Having a healthy body and sharp mind is a necessary investment for those who want to have a flourishing career in show business. Kapuso star and leading lady Jennylyn Mercardo knows this too well that she stakes a lot not just to keep herself in top shape but to assure she looks good in and out.
“Sometimes people think that showbiz is such a perfect world but what they need to know is that this business can be very taxing most of the time and one has to be really tough to at least survive,” Mercado, who is also now a member of the Tanduay family, explains.
Mercado, Tanduay Rhum’s calendar girl for 2015, continues to show everyone what she’s made of. Sizzling hot and breathtaking, Mercado manages to reinvent herself while keeping her fans captivated.
Mercado, a mother, actress, singer, triathlete and women’s rights activist is still at the top of her game. With movie and television projects lining up, you get a sense that this girl is just getting started. True to her title she continues to be the “ultimate survivor.”
With such an unforgiving schedule, Jen reveals the one hobby that time and time again has proven to relieve unwanted stress, “Yes, I cook, yun ang therapy ko,” says Jennylyn, the host of Sarap with Family on GMA News TV.
Its amazing how she manages to set quality time for herself and her unico hijo—to make sure she prioritizes the important things in her life while juggling in between her busy schedule to attend to her commitments and engagements at the same time.
The 27-year-old-actress has been dealt with countless ordeals, both personal and professional. We’ve seen Mercado go through her fair share of heartbreaks, her resilient nature proved to be the key in coming out of the media circus, unscathed. A woman of strength, Mercado has dedicated much of her time to the advancement of women’s rights. In 2012 she was awarded by Gabriela (well-known women’s organization) an award of recognition for advocating for women’s issues, a cause dear for the star.
“As an actress it’s always expected of me to always look good and project a positive image to the public. However, that’s not what drives me to be good in and out, I don’t care about public opinion at all, or even these mores that seem to bind everybody else. For me looking good is always personal and at least, I owe it to myself and of course my son,” she explains.
The actress continues to strive for excellence in her chosen profession. Mercado carefully selects her television and movie projects, as well as endorsements. This has served the actress well, throughout a career spanning over a decade, she has become a box-office draw, a multiawarded actress/singer and a reliable endorser. With a new teleserye and an MMFF entry (English Only Please) on her plate, she is evidently one of the hardest workingwomen in the Philippine entertainment industry today.
Looking back to her humble beginnings, Mercado has evolved into an intelligent, strong, responsible and admirable actress of her generation. One good thing about her is that she values a lot the importance of learning new things. To her it’s better than looking good cause it makes her confident.
In her free time, Mercado commits herself to various sporting activities. Taking up jujitsu and muay thai lessons were instrumental in achieving her stunning physique, a proof that hard work pays off. Currently, a budding triathlete, she has competed in Alabang and Laguna triathlons to feed her passion for the competition.
Finding time to fulfill both old and new-found passions can be draining, but Mercado, in spite of her busy schedule as an entertainer and a mother, has shown that mind over matter wins every time. She continues to amaze with her strong sense of dedication and focus.
It was 2003 when Mercado was catapulted into stardom by a talent competition, 11 years later, she is still standing tall. Already an established drama princess, Mercado has starred in quite a few drama series (I Luv NY, Super Twins, La Vendetta, Ikaw Sana, Little Star, Indio, Rhodora X), and movies (Blue Moon, Eternity, One Night Only, Rosario, The Bride and the Lover.) Considered by many to be a triple threat, Jen is also an excellent host (Showbiz Central, HOT TV, Sunday All Stars, Anak ko yan) and music artist (Letting Go, Love Is, Forever By Your Side). Her debut album, Living the Dream, was certified platinum and has sold over 30,000 units to date. Jennylyn is also a tried and tested concert performer having performed both here and abroad.
Naz Leyco with John Carlo Odchigue