Jennylyn Mercado Recalls Her Time as an ‘Extra’ in John Lloyd & Bea Alonzo’s Series
JENNYLYN MERCADO – Kapuso actress Jennylyn Mercado fondly recalls her experience as an ‘extra’ in John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo’s hit series, marking the start of her journey in the entertainment industry.
Did you know that Jennylyn Mercado started her career as an “extra” in a TV series starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo? In a throwback vlog by GMA Network, the Kapuso Ultimate Star reminisced about her very first TV appearance in the ABS-CBN drama series Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.
The series first aired in 2002 and ran until 2003. Aside from John Lloyd and Bea, the cast also included Lorna Tolentino, Edu Manzano, and Shaina Magdayao. According to Jennylyn, her scene with John Lloyd marked her television debut, even before she joined StarStruck.
“‘Yung eksena namin ni John Lloyd, ito ‘yung pinakauna kong guest appearance sa TV. Wala pa ako sa StarStruck noon,” she shared. “So parang ang Tita Becky (Aguila, talent manager) ang sabi lang e, kailangan ng kaeksena ni John Lloyd.”
“Akala ko naman extra lang ako, maglalakad lang ako ganyan tapos mag-hi or nabangga lang. ‘Di ko naman alam na pagseselosan pala ako ni Bea dito with English lines,” she said.
Jennylyn also recalled feeling nervous during those moments. But who would have thought that over a decade later, she would star opposite John Lloyd in a movie? In 2016, Star Cinema brought them together for the romantic-comedy film Just The 3 Of Us.
Jennylyn admitted feeling immense pressure while working on the film. “Hindi rin ako nagi-expect ng kahit ano pero siyempre ‘yung mga ginawa niyang pelikula puro blockbusters so nakakatakot baka hindi ko mapantayan,” said Jen.
She added that adjusting to her role and other aspects of her life wasn’t easy. “Medyo matagal po talaga akong nakakapag-adjust, hindi lang sa set, sa lahat ng nangyayari sa buhay ko.”
Despite it all, there’s no denying that Jennylyn Mercado has become one of the most successful actresses in the industry today. From being an “extra” in John Lloyd and Bea’s series, she continues to prove why she is truly an Ultimate Star.
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