Star Magic Spotlight’s September presscon featured an exciting lineup, with Janella Salvador as one of thespecial guests. Much of the conversation centered on her role in the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival entry Open Endings, where she takes on the character of Charlie.
She emphasized how meaningful the film is to her, as it allowed her to be part of a queer project and portray a sapphic role. “Alam ko paulit-ulit ko na ’tong sinasabi pero dream come true for me itong project na ’to. Ang tagal ko na rin naging vocal na gusto ko magkaroon ng role na ganito—isang queer project—tapos part pa siya ng Cinemalaya,” Janella said.
She added: “Nasa point kasi ako ng career ko na I really want to grow as an actress, so I want to do more films. Kaya nung dumating ’yung project na ’to, sobrang saya ko.”
“This project is a queer, sapphic film about four exes turned friends. Interesting siya kasi hindi siya ’yung usual story na nakikita mo. Hindi siya coming-out story, hindi siya rom-com. It really highlights the point of view of women—the friendship between four women—and of course, meron ding kalat ng community.”
The film will be showcased at Cinemalaya 21 from October 3 to 12, with screenings happening at Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza—the festival’s new main venue.
Janella Salvador is also gearing up for the upcoming ABS-CBN TV series What Lies Beneath, which stars Charlie Dizon, Kaila Estrada, Sue Ramirez, Jake Cuenca, and JM De Guzman. In the show, she takes on the challenging role of a mother.
“What Lies Beneath kasi is more of a murder mystery, parang thriller siya. Excited ako dito sa project na ’to kasi first time ko makatrabaho sina Charlie, Sue, and Kaila. All very great actresses and it’s really nice to work with people na magagaling. Nagkakahawaan kami ng energy sa set. Ang sarap nila katrabaho,” Janella shared.
Apart from acting, Janella is also keeping her music career alive, teasing that an upcoming album is already in the works. “I always say that singing is my first love, and acting I learned to fall in love with it talaga. Recently, I've been doing both. I’m not gonna lie, I am working on an album. It’s been a long process—medyo tumatagal lang. Binubuo ko pa ’yung album. You can see I’m working on two acting projects, very busy lately, but I’m hopeful magawa ko pa rin pareho nang maayos,” Janella said.
For over a decade, actress and singer Janella Salvador has consistently showcased her talent and determination. With no signs of slowing down, she is more ready than ever to embrace new roles, challenges, and everything she aspires to achieve.