Her friends in showbiz, devoted fans, and audiences have known Jolina Magdangal as a good daughter, the kind of girl who obliged to every parental rule. This no-fuss, no-intrigue relationship with her parents was among the many reasons why she was looked up to as a role model during her teenage years.
“Hindi talaga ako pwedeng lumabas ng bahay nang sobrang late na,” confessed Jolina in an episode of TWBA in 2018. Not just her activities were screened but she was constantly chaperoned if needed. “Naka-monitor talaga sila. Kung pwedeng sasama sila, sasama sila.”
Jolina admitted that there came a time when she started to feel uncomfortable. “Sa sobrang pagka-istrikto, parang feeling ko ‘normal ba ako?’” Yet, she never acted defiant. She was devoted to her parents no matter how overprotective they were. “Parang kahit anong sinabi nila, sinunod ko talaga. Pwede kong sabihin na naging masunurin talaga ako noong time na hina-handle nila ako” she said, with hints of pride and contentment. Jolina is certain she doesn’t regret being a good daughter.
At 40 and with two kids of her own, the multi-talented artist looked back on how she was raised and realized she’d want to copy her parents’ style but with less sternness. “Ngayon ko naiisip, na parang ganu’n yata ang dapat gawin sa anak, eh. Pero ayaw kong ganu’n ‘yung ma-feel ng mga anak ko. Gusto ko strikto ako sa kanila pero ayokong ma-feel nila na parang hindi na sila normal.”
Jolina told veteran host Boy Abunda that her dreams now are all about her kids and family. Jolina said her priority is to establish a bright future for her children. “Gusto ko ngayon pa lang nabilhan ko na ng lupa ‘yung mga anak ko at mayroon na akong naipon hanggang sa pag-college nila.”