Every person you meet holds a unique version of you in their mind. To your parents, you might be a source of pride or concern; to friends, you’re a confidante; to colleagues, a collaborator; to strangers, a fleeting impression. These perceptions shape distinct versions of you, and the truth is—you have little control over them.
In an industry built on performance, where the spotlight magnifies achievements and flaws, staying true to oneself can feel like a tightrope walk. How do you navigate a world of constant reinvention and scrutiny without losing your core? For Filipina actress and singer Janella Salvador, the answer lies in embracing every facet of herself—both the seen and unseen.
Fresh off the success of her international film, Under Parallel Skies, Janella opens up about the balancing act of portraying multifaceted roles while preserving her authenticity. From leading lady to captivating villain, she reflects on the journey of self-discovery, the importance of boundaries, and the resilience required to thrive in an industry that celebrates your victories but can just as easily spotlight your flaws.
In this candid conversation, Janella reveals how she carves out her identity amid the shifting sands of public perception and how she continually strives to become the best version of herself—on her terms.
‘How Do You Not Become a People Pleaser?’
From the spoiled kikay teenage girl in the hit daytime drama, Be Careful With My Heart, to that top-tiered award-winning performance as Emma in the gothic thriller, Killer Bride, and iconic take on Darna’s ultimate supervillain Valentina, Janella Salvador has proven her versatility as an actress. But strip away the glitz and glamour, and you’ll find a young woman grappling with the same existential questions many of us face.
“I’m starting to question so many things in life right now,” she reveals. “Why am I like this? How do I adapt to the modern world? How do I adapt to social media?” At 26, Janella admits she’s experiencing what feels like a quarter-life crisis. “I’ve been having a lot of questions and conversations in my head. How come it’s so easy for me to be misunderstood?”
For someone in an industry where being socially accepted is almost a currency, Janella wrestles with the pressure of trying to please everyone while staying true to herself. “In an industry where you’re supposed to please people, how do you not become a people-pleaser?” she asks—a struggle many Millennials and Gen Zers can relate to, especially in the age of social media, where every post and comment can be scrutinized.
At this stage in her life, when the brain’s decision-making center (the prefrontal cortex) begins to fully develop, Janella is learning to embrace her complexity rather than mold herself to fit into society’s expectations. She acknowledges that being misunderstood is part of being human—and that it’s okay to focus on what truly matters: staying true to herself.
‘You Really Lose So Much of Yourself’
Motherhood has been a transformative chapter in Janella’s life, reshaping her priorities and outlook on the world. Becoming a mom to her son Jude has brought immense joy, but she’s also candid about the challenges it entails. “It’s the best thing that ever happened to me, but I don’t want to romanticize it. The truth is, it’s difficult. You really lose so much of yourself,” she admits.
Janella emphasizes the importance of being emotionally prepared for parenthood, noting that unresolved traumas can unconsciously be passed down to children. “Our traumas mostly come from our parents—their traumas, passed on to them by their parents. So, imagine what you’d pass on to your kids if you weren’t ready.” Her advice is clear: before stepping into parenthood, make sure you’ve lived and enjoyed your life fully and worked through your inner battles. “Raising a human being is hard.” Yes, it’s not just about baby fever, the cuteness—it’s about responsibility.
‘You’re More Than Enough’
Behind Janella’s dazzling career lies a young woman who, like many of us, has battled self-doubt as well. “Growing up, I always felt like I wasn’t the best choice. That there was always someone better. I have that growing up in my head,” she shares. This belief pushed her to overcompensate, striving to prove her worth.
That’s why if she could talk to her younger self, Janella knows exactly what she’d say: “You’re doing a good job. You’re amazing. You are more than enough.” It’s a mantra she wishes more young people could embrace, especially in a world that often feels obsessed with perfection and competition.
This newfound sense of maturity is something Janella Salvador attributes to the lessons she has learned from the characters she’s portrayed. While some actors struggle to detach themselves from their roles—especially when the characters delve into darker territory—Janella has come to embrace the idea that every role leaves a lasting imprint on her. “There’s a part of Nikki in me. There’s a part of Sophie in me. There’s always going to be a part of Regina—and I feel that’s okay,” she reflects.
“There were many things I wasn’t able to experience as a teenager, and those became my experiences—living through these characters. I took a piece of them with me.”
Of all the roles she has played, Janella admits that Regina holds a special place in her heart. Playing the supervillain in Darna marked a significant departure from her usual repertoire of bubbly, goody-two-shoes characters. “It was the first time I got to unleash a different kind of anger, heaviness, and emotional depth all in one role,” she explains. Regina allowed her to step into a complex space filled with raw intensity and conflict—an experience that challenged and enriched her craft.
