Jaclyn Jose on her ‘scary,’ ‘matter of life-and-death’ experience with love

An artist of Jaclyn Jose’s stature and caliber can come off as intimidating, especially to young newbies. But the opposite is actually true.

Teasing or taunting coactors is a no-no for Jaclyn. Not only is it inappropriate, she said, it’s also counterproductive. “There are so many new young actors these days. And I see to it that I don’t intimidate them. We need to help each other. Otherwise, we won’t get anything done,” she said at a recent press conference for the murder-mystery miniseries, “Deadly Love.”

On the set, Jaclyn’s main goal is to deliver the scenes to the best of her abilities. That won’t happen if there’s no chemistry among actors. And there won’t be any chemistry, she said, if everyone’s awkward around each other.

“What’s the point of intimidating your coactors just for the sake of it? I have to make them feel comfortable with me. That way, we can build chemistry and rapport,” pointed out the 2016 Cannes Film Festival best actress.

In fact, the 59-year-old performer has no qualms of making the first move and introducing herself to newbies. “I’m not the kind of veteran actor who’s unapproachable. Ako pa nga ang lumalapit. No shooting will happen if there’s awkwardness on set. I make everyone feel that we’re all the same and equal,” she said.

‘Deadly Love’

Directed by Derick Cabrido, “Deadly Love” premieres on July 10 on Viva Entertainment’s premium content-streaming service Viva One. It follows sheltered rural girl Tessa (Louise delos Reyes) who falls in love with Amir (Marco Gumabao).

But after Tessa introduces him to her protective parents, Marga (Jaclyn) and Julio (Raffy Tejada), Amir suddenly disappears.

A police officer, Benjo (McCoy de Leon), reveals shocking details about Tessa’s parents: it turns out, Marga and Julio used to be hired killers and now use fake names. Now, their former boss wants them gone. And it seems like Amir was tasked to pursue the couple.

Tessa refuses to believe that Amir is dead and—with Benjo’s help—she sets off to find him.

Jaclyn Jose

“Everyone was easy to work with. Direk knew and explained everything. During taping, he would remind me about the continuity and motivation behind every scene. Everything was clear,” related Jaclyn, who had nothing but good words for Louise, whom she previously worked with in the 2013 GMA 7 soap “Ang Mundo Mo’y Akin.”

“I know her well, and she knows me well. And she’s only getting better. I’m happy she’s still acting,” she added.

Escaping a toxic relationship

Meanwhile, asked if she has ever experienced a “deadly” or “toxic” relationship, Jaclyn said she was stuck in one many years ago. She declined to go into detail or specify whether there was physical or emotional abuse, but said that her situation then was a “matter of life and death.”

“It was a scary chapter in my life. Deadly love talaga. But it’s all done now. Maraming panahon na ang nakalipas. And I have already recovered from that. It was very, very scary. I had to escape,” she said.

For those who think they may be in a toxic relationship, Jaclyn has this piece of advice: Trust your gut. “You will feel it when things are headed that way. It’s impossible that you don’t… unless you’re in denial. Your first hunch—that’s it. Get out as soon as possible, regardless of how in love you are with the person,” she said. INQ

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