Jennylyn Mercado recounts that it wasn’t easy for her to bounce back from grief due to the loss of her adoptive mother two years ago. It can be remembered that Lydia Mercado passed away due to pneumonia.
Honestly, that was one tough period in my life,” she states. “The healing didn’t happen instantly. It was a process. It’s good that I didn’t undergo total depression though.”
According to the Kapuso star, it was really hard at first.
Yes, to return to the old Jen. I couldn’t bring back my same old happy self. The sadness was always there haunting me. It’s almost two years that I’ve been in that state.”
Her late mother had left precious life lessons that The Cure female lead continues to practice in her day-to-day existence.
She always reminded me the value of establishing good rapport with fellow workers, being understanding at all times and remain God-fearing. She also taught me how to be thankful for all the small and huge blessings that come my way especially to people who became instrumental for my success.”
One positive aspect of her life at present that keeps Jennylyn going is the fact that despite the loss of Mommy Lydia, her family and loved ones are there to act as a support group.
I’m thankful that they’re by my side. As everyone knows, my biological dad (Noli Pineda) is already here. I encouraged him to stay with us after being based in South Korea for so long. Now, we get to spend quality time together along with Jazz and of course, Dennis (Trillo).”
For the Kapuso actress, the unconditional love and support she gets from them helped a lot in her healing process.
I think, it’s very important that you feel you’re not alone and that you have people who will stick it out with you come hell or high waters,” ends Jen.
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Kiko Estrada is happy with the fact that despite his being a contract star of GMA, he still gets the opportunity to work with talents from the rival network. Proof is his latest potboiler Walwal under Regal Entertainment in which he shares stellar billing with ABS-CBN stars Elmo Magalona, Donnie Pangilinan and Jerome Ponce.
That’s the reason why I’m so grateful to Mother Lily (Monteverde) and Tita Roselle (Monteverde). Before Walwal, they already cast me in projects where I worked with stars from the other camp like in Pwera Usog and My Fairy Tail Love Story. I’m glad that they continue to give me the chance to work with quality people. I believe that to become the best, you have to be surrounded as well by the best people in the industry,” he says.
In his case, the young actor cannot do soap operas with rival stars since he is a contact star of the Kapuso.
Yes, with soaps, I think it’s impossible. My contact with GMA would end in October though.”
Does he see himself renewing his contact again with the station?
I can’t answer for that since it’s my management’s decision. But personally, if you’re being taken care of, there’s no reason for switching networks. You have to think of what’s best for you, right?”
What’s good about the lad is his positive outlook when it comes to changing home studios.
I only have love in my heart. I don’t burn bridges. I love ABS-CBN, the same thing with GMA. As I’ve said, I have nothing but love for everyone,” states Kiko.