Jennylyn Mercado, 39, practically glows up when she's around her children.
At the media launch of her new album Jen Deluxe yesterday, August 20, 2026, Jennylyn was accompanied by not just her husband Dennis Trillo, but also by their kids Alex Jazz and Dylan.
Talking about bringing her family to the event, the Kapuso singer-actress said: "Actually, hindi kumpleto. Si Calyx nasa school. Alam niyo naman pag college, kahit bagyo, may pasok.
"Masaya naman ako na nandito si Dennis, ever supportive naman yung asawa ko. Yung mga anak ko, ganun din."
Alex Jazz is Jennylyn's son with ex-boyfriend Patrick Garcia, while Calyx is Dennis's son with ex-girlfriend Carlyn Aguilar.
When asked how it feels that Alex Jazz just turned 18, she was quick to clarify, "Oo, dalawa na. Isang 18, isang 19, si Calyx."
Jennylyn continued: "Si Alex Jazz naman, forever baby ko talaga iyan.
"Simula nung baby pa iyan hanggang ngayon, 18 na iyan, ganun pa rin siya kalambing, ganun pa rin siya ka-loving at ka-gentle."
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JENNYLYN MERCADO ON DAUGHTER DYLAN
As for Dylan, Jennylyn warmly pointed out how her daughter showed up with ribbons on her hair and multi-layered accessories.
"Yes, kita niyo naman, di ba? Kulang sa accessories yung bata. Saka naka-extensions. Ganoon siya.
"Kahit sa bahay, pagka wala kaming ginagawa, gusto niya lang maglaro, naka-accessories iyan. Maraming bracelet, maraming necklace, naka-hair extension, naka-lipstick iyan siya, ganun."
But when asked if she would allow Dylan to follow in her footsteps, Jennylyn replied: "Ay naku. Hindi yata kami papayag ng tatay niya. Extra protective kaming dalawa pagdating sa mga anak namin."
Referring to life in show business, she added, "Mahirap at magulo."
Then she revealed that Calyx is the one who already expressed interest in joining showbiz.
"Si Calyx gusto niya. Pero ang deal lang namin, sabi ko, tapusin lang niya yung school. Tapusin lang yung college.
"Tapos we will let him decide kung anong gusto niyang puntahan, anong gusto niyang maging. Susuportahan namin."
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NEW ALBUM
Jennylyn released Jen Deluxe under Star Music, the record label arm of ABS-CBN.
It took her three years to complete the project as she got busy with her commitments for GMA-7.
"Ang tagal. Sabi ko nga, sobrang thankful ako sa Star Music family kasi talagang very patient sila, very understanding. Hinintay nila ako.
"Nag-adjust sila sa schedule ko. Hindi rin naman namin in-expect na magsasabay-sabay so ganun katagal inabot. But sulit naman yung paghihintay."
One of her songs in the album is dedicated to her husband Dennis.
"On the spot writing yun. Nung time na magre-record ako, dun pa lang namin sinulat ni Sir Jonathan [Manalo].
"So yung proseso ni Sir Jonathan, kakaiba siya kasi para kaming nagkaroon ng time na mag-isip ng words or feelings na gusto namin ilabas tapos siya yung nagbuo ng kanta."
She also included in her album the song "Nandito Ka Pa," composed by her good friend Nar Cabico.
"Ginawa sa akin yun ni Nar para sa mommy ko. After mawala ni Mommy Lydia, yun yung Christmas gift niya sa akin.
"Kahit nung nag-CoLove Live kami, yung sa YouTube Channel namin na puro songs, hindi ko siya kayang kantahin. Parang may naka-block sa lalamunan ko, anytime magbi-breakdown ako.
"Ganun din yung feeling nung nagre-record ako kasi very emotional ako pag naririnig ko yung kanta."
To sum up the vibe of her album, she said it's a combination of heartbreaking and happy love songs.
"Sinigurado namin na lahat ng track meron para ma-enjoy ng lahat," Jennylyn concluded.