Two of the stars from the hit Kapamilya series “Lavender Fields”—Janine Gutierrez and Maricel Soriano—just had the ultimate catch-up session. To make things even more exciting, Maricel asked Janine to spill the story behind some of her Instagram photos.

As they kicked things off with Janine's sexy calendar shot, Maricel couldn’t help but point out how classy it looked even though Janine was rocking a bathing suit. That comment made Janine so happy because that was exactly what she was going for. She wanted it to look elegant, not risqué, and just flaunt how fit and healthy she feels.

When it comes to embracing her sexy side, Janine's ultimate peg is her grandma, Pilita Corrales, who, back in her prime, was known for her stunning figure and signature high-slit dresses. She had that perfect mix of sexy and classy, which Janine absolutely admires.

Then came a snap from the Tokyo Film Festival, where her movie was invited for a screening. She shared that “Lavender Fields” co-star Jericho Rosales actually went with her to Japan, along with her glam team. Since it coincided with a holiday, they turned it into a mini vacation. Janine revealed that this whole trip was actually a gift from Jericho, who has been very open about them being in the dating stage.

Janine also looked back on her journey to becoming Iris Buenavidez in “Lavender Fields." She recalled that when Dreamscape’s Deo Endrinal, who was actually the brains behind the series, was still alive, he told her they’d be having a meeting for her next project. She was already excited when she found out she’d be working with Jodi Sta. Maria, but learning that they’d be rivals in the story made her even more thrilled.

Portraying Iris was a huge challenge for her, especially since it was her first time diving into full-blown villainy. That’s why she’s incredibly grateful for the people who guided her along the way, including Maricel, who, during their very first promo shoot, asked if she would need help with the role. And Janine was so relieved because she was admittedly terrified to play Iris. “Salamat, Nay, kasi binigyan mo talaga ako ng lakas. Sa totoo lang,” she told Maricel, adding that Maricel always brings this unspoken warmth, just like a real mother, whether on set or even when she randomly bumps into the veteran star.

It may have been her first time playing a bad girl, but Janine loved the experience, however scared she was at first. She had so much fun bringing the fashionable villain to life (she was obsessed with Iris’ wardrobe!). “Hindi ko akalain na magagawa ko. Salamat sa Diyos talaga!” she enthused. The whole experience taught her that even when something feels intimidating, it will turn out beautifully as long as she gives it her best.

Then, she was shown her photo with Lovi Poe, one of her closest ‘sisters’ in showbiz. The two have a strong bond, not just because they share the same management, but also because they’ve worked together multiple times, including the iWant original series "Sleep With Me." Lovi is also one of the actresses Janine looks up to. When she was just starting out, she wanted to be like Lovi—starring in remarkable teleseryes and making films that get recognized in international festivals.

Reacting next to a snap from her contract signing with ABS-CBN, Janine shared how lucky she feels to have been given back-to-back amazing projects since becoming a Kapamilya, from "Marry Me, Marry You" to "Dirty Linen" and, most recently, "Lavender Fields." On top of that, she gets to work with high caliber actors, which means she’s constantly learning from the best. But what makes it even more special is knowing that her projects have such a wide reach which means Kapamilyas all over the world get to watch and support her work.

They also looked at a poster from "Dirty Linen," a project close to her heart because of its gripping story and powerhouse ensemble, which included Joel Torre, Janice de Belen, and Zanjoe Marudo, to name a few. It was in this series that viewers really noticed Janine’s mata-mata acting or expressing deep emotions through her eyes, a technique she picked up from industry veterans like Maricel,

Janine admits that she wasn’t even good when she first started. She just wanted to try acting. But look where that leap of faith took her to different places around the world to brandish Filipino talent on international stages.

A baby picture of Janine with her dad, Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez, and granddad, Eddie Gutierrez—taken at Eddie’s house in Baguio—brought back warm memories. The Gutierrez clan is known for being tight-knit, which is why Janine has always felt at home with them. “Mahal na mahal ko 'yung mga kamag-anak ko, lalo na si Lolo [Eddie] talaga, kasi ako 'yung una niyang apo, eh. Dati, everyday after school noong Kinder, pinupuntahan ko siya tapos sinasamahan niya akong mag-swimming. Super talagang naka-bonding ko siya no'ng bata ako,” she reminisced.

The Gutierrezes love getting together, especially during the holidays, either at Eddie’s house or at her uncle Richard Gutierrez’s place. Since they all have such busy schedules, their reunions always turn into fun and much-needed catch-up sessions.

One of Janine’s most admirable traits is her close and loving relationship with her family. She also has sweet memories of her grandma, the superstar Nora Aunor, whom she sometimes works with on projects. Janine admits that she gets nervous every time as she always strives to be at par with Nora’s impeccable performances.

As for her other grandmother, Pilita, whom she lovingly calls 'Mamita,' Janine has always looked up to her work ethic. Growing up, she would always see Pilita working nonstop and never getting tired. She also admires her Mamita's generosity, "Dati kahit anong makita niya na damit niya na hindi pa niya nagagamit, ibibigay niya."

Janine feels lucky working with veterans who have known her family, particularly her mother, Lotlot de Leon, for years. This explains her instant rapport with them. For instance, she grew even closer to Maricel on set because the Diamond Star has always had nothing but good things to say about Lotlot’s kindness.

Janine has three siblings—Jessica, Diego, and Maxine—and as the eldest, or 'ate,' she thinks her siblings often find her a bit 'makulit.' She’s always the one offering advice, giving reminders, and looking after them, much like how she saw her mom do the same as the 'ate' when she was growing up. But now that her siblings are older, they’ve started to appreciate her more and even return the care she's given them. "'Yung mga simpleng 'pag may sakit ako, padadalhan ako ng pagkain o sasamahan ako sa bahay, or sila na 'yung mga nag-aasikaso ng mga gamit sa bahay namin. Sobrang swerte ko kasi inaalagaan din ako ng mga kapatid ko," she smiled.

Now that 2025 is here, Janine hopes that the good projects keep coming her way. She’s got some exciting movies and series lined up this year, and she’s looking forward to even more success. Most importantly, truly grateful for everything she has right now, she’s wishing for continued happiness.