Janelle Manahan came into national consciousness after a harrowing incident late October in 2011.
She was shot in the face while her boyfriend Ramgen Revilla was killed inside his home in Parañaque.
A year and a half later, the case is still ongoing but Janelle has started to put the pieces of her life back together.
Currently she is awaiting the decision for bail of the accused.
Janelle said, “We’re only waiting for the decision for their petition to bail.
"I had my last hearing already last week lang. Decision for the petition for bail ng kabila.
"I hope di ma-grant but I don’t want to keep my hopes up. Para di rin ako ma-disappoint.”
BACK TO SHOWBIZ. Even before her relationship with Ramgen, Janelle was discovered through ABS-CBN's talent show Star Circle National Teen Quest in 2006, where she made it to the Top 6.
She was also cast in the drama anthology show Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Lito Atienza Story."
She is now starring her first feature film Bad Romance, which is currently being screened in cinemas.
In the lead role is Mercedes Cabral who can also be seen on GMA News TV's series Bayan Ko.
The film also introduces Mr. Philippines 2011 Francis Lopez as Sam Lloyd Pascual. Miss Resort’s World Ms. Photogenic 2012 Karen Gallman also makes her film debut.
Aiza Seguerra has a cameo role as a tough lesbian while Rey "PJ" plays the hotel owner. Archie Alimania, Flor Salanga, and Raul Morit complete the cast.
JANELLE AS AN ACTRESS. Bad Romance director Ian del Carmen said that he believes in Janelle’s acting abilities, but at the same time going back to showbiz could help her heal.
“Yung nangyari sa kanya, this is the perfect time para maka-move on na siya. Siguro pag lumabas na siya ulit sa showbiz isang way rin 'yon para maka-move on.”
Del Carmen’s advantage in being able to convince her to come back to showbiz is the fact that they are also relatives.
“Actually cousin ko siya [Janelle]. Mom niya at dad ko magpinsan. Kaya mas madali ko napapayag mag-showbiz.
"Isang sabi lang, di na siya nagdalawang-isip.”
ADJUSTMENT. Janelle said that she had to adjust in the beginning.
“Medyo nanibago lang ako because I wasn’t acting for a few years.
"It was a good feeling nakabalik ako. This is what I really love to do.”
She thanked her director for being able to accommodate her shooting schedule, especially in the beginning.
“Si Francis lang lahat, sila nagsu-shoot, ako hindi puwede. Hiniwalay yung shoot ko.
"That time, medyo strict pa yung family ko because of you know," she said referring to the incident in 2011.
NON-SHOWBIZ BOYFRIEND. Janelle was escorted by her current non-showbiz boyfriend during the premiere night of Bad Romance.
She admits that their relationship just started recently.
“Bago pa lang.
"Siyempre I needed to heal myself din muna. I wanted to be sure that I’m ready for something like this.
"Before, lagi kong sinasabi na di na ako mai-in love ulit. It was a scary thing nangyari sa akin.
"But I think I’m ready now.
"Since he is not from showbiz, he would prefer to be private and be kept off the media glare."
Janelle emphasized that she is now ready emotionally and professionally to return to the entertainment scene.
“I want to go back to TV this is what I love doing.
"I’m really excited about this. This is my first movie ever.
"I know that this is a really good movie. I hope everyone would watch it because we worked had for this.”
When asked to give her own definition of a Bad Romance, she answered: “When you think its still right but it's not anymore.”