of things considering that I am an adult now,” she adds.
In many cultures, 18 is considered a significant milestone in a person’s life as it marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood. With this transition, many young adults expect to have more independence in their lives, including the freedom to go out and drive their own car.
“Actually, ever since, I don’t go out without either my mom, dad or aunt. Yes, they’re strict but they understand better and are more flexible now. If I want to stroll, they still join me and prohibit me to drive because they’re concerned about my safety,” Jillian reveals.
“I believe that because I’m always with my folks, I’ve learned a lot from them over the years. So, I already know what to do, I already know what’s right and wrong. In fact, it’s my parents who encourage me to go out and enjoy but I tell them that I prefer to focus on my work. So, as you can see, the discipline is there.”
Interestingly, now that she’s 18, is she already open to entertaining admirers who want to court her?
“My priority now is my career, family, and self-enhancement. Whatever I have right now, I want to develop further. I believe that love will come at the right time,” she explains.
What can she consider as her gift to herself on her recent debut?
“I think the party itself because it became a huge celebration that was attended by my family and loved ones. A few weeks after, I bought a lot. Tito Dominic (Ochoa) who is my co-star in Abot-Kamay na Pangarap advised me to be wise in investing. I also appreciate my parents because before they invest, they would ask me first if I like it,” ends Jillian.
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In playing the role of Commander Robinson in the much-anticipated GMA offering Voltes V: Legacy, Gabby Eigenmann discloses that it was very challenging on his part.
“It is challenging especially on the physical side,” he avers. “I have to look the part. In the story, he is the leader of the Earth Defense Force which protects the Earth from aliens, and is the father of Jamie Robinson, the lone female member of the Voltes V team. He is a really big guy.”
Gabby admits that when he accepts an offer, he works hard on the character. He wants his portrayal to be believable starting with the physical aspect.
“It helped that after surviving the pandemic, I gained a little weight. So, when the role of Commander Robinson was offered to me, I thought that I should put on more weight. I’m happy that I was able to achieve my goal: I really looked big on screen!”
Apart from the physical look, Gabby also found it hard to deliver his lines.
“When the lines are given to us and we read the script, of course, we memorize and study them. But when we report to the set, it becomes different because there are jargon and scientific terms involved. The sound should be commanding and confidently delivered,” he concludes.