Kapuso star Jillian Ward has addressed the rumors and criticisms surrounding her luxury cars and extravagant 18th birthday celebration in an exclusive interview on GMA Network’s limited talk series ‘My Mother, My Story,’ hosted by Boy Abunda.
In her first public response to these issues, Jillian expressed her frustration with the unfounded accusations about her wealth and lifestyle. “I just hope na nakikita nila na two years old pa lang ako, naka-diaper pa lang ako, nagwo-work na ako,” she said. “I think naman somehow na lahat po na mayroon ako is deserve ko through my hard work. I just hope na huwag silang masyadong maniwala sa fake news.”
Jillian emphasized her long-standing career in the entertainment industry, noting that she started working in TV commercials before she could even read. “Ganyan na po sila ever since. Parang underage pa lang ako, ang dami nang misconceptions about me. I think medyo unfair po siya kasi sana nakikita nila na naka-diaper pa lang ako, nagwo-work na ako [sa TV commercial]. Hindi pa po ako nakapagbabasa, nagwo-work na ako,” she asserted.
Jillian’s acting career began at the age of five. She starred in numerous GMA Network teleseryes as a child, including ‘The Last Prince’ (2010), ‘Trudis Liit’ (2010), and ‘Captain Barbell’ (2011), among others. As she transitioned into her teenage years, she continued to secure projects with the Kapuso network, including ‘My Special Tatay’ (2018-2019), ‘Prima Donnas’ (2019-2022), and the ongoing ‘Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap.’
Reflecting on her extensive career, Jillian highlighted the earnings and savings she accumulated from various projects, TV guestings, out-of-town and corporate shows, endorsements, and movies. “Napag-ipunan ko po lahat ng mayroon ako ngayon,” she said.
She also clarified that her grand debut at a five-star hotel was made possible with the help of several contributors. “Like ‘yung sa debut, even GMA-7, nag-share sa debut party ko. ‘Yung mga endorsement ko po, nag-share sila,” she explained. “So, kumbaga lahat ng mayroon ako, galing po ‘yan sa hard work ko talaga. Sa malinis na paraan. So, I find it a bit unfair. Mayroon silang mga sinasabi na walang basis talaga.”
Jillian expressed her frustration over baseless accusations and fake news. “Parang ang cruel niya po kasi underage ako tapos mayroon silang mga sinasabi na mga scandalous na mga bagay na wala po talagang basis. Sobrang fake news. Ilang taon ako noon? Sixteen,” she lamented.
Addressing her cars, she attributed them to her endorsements and years of taping. “’Yung cars ko, galing sa mga endorsement ko, sa mga taping ko. Ilang years na akong nagte-taping, 15 years na next year. Sa 20th birthday ko,” she shared. “Medyo nalungkot ako dahil hindi nila nakikita ‘yung hardwork ko.”
Despite the criticisms, Jillian remains proud of her achievements and continues to focus on her career and personal growth.