Actress Janine Gutierrez set social media abuzz last April 9 when 10 bright orange paraws (sailboats) carrying the message “Janine Gutierrez said Yes!” sailed across the shores of Boracay.
Many fans were quick to assume that her longtime boyfriend, actor Jericho Rosales, had finally popped the question.
The speculation gained traction online, with fans flooding her posts with congratulatory messages and engagement wishes. But as it turns out, the “Yes” wasn’t for a marriage proposal — it was for something much deeper and more impactful.
During a media launch held on June 20 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City, Gutierrez put the rumors to rest as she was formally introduced as the first celebrity ambassador of iCare, one of the country’s leading affordable health maintenance organizations (HMOs).
“Even Jericho was surprised,” Gutierrez shared with a laugh. “He had no idea he’d be mistaken for orchestrating the sailboats in Boracay!”
“But I really love that campaign. It’s a reminder that before you say yes to anything else, say yes to health.”
The actress explained that the symbolic sailboats were part of iCare’s pre-launch teaser, rolled out during Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), to encourage Filipinos to prioritize their health. The campaign later resurfaced during the Love Boracay festivities on May 1, where the visuals once again sparked engagement rumors.
Janine’s message, however, was clear: the sails were part of a health movement, not a romantic milestone.
In her speech, Gutierrez opened up about her own journey toward valuing health and wellness, which began when her childhood nanny was diagnosed with cancer. “I don’t talk about this a lot,” she said, “but one of the reasons I joined showbiz was to help my second mom — my yaya since birth — when she got sick.”
Seeing the financial toll of illness firsthand pushed Gutierrez to earn and support her loved ones, even if entering the entertainment industry was never her original plan. “I was shy, and acting was never really in my mind. But when she got sick, everything changed.”
Gutierrez now ensures her family is covered, revealing she secured health plans for her younger siblings. “When I plan my yearly expenses, HMO is a priority. You never know what could happen.”
She also reflected on the unpredictability of life, especially after losing three family members — Pilita Corrales, Nora Aunor, and Ricky Davao — within a span of three weeks earlier this year.
“There are good days and bad days,” she said. “But it’s in moments like these that you truly understand how important health and family support are.”
Geronimo “Ronnie” V. Francisco, President and CEO of iCare, said the company’s message is simple but powerful: “Say yes to better health.”
“The campaign is not about love stories — it’s about life stories. Choosing health is an act of courage,” he said. “We want Filipinos to know that affordable, quality care is possible.”
The striking paraws, executed in partnership with Elev8 Media, were part of a larger visual statement to promote wellness and inspire companies and individuals alike to choose health coverage.
So while there was no ring involved, Gutierrez says the moment symbolized a real commitment — to herself, to her loved ones, and to every Filipino she hopes to empower through the campaign.
“I guess that’s really my message to the public,” she said. “Really take care of your health and live life to the fullest. Always find the best partner — not just in love, but in life and health too.”
And as for wedding bells? “Jericho and I are just enjoying what we have right now. We’re growing together,” she said with a smile. (with reports from Carlos Aragon)
