Kapamilya actress Janella Salvador had an unforgettable experience working on her film Fleeting alongside RK Bagatsing.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Janella admitted feeling nervous about certain scenes, particularly one where she had to fly a plane.

“Kinabahan,” Janella said. “Kasi that scene was actually one of the things na pinakakinabahan ako. Kasi nga, kahit lagi naman ako nag-i-airplane, kinakabahan ako sa turbulence palagi.”

While she enjoyed playing Gem, her character, Janella initially struggled to overcome her fears to deliver a convincing performance.

“So inisip ko, ‘Ah! Paano ko pa itatawid yung emotions ng ako yung nagpapalipad, kunwari, ng plane?’ Pero nagawa ko naman,” she happily recalled.

Janella also shared how much she enjoyed working with the team, describing the set as fun and intimate.

“It was a really fun set, honestly. Kasi very, ano, close-knit lang kami,” she described. “Parang small group lang kami. And then became friends with the director, si Catsi (Catalan). So, ayun nga, we made it with a lot of love and passion.”

Aside from flying a plane, Janella also tried surfing with RK. In the trailer, RK’s character teaches Gem how to surf, but behind the scenes, Janella admitted she didn’t quite master the skill.

“Hindi ako nag-surf at all. Tinry ko lang siya. Hindi nga ako nakapag-ano, sa movie, di ako nakatayo sa surfboard. Pero okay lang. It was fun,” Janella expressed. 

“Nakapag-paddle lang ako. Parang si RK lang din yung kasama ko sa eksena. So, tinuturuan niya ako paano mag-paddle,” she added.

Janella and RK’s film, Fleeting, is an official entry in the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, which showcases eight original films at Gateway Cineplex 18 from March 14 to March 25.

According to its synopsis, "Fleeting follows Gem (Janella), an aspiring pilot who moves to Mati, Davao to pursue her childhood dream. There, she meets JC (RK Bagatsing), a wealthy, easygoing café owner. Despite their differences, they form a deep connection. But when Gem’s big break arrives, she faces a tough decision, should she chase the future she’s always wanted or stay with the love that changed her?”

The film marks the directorial debut of Catsi Catalan and is Janella’s first indie project.

Reflecting on the film, Janella shared how much she resonated with her character.

“Siguro, mas, parang napamahal sa akin yung character ko na si Gem. Kasi ang pinagdadaanan niya sa film is more on, like, nagka-crisis siya. Kasi, hindi niya alam kung, alam niya kung anong pangarap niya talaga, which is maging pilot. Pero, hindi niya alam kung kaya ba niyang abutin. Parang marami siyang self-doubts in her mid-twenties,” Janella explained.

She went on, “And, siguro, napagdaanan ko din kasi yun na I started doubting myself. Nagka-crisis din ako. So, siguro ang realization ko din is just keep going for your dreams. And, if you have to make sacrifices along the way, that's just part of life.”

On March 19, Fleeting won the Puregold Always Panalo Film Award at the festival, marking a significant achievement for the cast and crew.

LOOK: Janella Salvador, RK Bagatsing shine at the premiere of 'Fleeting' 

Starting 2025 on a high note, Janella teased more exciting projects for her fans this year.

“I also have new music coming up this year. Alam ko, ang tagal ko na sinasabi yun. Pero, I think, matutuloy na talaga this year,” Janella said.

She also confirmed her return to television, saying, “I'm also gonna be doing a soap. Yung teleserye na dapat last year pa. (It is ) with Julia (Barretto), Charlie (Dizon), and Sue (Ramirez). Sobrang excited ako for that kasi tagal na niya dapat.”