Kapamilya star Janella Salvador expresses her gratitude for reaching the 10-year milestone in the show business industry.

"It has been a long time. Technically, I have been in the industry for 12 to 13 years already. Looking back, I'm thankful for everything. I feel like sobrang dami opportunities, and I'm so grateful that I'm still here after how many years," said Janella during a media conference held at the Dolphy Theater of the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City recently.

Janella's journey in the glitzy world of showbiz has been a rollercoaster ride, with its own unique set of challenges and triumphs. She has been through thick and thin, experiencing the highs and lows that come with the territory. But, despite all the obstacles, Janella has persevered and emerged stronger than ever. Her indomitable spirit and never-say-die attitude are an inspiration to us all.

"It has been a challenging journey, but all the hard work at pinagdaanan ko made me who I am today. I feel stronger. I'm sure of what I want. I'm still discovering many things for myself," she said.

To celebrate her 10th year in showbiz, Janella will hold her first major concert with new music, “Janella Reimagined: The 10th Anniversary Concert,” at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on April 19. Her special guests are Martin Nievera, Jane De Leon, Marlo Mortel, Darren, Jenine Desiderio, Arizona Brandy, Brigiding, Lady Morgana, and Miss Jade So. Incidentally, platinum tickets for the concert were already sold out.

Janella is excited about the upcoming concert, which will give her the perfect opportunity to indulge in her passion for singing.

"This concert means so much to me because it's my first big concert. I'm nervous about it, but I'm working hard. Although I've been singing since I was in my mommy's tummy, many people still don't know I'm a singer. Many people know me more as an actress. There are so many sides to me that people haven't seen. We want to challenge people's imaginations. I'm more than you can imagine, and I don't like to be put in the box," she said.

Janella also said that she's excited to share with her fans her music, which kicked off with the release of her new song "headtone."

"Hindi ako natakot na iparinig sa kanila ang new music ko. Sobrang excited ako. For the first time, ito yung music na gusto ko talagang gawin. I wasn't in control of the things I want before kasi nga bata pa ako noon. When I released my first album, I think I was 16 years old. 

"Hindi pa ako sure kung ano yung gusto ko. So I just go with the flow kung ano yung ibigay sa akin. Ngayon ko lang talaga na-a-assert yung mga wants ko. Sa music ko, I've always been to jazz, and R&B. So happy ako na finally, mailalabas na yung new music ko," she said.

Janella said this concert had been planned for a long time but wasn't a priority in her career. She even recalled that the concert had been reset 10 times, as far as she could remember.

"Hindi ako nagka time. Hindi priority ang concert in the past few years. But we've been planning this concert for more than two years na. Dapat talaga sa 10th anniversary ko siya gagawin. Pero nagkaroon ako ng schedules so hindi naman nagawa. Parang more than 10 times na na-reset ang concert na ito. Finally it's happening."

At home with son Jude

Janella said she would sing a particular song for her son Jude in her upcoming concert.

"There's one song I will dedicate to Jude during my concert pero surprise na lang," she said.

Janella said her three-year-old son enjoys music like she does. "Nasa stage siya ngayon na lagi niya ako nakikitang kumakanta so tinuturuan ko rin siyang kumanta like 'Fly Me To The Moon' so nasusundan naman niya ako. I think he likes to sing."

She also shared an inspiring message to her son.

"I want Jude to stand up for himself when he needs to. I want him to assert his boundaries, which is very important in this industry. Don't let people step all over you. As long as you're working hard, giving your 100 percent, and being passionate about what you do, you have the right to assert your boundaries," Janella said.

Janella says she and former boyfriend Markus Paterson still talk mainly about their son. She confesses that balancing her time for her career and personal life is challenging. Janella adds she prefers to spend time at home with Jude if she has any free time.

"Medyo nahihirapan ako ngayon to balance things because I'm barely home. I returned from a festival in Lipa City a few nights ago and flew to Singapore the next day. That night, I came home. So I feel sad that I couldn't spend much time with Jude. But as soon as I get free days, I make sure I maximize my time. Kaya hindi ninyo ako nakikita na gumagala kasi I just spend time at home. I try to balance it as much as possible," she said.

Dream projects

Janella, 30, desires to expand her career in show business by venturing into theater performances.

"I want to achieve something, so I'll just keep working with what I have right now. Isa sa mga dreams ko na hindi ko pa na-a-achieve is makapag-theater. I want to try doing musical theater. 

"This concert is on my bucket list, so I'm happy that I will be able to do it. I want to release more music. After this album, I'm going to keep making music. So, let's see where everything takes me," she said.

Asked if this is the life she ever dreamed of, Janella answered: "That's tricky. I always say in interviews that I never expected to become an actress. Hindi siya naging dream para sa akin na gusto kong mag-artista sa TV but I've always loved music. I love singing. I always saw myself as a singer, even if I was a shy kid. Gusto ko talagang kumakanta, so I guess the music part, yes, this is exactly how I wished it would be. But for the acting part, I didn't expect it to come for me. But I'm grateful."

Tickets to “Reimagined” are available on Ticketnet outlets and ticketnet.com.ph priced at P6,000 with meet and greet and poster (Platinum), P4,500 (SVIP), P3,500 (VIP), P2,500 (Orchestra), P1,700 (Loge), and P1,200 (Balcony). Janella’s “Reimagined” concert is produced by ABS-CBN Events, ABS-CBN Music, Star Music, Star Magic, and Mentorque Productions.