Award-winning actress Janice De Belen takes great pride in her role as a single mother. 

Balancing her successful career in the entertainment industry with the responsibilities of raising her children, she finds joy and fulfillment in nurturing their growth and development. 

Janice often shares how her experiences as a mother have enriched her life, allowing her to connect deeply with her children while also inspiring her performances on screen.

"Ngayon mas relax na ako ng konti because it's just me, my youngest son and my dad. Basta gumising na ako at okay sila, okay na ako," said Janice during an interview for the upcoming horror movie "Espantaho" under Quantum Films at the Novotel Manila in Araneta City recently.

An official entry for the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, "Espantaho" stars Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino. It is dfirected by Chito Rono. "Espantaho" opens on Dec. 25.

On not having a new partner in life, Janice said: "Busy ako masyado."

Janice, 58, gets strength from her children, grandchildren, father, and nine dogs. 

"Porke wala kang lovelife hindi naman ibig sabihin empty ka na. Ang love hindi naman nanggaling sa isang tao lang.

"Ang love comes from my children and yourself. Galing na rin sa mga aso ko. I have nine dogs," Janice said.

Janice believes having a love life is challenging in the age of social media.

"Ang hirap na rin ngayon. May lovelife ka tapos may social media, kumplikado na. Mag-aabang na lang ako," she said.

Janice said she considers her father and son as the two most important men in her life these days. "Meron din naman akong mga aso na lalaki."

She enjoys taking care of her dad. "He's 76. It's our turn to take care of him."

In love with Korean stars

Janice openly expresses her admiration for the Korean series and several of its stars.

But she admitted her life changed when Song Joong-ki got married. She also loves Lee Min- ho.

"Nanonood pa rin ako ng mga Korean series pero wala na silang picture sa phone ko. Kasi nag-asawa na sila.

"Nakakahiya naman na ilagay ko pa sila sa phone ko kasi may asawa na sila. Nalungkot din ako ah.

"Si Lee Min Ho hindi na masyado. Si Song Joong-ki yung huli. Noong nag-asawa siya at nagka-anak na, sabi ko sa sarili ko, 'Tama pa ba ito? Hindi na di ba?'

"Matagal-tagal din kami ni Song Joong-ki. Mga eight years. Naiiyak talaga ako (noong nag-asawa na siya). Hindi ko maintindihan pero nalungkot talaga ako," said Janice as she laughed.

Quotation Queen

Janice openly expresses her deep appreciation for quotes that resonate with her emotions and experiences. 

She often shares these meaningful lines with friends and family, revealing how much they touch her heart and inspire her in daily life.

"Once in a while, I post quotes. Hindi dahil sa nararamdaman ko or bagay sa akin. Bagay sa pagkakataon ng marami. Or feeling ko magandang ibahagi yung quote sa ibang tao. 

"Kapag nanonood ako ng series or movies at may quotes na nag resonate sa akin, pino-post ko pa rin yun. I would tell myself, 'Ang ganda ng quote.' Then I'll post it," Janice said.

Asked to share a quote during the interview, Janice answered: "For today, silence is golden. Yun lang."

Proud of Kaila

Janice said she is proud of her daughter Kaila Estrada who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Programme/Series at the ContentAsia Awards 2024. She was praised for her role in "Linlang."

She shared her advice to her daughter on being nominated.

"I'm proud of my daughter. Peri ganun talaga. When you are nominated you have to be prepared to not win. Lagi kong iniisip na hindi ako mananalo para pagnanalo ako, excited ako.

"Ever since hindi ko siya goal. Kasi kapag hindi ko siya nakuha, masakit. You will be disappointed. You will feel bad. You feel na parang after all these years, wala pa rin pala akong nagagawang tama. 

"Mas okay na sa akin ang ma-nominate ng maraming beses kahit na hindi manalo. Kapag nanalo naman ako, super bonus na yun," Janice added.