After a six-year break from showbiz, Jessy Mendiola is officially back—and turning heads.
The actress made a stunning appearance at the Star Magic Spotlight mediacon last Friday, looking every bit as radiant and fit as ever. We were impressed by how glowing she looked despite being a mom to toddler Isabella Rose, lovingly nicknamed Peanut.
Jessy, who stars in the upcoming series ‘Sins of the Father’ alongside Gerald Anderson, clarified that her return to acting is not financially motivated. “It’s not about the money,” she said. “Luis [Manzano] is a good provider. He can take care of me and Peanut even if I don’t work.”
What pulled her back to the spotlight, she revealed, was her deep longing for the craft and a personal dream she has yet to fulfill. “Na-miss ko talaga ang pag-arte. Gusto ko ring magkaroon ng acting award. With everything I’ve gone through, I feel like I’m now more mature and my acting has become deeper.”
When asked if husband Luis Manzano had set any restrictions now that she’s a mom, Jessy responded candidly: “Wala, walang restrictions si Luis. Palagi niyang sinasabi sa akin, ‘Pag kailangan sa eksena—like romantic scenes or kissing scenes—basta crucial sa storyline, gawin mo.’” She added that Luis is very open-minded, even referencing his own parents. “Sabi niya, ‘Yung mommy ko nga at daddy ko, nakita ko na kung sinu-sino ang kaeksena nila.’”
In fact, Jessy said she no longer even asks permission when scenes involve intimacy. “It’s a non-issue for us. As long as I’m comfortable, he supports me.”
While Peanut may be too young to watch her mom’s more mature-themed shows, Jessy shared that their daughter is already a fan of Luis’ family-friendly program Rainbow Rumble. “Yun lang muna ang puwede kay Peanut,” she laughed.
Asked about her mother-in-law, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto’s recent tease that Jessy and Luis might be planning for baby number two next year, Jessy responded with a smile: “Gustung-gusto na nga nila e. Kahit si Luis, gusto na rin. Pero kung ano ang ibibigay ni Lord, okey sa akin. Kahit kailan siya dumating… kung talagang nandiyan na ang pangalawang baby, go.”
Still, Jessy admitted that the timing of her career resurgence has made her cautious. “Parang timely this year na umaalagwa ulit ang career ko.”
On the possibility of a commercial with Peanut, Jessy revealed a surprise: “May ginawa na kaming commercial ni Peanut. Malapit nang ipalabas. Ayoko lang i-reveal kung ano.”
