Janine Gutierrez: Glow Goals

Wrapping up our cover story on Janine Gutierrez to conclude the summer season, we list all the reasons why our #CalyxtaGirl is precisely #goals. First and foremost—one look at Janine’s dainty face and naturally dewy complexion makes everyone at the Calyxta HQ want to reach for that Sundays Sparklight Series. But more than anything, it’s her charm and grounded disposition that draws you in—which is certainly evident in our final interview on what she plans to do next this year.

Now that we’re ending the second quarter of the year, how has 2019 been?

Unexpectedly good—because at the end of 2018, I felt like I was kind of in a slump. I felt a little lost, so I didn’t really plan anything for 2019. I didn’t even have a New Year’s Resolution, which I usually do. As in I’m so particular about those things, that I write down everything. But this year, I didn’t plan anything. I had no expectations, then I got so busy with work. And I guess it was just sort of the universe’s way of telling me to just keep going, and now I feel super refocused! I guess it’s just really important to take breaks sometimes, so that you can check with yourself how you’re feeling, what you need to do to get yourself on track or just remember why you’re doing what you’re doing—so that you’re motivated and be on the right track.

What goes into your decision in choosing or doing projects/roles?

The story. It’s always the story. I think the story is the most important part. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big budget movie or a guerilla shoot. I feel like it’s always the story—if it’s something that I can relate to or I can connect with, or just makes me feel good, or even if it makes me feel bad! If it leaves a mark on you, and that feeling that you’re left with after reading it.

What does the rest of the year have in store for you?

Well, since I didn’t plan the year and it turned out okay, I think I’m just going to go with the flow but still remind myself of where I want to be. I learned that you need to know where you want to be, so that every decision you make brings you closer to that. So hopefully more movies! I really want to do more movies. I really want to travel a lot this year. And I really want to hopefully start a business. One thing that I’m really enjoying now is actually my YouTube channel, which is something that’s new for me because I used to be so shy, and I felt like nobody’s going to care what I say—but then I realized that it’s nice to have a community, because I not only just share what I know, I also learn a lot from the people who comment back. It feels like a new community for me, and it’s fun to just show more of myself as me, as compared to different characters I play on TV.