After nine months off set, she is jumping in front of the camera with the lead role on Maalaala Mo Kaya. The “Pangarap at Kamao” episode features the journey of female world champion boxer Nesthy Petecio. And Jane de Leon is sharing every detail of her experience in this Entertainment.ABS-CBN.com exclusive!
PHOTOS: Mga paghahandang ginawa ni Jane de Leon bilang Nesthy Petecio sa MMK
In preparation for this project, she had to go through stunt training every day, which includes learning the basics of boxing. Although, it was not her first time to box. This was previously part of her workout routine, but she had to stop boxing in order to gain weight. Despite being physically demanding, Jane used to be boyish which is why she does not mind this type of role. In fact, she once idolized her older brother and even wanted to be a professional wrestler. It was only when her mother started to enter her into beauty pageants that she discovered her girly side.
As we all know, Jane must be busy preparing for her portrayal in the much-anticipated reboot of the iconic heroine Darna. So, squeezing in the shoots for this MMK episode into her schedule was tight. “Siyempre, nami-miss ko na rin pong umarte,” she expressed. Her last project was Halik which starred Jericho Rosales, Yen Santos, Yam Concepcion and Sam Milby.
Because of being away for so long, Jane did feel nervous to accept such a challenging role. Luckily, she could relate to Nesthy’s struggles in life. “Sobrang mapagmahal na anak. Sobrang bait niyang taong ‘yan. Lahat talaga gagawin niya para sa pamilya,” she described the female boxer. It also helped that the Kapamilya actress got along well with her co-stars Bembol Roco, Pinoy Big Brother Otso 2nd Big Placer Kiara Takahashi, and Mara Lopez who was part of the recently concluded primetime teleserye The Killer Bride.
One thing she learned from this experience, it is to never give up on a dream, “’Wag ka talagang susuko kapag may pinapangarap ka.” Let your family be a source of inspiration, especially when you feel defeated.
If you want to know more about Jane de Leon, then check out all her revelations on Kapamilya Confessions She shared more about portraying Nesthy Petecio and her plans for 2020.