Janine Gutierrez's acclaimed performances in "Dirty Linen" and "Lavender Fields," among others, have firmly established her as one of the most respected actresses of her generation. But rather than viewing those successes as the pinnacle of her career, Gutierrez sees them as stepping stones. The award-winning actress believes her biggest opportunities may still be ahead of her, a belief that helped drive her decision to officially join Star Magic as she pursues even bigger dreams and globally minded projects.

Gutierrez formally became part of the Star Magic roster on June 2 during ABS-CBN's "Kapamilya Forever" contract signing event, marking a new chapter in a career that has already produced some of the most memorable performances in recent years.

While she transferred to ABS-CBN in 2021, this is the first time the actress has signed with Star Magic, having previously been managed by the late Leo Dominguez under LVD Artist Management Corp.

The milestone ceremony was attended by ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO of Broadcast Cory Vidanes, and Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi, along with executives and colleagues who witnessed Gutierrez's latest career move.

For the actress, however, the signing is less about celebrating what she has already accomplished and more about preparing for what comes next.

"At this stage, ang dami ko pang pangarap," Gutierrez said.

Despite more than a decade in show business and a résumé filled with acclaimed film and television projects, Gutierrez remains eager to challenge herself and explore new opportunities.

"I want to continue to keep on growing, to learn more, and to get more opportunities na alam ko talagang 'yun 'yung forte ng Star Magic through years of experience," she shared.

The actress said joining Star Magic felt like a natural next step following her renewed commitment to ABS-CBN.

"With this new network contract, I think perfect time and perfect opportunity na sumali na rin sa Star Magic family para talagang ma-guide ako sa next steps sa aking career and sa mga upcoming projects."

More than anything, Gutierrez is looking forward to the guidance that comes with being part of an agency known for shaping some of Philippine entertainment's biggest stars.

"Well, of course, alam ko kung gano'ng kagaling ang Star Magic talaga in taking care of their artists and teaching them and guiding them to new opportunities," she said. "I've always felt the warmth of the Star Magic family even before ako maging Star Magic artist."

The actress revealed that she sought advice from people she trusts before making the decision, including her younger brother Diego Gutierrez, who joined Star Magic in 2025.

She also acknowledged that learning to ask for help has become one of the most valuable lessons of her career.

"In the beginning it would be negative to ask for help, but now I realize it is an asset for artists to do that," she said. "I hope it is one of the things that would make me an even better actress and a better person."

The timing comes as Gutierrez prepares for a packed slate of high-profile projects.

Fresh from "Dirty Linen," which she described as her dream role, the actress is set to headline "The Loyalty Game," an upcoming Prime Video series that reunites her with boyfriend Jericho Rosales.

"My next role will be Anna in 'The Loyalty Game.' It's very layered and I'm excited because it is with Jericho again," she revealed. "It's not what you expect for both of us."

She is also set to star in the horror-drama film "Balaraw" opposite Charlie Dizon and the Cinemalaya feature "Magina" with Cherry Pie Picache, directed by Ray Red from a Palanca Award-winning screenplay.

For Gutierrez, these projects represent more than just exciting additions to her filmography. They are opportunities to fulfill another long-held dream: bringing Filipino stories to a wider international audience.

"I wish to be part of Filipino projects that would be seen outside the country," she said. "I think it's inspiring to see how we will be looked at by people around the world."

With several of her upcoming projects slated for release on global streaming platforms, that ambition is already becoming a reality.

Gutierrez admitted she remains deeply ambitious despite everything she has achieved so far. In fact, she even shared a list of career goals with Dyogi as discussions about her future under Star Magic began.

"I am grateful that I have done a lot already but I still have dreams," she said.

Those dreams include bigger roles, more challenging material, meaningful collaborations, and projects capable of reaching audiences far beyond Philippine shores.

With a trusted support system behind her and an exciting lineup of projects ahead, looks like she's well on her way.