In Memory of Jaclyn Jose: A Director's Tribute
You are many things to others: the first Southeast Asian to win the coveted Best Actress prize at Cannes; the thespian who showed us that restraint and nuances can deeply affect; a loving mother willing to do anything for her children; and a concerned industry player with an honest opinion.Â
To me, you are family. From my first try at storytelling until now, you've always made me feel that you have my back.
Rehearsing before a take in 'Pieta'
I was a fan of your work. Your ticking time bomb of a portrayal in Itanong Mo sa Buwan, that very emotional cameo in May Nagmamahal Sa Iyo, and that courageous rural doctor in Mulanay were inspirations for my cinematic journey. I was overjoyed when I learned that you agreed to be part of the cast of my first feature, Donsol, for Cinemalaya back in 2006. You were very encouraging, and while on location, we bonded over our love for cinema and creating narratives.
One of her key scenes in 'Circa.'
Since then, you have become a part of my shooting family, and every time I call for a project, you readily say yes. It means a lot to me that you trust me. From Nars to Circa to Kontrabida to your wonderful cameo in Pieta, it has been nothing but outstanding. Even in our television series, D'Originals, you owned the character and made it hilarious yet heartwarming. Our Karelasyon episode felt like an indie film—it was a film when I was watching it, and that ending!
That powerful ending in an episode of 'Karelasyon.'
More than the unassuming actor that you are, who always acts on instinct during the shoot, I always look forward to our conversations between takes. We would talk about the films we've seen and the performances we raved about, as well as stories from your previous films and about directors you've worked with. As a cinephile, it was enthralling to hear your stories. You were a team player, making everyone comfortable, regardless of your stature.
That gaze in a scene from our still unreleased 'Acetylene Love.'
Even though we don’t see each other often, we always have our long phone calls and exchanges of messages, jumping from one topic to the next, covering everything from our work to our personal lives. And when we see each other, it lasts for hours. Last December, we had a table reading with Direk Gina Alajar, Direk Ricky Davao, and Joel Saracho. Time flew. We were still on a roll after five hours, eating street foods while discussing acting, respect for other actors, and the Eddie Garcia bill. I saw your passion for making this a better industry.
Discussing a scene in 'Circa'
When I lost my mom, you called and sent messages to cheer me up, even creating a smiling picture of my mom for me to look at when I missed her. And when Tita Alice passed away, I was touched when you said, "Ako na lang ang magiging Tita Alice mo ha." It was an honor to have an actress of your caliber wanting to be part of my shooting family. I am humbled. It was because you felt at home with the crew.
Our matching tattoos. We wanted to remember our loved ones!
You were an acting juggernaut, but to me, the giggles and the fun we had in between work are what make our journey memorable. You could’ve rocked Cannes once again, as we planned to watch films this May and meet producers and directors.
I will miss you, Ms. Jane.Â
With Rosanna Roces and Nora Aunor during the SineSandaan, centennial of Pinoy Cinema celebration
Do not worry. We will finish and make Acetylene Love and Poon a tribute to your commitment as an actor and a team player in the industry. There is only one Jaclyn Jose. And your legacy shall live on—for every character that you breathed life into, big or small, you made sure it would be remembered.
Salamat, Ms. Jane!
P.S. I will do that film with Andi and Timmy.
