Jillian Ward: View women for their talent, not what they wear
When the public first meets a child star, as they did with Jillian Ward at just the age of five, that image, for better or worse, can stick with them. So for some, it can be almost jarring when these young actors inevitably come of age and begin presenting themselves as adults. Like, when did the Trudis Liit start being so fashion-forward and wearing swimsuits?
Though such sentiments may be well-meaning, or perhaps a result of protectiveness, they can sometimes become a misplaced lament over a perceived loss of innocence. They can also come across as unwitting scrutiny on modesty, or worse, as outright disrespectful.
Malicious rumors
This is something Ward knows all too well. She’s still only 21, but she has already endured years of criticism and unsolicited comments about her body, the way she acts, or how she dresses.
“Nakakalungkot kasi 2026 na, but some people still won’t let other people, especially women, express themselves the way they want to,” she tells Lifestyle Inquirer at her recent contract renewal with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
But more than disrespect, passing remarks about her appearance ballooned into something damaging to her reputation. Some went as far as questioning her motives. Malicious rumors circulated that she had benefactors or entertained old politicians. “Was that how she bought a Porsche, or threw a grand party for her 18th birthday?”
As if her lifestyle weren’t the product of a lifetime of hard work. As if she didn’t carry some of the most successful and longest-running soap operas in recent years. But most painful of all were the accusations that her mother was complicit in it all.
Ward has had to navigate these “hurtful fake news” since the age of 16. She kept quiet at first, thinking that what isn’t true deserves no explanation. But the gossip kept resurfacing, and when it became increasingly apparent that her silence would do nothing to quell the rumors, she finally decided that enough was enough. Earlier this year, on national television, Ward firmly denied the claims and maintained that everything she has, she earned.
Moving forward
It wasn’t easy. But if there’s one thing this experience taught her—and what she hopes to impart to young girls in similar situations—it’s this: Do what you want and wear whatever you want, as long as you’re happy and not hurting anyone.
“I hope we view women for their talents, intelligence, at kung ano ‘yong mga contributions nila sa mundo—not for what they wear,” Ward says. “Don’t be afraid to speak up. Be brave and go after whatever you want… And as long as you know yourself, be confident, do what you love, and reach for your dreams. Stop worrying about other people judging you.”
This is exactly how she hopes to move forward in her 16th year with GMA Network. After the success of her medical drama series “Abot-Kamay na Pangarap” (which ran for 659 episodes) and her romcom mini-series, “My Ilonggo Girl,” she now headlines the action drama series “Never Say Die” together with David Licauco. She plays a fearless vlogger on a mission to expose corruption and fight for justice—an apt role for where she is now in life.
Ward is one of the rare young actresses today who has never had—or didn’t need—a perennial screen partner. While her main goal is to be a versatile actress who can hold her own regardless of genre, she’s now more open to the idea of being part of a love team. She also seeks projects with greater purpose—perhaps something that tackles disability or mental health.
“I want to be a voice for those who don’t have one,” says Ward, who continues to attend workshops to hone her singing and dancing skills, and eventually grow into a well-rounded performer.
Peace of mind
But most importantly, she has allowed herself the peace of mind that comes with blocking out the noise from social media. “Ayoko nang magpa-apekto,” she says. All things considered, she’s holding up better than she expected, and she would like to believe that the drive fueling her now comes from the strength of her mother and grandmother—two battle-hardened women “who have been through a lot but never gave up.”
“I just continue what I do despite the fake issues, the judgment and criticisms thrown at me, or whatever they say about me on social media. I really value my work. Doon lang talaga ang focus ko,” she says.
And as long as she sees that her work resonates with people and brings them joy, that’s all that truly matters. “I pride myself on my resilience and on being brave this past year,” Ward says. “I want to be remembered as an actress who does it not only for the art, but also uses her platform to raise awareness for things that matter.”
