Jessy Mendiola. Photo by Leah Salterio

ACTRESS  Jessy Mendiola has apparently prepared herself for the rigorous campaign trail as she committed herself “one million percent” to support her husband, Luis Manzano, who is running for vice governor in Batangas.

“We are very excited and at the same time, we are very nervous,” Jessy said. “Of course, this is a new world for Luis and I. I know how hard it is. I know how challenging it is.

“He’s a celebrity. But he’s very generous, very smart. He’s willing to give his heart to everyone. I hope he’ll be given a chance to serve.”

Luis will be running in tandem with his mom, Vilma Santos, who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat anew in Batangas. Meanwhile, his younger brother, Ryan Christian, will run for Representative of the 6th District.

Jessy knows her husband really has the potential to become a public servant even before.  “There had been a number of people convincing Luis to run even before,” Jessy said. “But it was only recently that he got convinced to really run.”

“He’s very giving and hardworking. He can also show that he can venture into politics. Finally, he saw the opportunity to run, he agreed to do it 100 percent. ‘Itutuloy ko na ‘to, Love’.”

Jessy is only too happy to see her husband venture into a different world. Since last year, they started going around Batangas to go around Batangas. Starting February, she is prepared to go campaigning around Batangas.

“Luis has been working day and night to help his kababayan in Batangas,” Jessy disclosed. “Luis and I have talked about it. I told him, ‘Go, go, go’ na tayo.’ I will give him full support.”

Meanwhile, Jessy is also slated to return in front of the TV cameras this year. “I just met with my Star Magic family the other night,” she disclosed. “They offered a new soap for me and Gerald (Anderson), ‘Nobody.’

“That should start mid-year. I told my bosses hindi ko kayang pagsabayin because I really value my time with my family. My bosses will give me fair scheduling. I will also be working with RK Bagatsing and JC De Vera.”

Jessy and Gerald are slated to reunite after they did the teleserye, “Budoy,” back in 2011. Her last project with ABS-CBN was the primetime series, “Sandugo” (2019), even before the pandemic.

“Nagpahinga talaga ako,” Jessy said. “I think sabi talaga ni Lord, ‘Unahin mo muna ang personal life mo.’ I really needed that. I healed a lot. I’ve grown so much.”

Jessy recently renewed her relationship with Manila Diamond Studio that started when she purchased her wedding bands in 2021 for their marital date in Lipa, Batangas.

She also bought her diamond earrings in the same store, where she is now a brand endorser. “I love jewelry,” Jessy said. “More than bags and shoes, I invest on jewelry. But I go for earrings more.”

Jessy Mendiola (left) with Manila Diamond Studio owner Ara Tan (center) and influence/content creator Vien Velasquez of Team Payaman. Photo by Leah Salterio.

She refuses to disclose the cost of her recent purchase, her diamond earrings. “I really worked hard for these,” she said. “This is really my dream since I started working and saving for jewelry.”

Her engagement ring is admittedly her most expensive jewelry, which Luis purchased. “I removed all my jewelry before coming here because I had to change the nappy of the bagets,” she said. “I told Rosie I had to leave after and she gave me her smirk. Marunong na siya.”

Even before she started working, Jessy received her first piece of jewelry from her mom. “It was a bracelet,” she shared. “I cherished it. I wore that everyday sa school. But that got lost through the years. I bought something like that when I started working.”

She buys responsibly and not just on a whim. While she considers diamonds as investment, the jewelry has more of a sentimental value for Jessy. “All my purchase of diamonds, I really value them,” said Jessy.

“I know I will turn them over to Rosie later on. She has a bracelet and a stud (earrings). For me, I consider that as investment but more importantly, it’s the sentimental value.

“Luis is not really into jewelry, but more into watches. He buys jewelry because he gives them to me. Jewelry appreciates in value. Diamonds have symbolism.”

Jessy spent the Christmas holidays with her family. “From Christmas celebration to New Year’s Eve until the birthday of Tito Ralph (last January 11), we were all together,” Jessy granted. “Now, it’s back to work for all of us. That’s why medyo busy na ulit.”

She plans to get the elections over and done with before getting pregnant again with her second baby. “As of now, it’s not the right time yet,” Jessy said. “But I really want lots of kids.”

She plans to have three children, girl, boy and another girl. “If the Lord gives us that, that’s great,” Jessy said. “If not, that’s okay, too.”

This early, she can tell that her daughter is a drama queen,” perhaps taking after the grandma, Vilma Santos.

“Rosie is such a happy baby,” Jessy said of her daughter. “Easy and very malambing. She just turned two last month. ABS-CBN bosses promised me they will be strict with my hours when I start working again.”