For those who grew up in the ‘90s, the lasting image of Maria Jolina Perez Magdangal—endearingly known to the public as simply Jolina Magdangal—would be of that bubbly teener singing, dancing and trading witty punchlines with her fellow Ang TV co-stars.
Aside from being a young star, Jolina was also considered a trend setter as she amusingly experimented with styles and colors as vibrant as her personality.
Jolina eventually transferred from ABS-CBN to GMA-7 in 2002. The shift likewise signified the former child star's transformation as a young woman yet brimming still with childlike exuberance. In celebration of Jolina's birthday, we asked the actress-singer and PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) blogger 10 fun and personal questions any fan would be interested to know.
FONDEST MOMENT AS A KID. Jolina started out in show business very young. As a little girl growing up, she was already exposed to the grueling demands of the industry as well as the exciting perks it had to offer like travelling, material stuff and public adulation. Yet, Jolina's cherished memory as a kid surprisingly reveals simple moments shared with her family.
Jolina narrates: "Nagtinda yung buong family namin ng hotdog sa [Quezon City] Circle, at pare-pareho ang t-shirt namin. Tapos pag may natitira, kami ng mga kapatid ko ang umuubos...Hahaha!
"Isa pa, pag may sakit mommy ko at di siya pumapasok sa office, inuuwian ko siya ng sisiw at itik na binebenta sa school."
THREE THINGS THAT MAKE HER HAPPY. Like all of us, Jolina's source of happiness varies as she matures. "Iba kasi nagpapasaya sa ‘kin nung bata ako at ngayon, e," she muses. Naming only three is a stumper, of course, what with the many blessings she continues to receive. "Yung ngayon na lang," she says: "Time with family and Bebong [Jolina's boyfriend], photography and books."
MOST ROMANTIC MOMENT. She may be way past her teenage years, but when it comes to romantic gestures Jolina stresses that she remains simple and idealistic. It doesn't necessarily have to be grand, like the usual candlelight dinner with wine and bouquet of flowers. In fact, simple things done with effort and affection are enough to earn Jolina's attention.
"Mababaw lang din kasi ako. Kaya kahit maliliit na bagay, kahit gestures lang, sweet or romantic na para sa akin."
MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT. Jolina recalls a concert she did together with the Ang TV gang in Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City as one of her most embarrassing moments.
"Sumasayaw kami, sa blocking nasa unahan ako, naka-braces pa ako nun kaya pagsayaw ko, sumabit yung tirintas ko sa braces ko. Di ko alam kung isusubo ko nang buo yung buhok o lalabas ako ng stage. After ilang minutes nagpunta na lang ako sa likod at tinanggal yung buhol ng buhok sa braces."
What happened next was more interesting. "Akala ko walang nakapansin, after nung concert, may lumapit sa ‘kin na cute na student at tinanong kung di daw ba natanggal braces ko? Waaaaah!!! gusto kong lumubog sa kinakatayuan ko!"
CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...? "Thing I can't live without? Cell phone!"
FAVORITE MOVIE. Jolina cites the romantic movie, The Notebook, as her favorite film. Shown in 2004, the film was an adaptation of a 1996 novel written by American novelist Nicholas Sparks. Touching on the subject of undying love despite distance and time, the film stars James Garner and Gena Rowlands under the direction of Nick Cassavetes. The Notebook was voted by Yahoo users in September 2008 as the top most romantic film over 35 other entries.
FAVORITE SONG. Aside from being a host and actress, Jolina is also a singer. A music lover since she was a little girl, Jolina mentions "Moon River" and "I'll Take Care of You" as two of her favorite songs.
"Moon River" was written by Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini and later on popularized by Andy Williams and other crooners. "I'll Take Care of You" is a Steven Curtis Chapman number.
FASHION ICON. A trend setter herself for the youth in the early ‘90s, Jolina looks up to Madonna and the Olsen Twins for their fashion sense and style.
STILL TO ACCOMPLISH. Having a successful career doesn't stop Jolina from aiming for more exciting goals. Interestingly, Jolina's goals have nothing to do with show business. "Put up my own daycare," she says, before adding, "gusto ko matutong mag-bake, gusto ko mag-bake, gusto ko pa ma-tour ang mundo... haaaay..."
DREAM ROLE. What dream role she would love to portray in the future? "Double personality. Tipong akala mo sweet at goody goody, yun pala killer... rarrrr!"
Take your pick—wholesome Jolina or wacky? Whatever, she's one energetic gal who can be and do anything she imagines.