As an actress, Janella has somehow learned the art of stepping into her characters’ shoes, understanding their struggles, and discovering what resonates with her own life. Beyond Regina, her portrayal of Emma in The Killer Bride is another standout moment in her career, showcasing her ability to embody complex, layered personalities. Each role, whether heroic or villainous, has deepened her connection to her craft and to herself.
‘Use Your Voice in the Right Way; Be Not Afraid to Speak Up’
If there’s one thing Janella Salvador has proven, it’s that authenticity is a journey—not a destination. In a world that constantly scrutinizes public figures, she stands as a testament to embracing every facet of oneself. From playing beloved protagonists to iconic antagonists, Janella has shown that the roles we play—on-screen or in life—are merely layers of the many versions of ourselves, waiting to be discovered and reconciled.
Janella’s ability to embrace the complexity of her identity reflects her understanding of life’s dualities. “Sometimes I wake up feeling amazing. Other days, it feels like everything’s going wrong,” she says. “And that’s okay. That’s part of being human. Nobody’s life stays peaceful forever.” Her words echo her philosophy: the acknowledgment of life’s ebbs and flows as essential to growth.
As a big dreamer, Janella has envisioned countless scenarios for her future. Yet her greatest happiness is rooted in the present, with her son, Jude. “I’d still want to travel the world—that’s one of my biggest goals,” she shares. “But right now, happiness for me is being home with Jude. Just waking up next to him, hearing his little breaths, and seeing him smile—that’s the biggest blessing for me. And it makes me so happy.”
Motherhood, however, is no easy feat, especially for a working mom navigating a fast-paced career. “I always get guilty just leaving the house. Kasi feeling ko, he’s only going to be a kid for so long. Sobrang ikli lang ng time and in just a blink, he’s going to be a teenager,” she admits. To strike a balance, she sometimes brings Jude to work, reminding herself that every effort she makes is for their shared future. “I guess that’s my compromise.”
Janella is also no stranger to personal challenges. Social anxiety, for instance, remains a hurdle she’s working to overcome. “If I would change or relive something, I wish I could enjoy all those moments instead of thinking about what could go wrong,” she reflects.
“I wish I could just enjoy performing and not think about what other people would think. All those pressures.”
Her journey highlights the importance of resilience. Villains may not be born, but they’re shaped by circumstances, as are the heroes who rise above them. Janella’s wisdom, shaped by her life experiences, underscores this truth. She embraces the unpredictable nature of life and urges others to do the same.
“It’s okay to not be okay,” she says, advocating for boundaries and self-awareness. “I love how this generation is finding the confidence to speak their minds. I just hope we use our voices in the right way.” With social media’s influence, Janella encourages young people to educate themselves and fearlessly speak up. “We are the future,” she says passionately.
“If there are things that we are not aware of, let us educate ourselves and not be afraid to speak up.”
Embracing Challenges and Empowering Others
Janella is indeed a remarkable character worth exploring—a woman who remains steadfast in her beliefs while inspiring others to embrace their true selves, no matter how challenging the journey may be. She reminds us that some parts of ourselves can only be discovered by stepping into roles that push us outside our comfort zones—roles that are difficult, unconventional, or even unappreciated by others. Yet, it is in these moments of discomfort that true growth and resilience are forged.
Through her multifaceted career, Janella demonstrates that we are always more than the labels others assign to us. From her sultry modern jazz single headtone to the heartfelt sapphic narrative in Hey You, Janella explores her artistry with passion and depth. Her groundbreaking performances, such as her role in the international film Under Parallel Skies opposite Thai actor Metawin Opas-iamkajorn and her unforgettable portrayal of Valentina in Darna, further cement her as a force to be reckoned with. These projects showcase her range and her ability to breathe life into complex characters, proving that her talents go beyond any one expectation or role.
Janella’s story reminds us that it’s not about meeting others’ expectations but about how we choose to live and grow. Her openness about struggles, from navigating motherhood to confronting social anxiety, makes her deeply relatable. She acknowledges the pressures of her industry but also shows the importance of setting boundaries and finding joy in the small, everyday moments—like waking up next to her son, Jude.
Most importantly, Janella exemplifies how to embrace every version of ourselves, even the parts shaped by challenges or doubt. She is living proof that our lives, like hers, are works in progress.
Creative Direction & Photographed by Em Baun
Shot on location: In the Studio – Manila
Make Up: Jessica Bonoan
Hair: Corra de la Rosa
Stylist: Patrick Henry Mergano
Wardrobes: Kelvin Umlas, Glademir Echavarre, Justine Aliman
Accessories: H&M, Christopher Munar
Video: Mary Jane Manglicmot
Shoot assisted by: Junko Bartolo, Sarah Niaga
Overall Coordination: Angel Altura | Niccole Mendoza
