“I always say it’s my passion for music,” she says. “I can sing and I might have my own album this year. I just hope all those who watched 'Be Careful' will also follow our new show.”
She plays the role of Sophie, an orphan, and is paired with Marlo Mortel and PBB’s Manolo Pedrosa in “Oh My G”. They’re supported by Eric Quizon and Maricar Reyes as her parents who both die prematurely, Janice de Belen and John Arcilla as the parents of Marlo, Edgar Allan Guzman and Josh de Guzman as Marlo’s brothers, Sunshine Cruz and Dominic Ochoa as the couple who become Janella’s guardian after her parents died, Julia Buencamino (daughter of Shamaine and Nonie Buencamino) as her best friend, plus a whole barkada of new teen stars led by Lian Valentin, Kokoy de Santos and Paolo Gumabao who are, like Janella, also managed by Manny Valera. This is under the direction of Veronica Velasco, director of the hit “Pure Love”.
Janella is proud that “Oh M G” is something different from other soaps as it’s inspirational and has a spiritual touch. “This is based on the request of Carmelite sisters who asked Ma’am Charo Santos Concio to come up with a show that pays tribute to St. Teresa of Avila who’s celebrating her 5th centenary this year. We incorporate in the story the good values she imparts like humility, detachment from material things and love of neighbor, but in a subtle fun way at hindi preachy.”
In 'Oh My G', she lost her father in a car crash. In real life, she also hasn't seen her dad, rocker Juan Miguel Salvador, for a long time now. How does she feel about this? "Like Sophie, not having a dad has taught me to be strong and independent. But in real life naman, I still have my mom (singer Jenine Desiderio.)"
So, which of Marlo or Manolo will conquer her heart on and off cam? “Ay, wala pong ganun. I’m only 16. Hindi pa ako ready mag-boyfriend. Work muna. As of now, friends lang kami lahat sa taping. Maganda ang bonding namin sa set.”
“Oh My G” will start airing on Monday, January 19.
