“It frustrates me that I can’t do it!” said the “frustrated performing artist” who’s proven herself wrong. Janina Clemente has crafted so many beautiful stories on the stage, while in the process of creating her own.
The 20 year old has fallen in love with the performing arts, unsure if it loves her back. She cites the triple threat label in theatre (manifesting talent in singing, dancing, and acting) as her basis. “Triple threat ako ‘cause I can’t do all three.” This girl who doubted her capabilities of wanting to become a Hollywood actress landed a lead role and a directing project. She’s the same girl who lacked the rhythm of a dancer but could do a gracious split. That same girl was also frightened by her biggest insecurity: singing; yet managed to land in her first role ever despite being asked to sing during her auditions. Despite these words coming out of Janina’s mouth, there is an invisible string that pulls her heart on her sleeve. Janina’s eyes narrow in shyness, but also in a passion that brings her life.
It was these strong and creative eyes of hers that exposed her to the arts at a young age. Janina loved drawing and painting, fed by her interest in visual arts. However, just like many of us, we grow up, and our eyes slowly see how complicated the world is. Janina entered high school in St. Paul College, Pasig with nothing but the plan to make it out. It was her senior year that pushed her to take that leap of faith and land her first ever role in a production— the one that required her to sing. She may not perfectly land those notes, but she took note of this experience until entering college. In her first year at De La Salle University, she became a member of the DLSU Harlequin Theatre Guild. Janina starred in her first lead role, Laya, in Du La Salle 2K17: Rights Minus Wrong (Hindi Ko Pa Nakikita Ang Larawan ng Dagat). In her second year in the guild, she became the Associate Director for Du La Salle 2K18: Panatang Makabata (Ang Dyip Ni Mang Tomas). Extending her services to the organization besides the artistic aspect, she became the Division Manager for Finance that same year.
Janina simultaneously writes two main stories: of others and of hers. As she scribbles, she looks up to inspirations that help her visualize the kind of artist she wants to become, as well as the kind of art she wants to create. The red and feisty Moulin Rouge! and Chicago are two of her favorite musicals. Hollywood’s resident cool girl and Katniss Everdeen herself, Jennifer Lawrence, is her spirit animal. She admits crying buckets over the 2016 film, Lion.
Upon asking Janina of her upcoming passion projects, she talked about wanting to get to know her grandfather more. She wishes to translate to the screen the story of this well-traveled man and his many love affairs from his journeys. She wants to know how a vice-president of Philippine Airlines lives the life, and may teach us a thing or two about enjoying the beauty of today.
Meet Janina Maria Margarita Clemente. She’s frustrated to scribble words of life on a page, but it was her frustrations that made her introduce Laya to the world. It was through these that she’s amplified stories that would’ve reached a single whisper if she didn’t put her heart out and set her eyes forward. Becoming inspired by Janina’s story, I have some words for her. First, the world would be thrilled by her grandpa-inspired adventure film. Second, I hope that she continues to craft these wonderful stories. However (and lastly), I can’t wait for her to unfold her biggest story: herself. Janina, you are that striking book humbly sitting on the shelf. We (yes, reader, I’m including you) will grab your wonderful book in a heartbeat.
Sonder. 