Janine Gutierrez takes a stand against ‘false claims’
'We have to understand that at the end of the day, this is just work. I’m an actress and I have to do what’s assigned to me.'
We have to understand that at the end of the day, this is just work. I’m an actress and I have to do what’s assigned to me.
Ever since she was rumored to be Alden Richards’ newest leading lady, and past the time it was confirmed, Janine Gutierrez has earned the ire of several “fans” that blame her for the perceived breakup of his on-screen partnership with Maine Mendoza.
With the GMA fantasy “Victor Magtanggol” set to air by end of the month, some kibitzers are worried the bashing might level up and she might not be able to handle it. Wrong. Talking to Bulletin Entertainment, the actress claimed she has already mastered the “art of deadma.”
Janine reiterated that her relationship with Alden is simply about work. She also explained that “Victor Magtanggol” is a fantasy and not a romantic-comedy series. Thus, the chances of it having a love story arch is slim to none.
“This is a superhero series. Yes, I’m his leading lady but it’s not all about Victor (Alden) and Gwen (Janine), it’s all about how he will save the world, on how will he take on an extraordinary mission of protecting good from evil,” she said.
Janine feels lucky to have the support of many people including her family and friends.
“We have to understand that at the end of the day, this is just work. I’m an actress and I have to do what’s assigned to me,” she said. “I’m very grateful because I feel the people’s intense support not only for me, not only for Alden, but for the whole show.”
Still in limbo
Here’s another reason to pacify naysayers: Janine is rumored to have a romantic relationship with Rayver Cruz.
And while many wait for them to admit the real score, Janine is consistent with her answer.
“We’re good but we don’t want to put a label on that,” she insisted.
On talks that Rayver might transfer to the Kapuso network following his separation with ABS-CBN’s talent arm Star Magic early June, the actress simply shrugged her shoulders.
According to her, she is not the type who meddles with work matters of other people.
“Honestly, I don’t know what his plans are,” she noted. “If he wants to transfer here (GMA), it’s up to him. He could do anything he wants and I’m RAYVER CRUZ just here to support whatever decisions he will take on.”
The leading lady
Going back to her newest series “Victor Magtanggol,” Janine is Gwen Regalado, a field reporter who covers news about Hammerman.
Hammerman is the alter ego of Alden’s Victor Magtanggol character.
As for her preparations, the actress revealed she sought the help of GMA reporter Mav Gonzales.
“I asked her, like, what should I wear, what are the do’s and don’ts, and also how to effectively deliver my message as a field reporter,” she explained. “The good thing about my character Gwen, she will focus on the good news like how many people were saved by Victor, things like that.”
She also took Parkour training for possible action scenes.
“Victor Magtanggol” is inspired by Norse mythology. In a press release, it is said that many gods won’t survive in the expected Ragnarok including Thor. Before his death, he will order his son, Magni (Miguel Faustman) to hide his Mjolnir (his powerful hammer), until there’s someone right to inherit it.
Magni then will go to the world of mortals to wait for the new taker of Mjolnir where he will meet Victor Magtanggol, the one who will eventually must learn to use it to protect the world and his loved ones from Loki, another son of Thor, who is upset of not inheriting the Mjolnir as he aims to spread chaos in the mortal world. When “Victor Magtanggol’s” trailer was released online, it drew mixed reactions from netizens, citing its seemingly inevitable comparison to Marvel’s “Thor.”
Janine denies allegations of “plagiarism.”
“The series is based on the myth, not on the Marvel work,” she noted. “And I believe that nobody owns Thor because it’s a myth. I hope this series will serve as eyeopener especially that many Filipinos are still buzzing about superheroes. I guess this is just perfect timing and I can see how excited fans are.”
Completing the cast are Andrea Torres, Pancho Magno, Al Tantay, Chynna Ortaleza, Dion Ignacio, Lindsay De Vera, Reese Tuazon, Eric Quizon, Freddie Webb, Kristoffer Martin, Maritoni Fernandez, Conan Stevens, and Coney Reyes.
Under the helm of Dominic Zapanta, “Victor Magtanggol” airs starting July 30 on GMA Telebabad.