Janine Gutierrez talks film, fashion, and ‘family first’
Actress Janine Gutierrez has long been admired for her talent, grace, and impeccable fashion sense. Now, she’s stepping into a new role—producer of a documentary about her grandmother, the iconic singer-actress Pilita Corrales.
This project not only brings Gutierrez closer to her roots but also pushes her creative boundaries. As the daughter of former actor Ramon Christopher (Corrales’ son with Eddie Gutierrez) and Lotlot de Leon, she has always been deeply connected to the entertainment industry.
Gutierrez is working alongside acclaimed filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama, director of “Sunday Beauty Queen,” to bring Corrales’ story to life.
“When I watched ‘Sunday Beauty Queen,’ it really made an impact on me,” she told Lifestyle. “For BRV to be so game and onboard to direct Mamita’s documentary is just incredible. We’re even going through her archives from the ’60s to piece everything together.”
Remarkable journey
The documentary aims to highlight Asia’s Queen of Songs’ remarkable journey—from becoming a trailblazing female recording artist in the Philippines to her lasting influence on the country’s music industry.
“We’ve already started working on the film, and there’s so much to learn about Mamita’s life,” Gutierrez said of her grandmother. “It’s really important to me to honor her legacy and show how she overcame so many challenges.”
With no set deadline, Gutierrez is in no rush to finish the project. “We’re taking our time to make sure it’s as authentic as possible. That makes it even more special for our family,” she said.
Gutierrez credits her grandmother for teaching her invaluable life lessons. “Family first—always. Everything she does is for her family. And as a woman, she’s overcome so many adversities. She started as a singer to support her family when her dad passed away. No matter what happens, she keeps getting up. That’s what I want people to see in this documentary.”
Beyond this passion project, Gutierrez continues to shine in her acting career. Since signing with ABS-CBN in January 2021, she has taken on a variety of roles—from the romantic comedy “Marry Me, Marry You” to the gritty “Dirty Linen” and, most recently, “Lavender Fields.”
Her character Iris Buenavidez in her most recent project made a lasting impression—not just through her performance but also through her striking fashion choices.
“I’m lucky to have gotten these roles,” Gutierrez reflected. “I don’t really choose projects, but somehow, the right ones find me. I’m always thankful to my Kapamilya bosses for trusting me.”
Style shift
Playing Buenavidez required a significant style shift. “Iris is strong and sophisticated—power shoulders, power suits, and bold cutouts. Her palette is strictly red and black—very commanding. It helped me get into character,” she shared.
Her personal style, however, leans toward neutrals. “I prefer browns, whites, and creams—something more relaxed and feminine,” she explained.
Over the years, she has become more intentional with fashion. “In the past, I experimented a lot. Now, I understand what works for me, and I want to be more consistent with my style.”
Sustainability has also become a priority. “The first luxury pieces I owned were hand-me-downs from Mamita and Tita Annabelle (Rama). I value pieces that last—ones I can eventually pass down to my younger sisters or even my future kids,” she said.
The actress also supports repeating outfits. “Back in college, I couldn’t afford new clothes, so my barkada and I shared outfits. Most of them were from ukay-ukay. One weekend, it’s a tube top; the next, it’s a skirt. Rewearing outfits helps you discover your personal style, too. And I love that Mocha Mousse is the color of the year—brown is so flattering for morenas like me.”
Despite her diverse roles, Gutierrez has her eyes on a new genre. “I’d love to do an action-comedy—something fun but still empowering for women.”
She also hints at exciting projects in the pipeline. “I have two teleseryes lined up. There’s one with Echo (Jericho Rosales, her boyfriend) for ABS-CBN, but that’s all I can say for now.”
With her growing career and newfound role as a producer, Gutierrez is proving that she is not just a fashion icon or a talented actress—but also a storyteller dedicated to honoring her family’s legacy.
