After a six-year hiatus from acting, Jessy Mendiola is officially back in the spotlight—and this time, she’s aiming high.
The Kapamilya actress, now a mother to daughter Rosie, is part of the ensemble cast in ‘Sins of the Father’, a gripping crime thriller drama alongside Gerald Anderson, RK Bagatsing, Francine Diaz, and Seth Fedelin.
Speaking at the Star Magic Spotlight press conference held at Coffee Project in Wil Tower, Quezon City, Jessy admitted there were no grand preparations for her return—only mental conditioning and the support of the people around her.
“If it’s really meant for you, it will fall into place,” she told reporters. “Hindi lang din talaga ako sobrang naghanda, nangyari na lang siya. Naka-focus ako noong campaign. Naka-focus ako na kailangang samahan ko ang asawa ko.”
It wasn’t until production for her new series began that reality kicked in: “Nasabi ko na lang na, ‘ay, start na pala tayo.’ It’s more of the people I’m working with, like FM Reyes and Ms. Julie Anne—they prepared me for the comeback. Star Magic also conditioned me, tinanong nila kung ready na ba ako, and I told myself, ‘Okay, this will take time from me, but I also need to be healthy.’”
While some may expect a drastic physical transformation for her return, Jessy said her biggest preparation was mental. “Mas inihanda ko ang mind ko, hindi physically, kasi kahit noong kakapanganak ko pa lang kay Rosie, nag-alaga na talaga ako ng sarili ko.”
Still, fans couldn’t help but notice that the actress looks fitter than ever—and some even say she looks sexier now as a mom. Her secret? “Kakahabol ng bagets, ha ha ha,” she laughed.
“Wala akong diet, pero I eat small meals throughout the day,” she explained. “Hindi ako ‘yung isang kain na marami. Example, sa umaga I eat breakfast, then may snack ako, then lunch, may meryenda ulit, then dinner. Ganoon ako buong araw. Kaya siguro pumayat ako kasi nabu-burn agad.”
More than the physical, Jessy credits her happiness for her glow: “I guess kapag happy ka, lumalabas ‘yon eh. You learn to take care of yourself more. For me, important talaga na maalagaan ko ang sarili ko—not only for myself, but also for my husband and daughter. Kailangan kahit pagod ka, may energy ka.”
When asked about dream projects, Jessy shared she’s eager to try new things—including a sitcom with husband Luis Manzano or with her mother-in-law, screen legend Vilma Santos, if time permits. “Matagal ko nang gustong gumawa ng sitcom,” she said.
She also dreams of taking on a powerful, award-worthy role in film: “Kung movie man, gusto ko ng mala-Taken pero mother’s point of view. Or something very different, kasi gusto ko this time, ang goal ko eh manalo ng award. Kaya sana something different sa mga usual na ginagawa ko.”
Beyond acting, Jessy is also returning to the ‘ASAP’ stage to reclaim her dancing spirit. “Gusto kong maramdaman ulit na kahit mommy na ako, I still want to be comfortable with myself, with my body, kaya bumalik ako sa dancing.”
