After marrying Luis Manzano in 2021, Jessy Mendiola admits that she has chosen to prioritize her family life. For several years, her focus was on happily raising her daughter Rosie and sharing vlogs about motherhood. Last year, she finally signed a new contract with Star Magic and ABS-CBN and is excited to get back into acting again soon. 

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN, Jessy shared that contrary to what people would think, not much has changed with her since becoming Mrs. Luis Manzano. “Oo naman, diyos ko. Parang sinasabi nila na naging iba si Jessy kasi naging mother, naging wife. But also, nag-mature din ako,” she shared during the Manila Diamond Studio store opening in Evia Mall Lifestyle Center in Las PInas City. 

Dispelling assumptions about her posh appearance, the actress and model is proud to admit she still enjoys her favorite simple food. “Jologs pa rin ako eh (laughs). I mean, talagang minsan, ‘yung merienda ko gusto ko… alam niyo ba ‘yung corned beef hinahalo ko sa ketchup, masaya na ako? Ganun ako. O kaya, kunwari mag-ke-crave ako ng mga tusok-tusok, nagpapahanap talaga ako ng pinakamalapit. Sa Lipa (Batangas) lagi akong nag-iisaw dun! Gusto ko ‘yung turon, isaw, fish ball, squid ball, kikiam, kwek-kwek,” she revealed. 

Jessy also admits to requesting her favorite fish dish whenever she is in Batangas, where her in-laws Vilma Santos and husband Ralph Recto are based. “Magugulat talaga kayo. Alam niyo ba, kapag umiikot kami sa Batangas, ang lagi kong hinihingi, tulingan (laughs). Sinaing na tulingan, ‘yung isda lang. Niloloko ko nga sila eh. Sabi ko, ‘Yan lang TF (talent fee) ko, okay na ako. Masaya na ako.’ Kaya kong mabuhay na ‘yun lang kinakain ko araw-araw. Ang layo ‘di ba? Pero favorite ko talaga ‘yun. Kahit tanungin niyo pa sila Momsky (Vilma Santos), sila Luis (Manzano), ‘yun pa rin favorite ko!” she said. 

While eager to get back to work, Jessy does not lose sight of what matters most to her. Last December, they celebrated Rosie’s second birthday.

READ: Jessy Mendiola, Luis Manzano pen heartwarming messages for daughter’s second birthday

Jessy will soon be making her showbiz comeback and has teased several projects being in the pipeline. One of these is the upcoming action-drama series  Nobody where Jessy will reunite with Kapamilya actor Gerald Andersin. Nobody will be directed by Benedict Mique and Rae Red. Apart from Anderson and Mendiola, JC De Vera was also confirmed to join the program.