Jane de Leon explained

Jane de Leon
Birth Name:Jane Florence Benitez de Leon
Birth Date:22 November 1998
Birth Place:San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines
Years Active:2013–present
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Years Active:2022–present
Subscribers:159,000
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Silver Year:2022
Stats Update:April 16, 2024

Jane Florence Benitez de Leon (born November 22, 1998) is a Filipino actress, commercial model and philanthropist. She began her acting career after signing up with Star Magic in 2015. She initially played minor roles in films, made several appearances in drama anthologies and eventually landed supporting roles in Halik (2018) and Ang Probinsyano (2021). Her breakthrough came following her portrayal of the titular role in the series Mars Ravelo's Darna (2022). She has received two nominations from PMPC Star Awards for Television for her performances in two Maalaala Mo Kaya episodes: "Medal" and "Doctor Hero".

Early life and background

Jane Florence Benitez de Leon was born on November 22, 1998, in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, to Maricor Benitez-De-Leon, a housewife and Ruel Florencio de Leon, a businessman.[1] She is the youngest in the family with an older brother named Francis.[2] Her family was living well growing up, until her father lost his job.[3] This forced her to audition for various modeling and acting projects. De Leon and her family became unfortunate that they couldn't afford basic needs. During her one-on-one interview with columnist Ogie Diaz on one of his YouTube videos, De Leon revealed that she would often sneak out at night, together with her mother to come to Metro Manila for various auditions as her father greatly opposed De Leon's passion for acting. Before becoming a commercial model and actress, De Leon's mother encouraged her to join various beauty pageants. Her father had four other children from his prior relationships namely Ned, Kirox, Carol, and Karen. She attended Sampaguita Village Elementary School and San Roque Elementary School in San Pedro, Laguna for her primary schooling and Sampaguita Village National High School for secondary studies. In 2016, her father died due to lung cancer, after that she went on to pursue her luck for show business.[4]

Career

2013-2017: Early work

De Leon began her career by joining pageants and modeling competitions.[5] She joined Teen Supermodel Philippines in 2013 and finished as a semi-finalist. The following year, De Leon signed with Glamoure Talent Agency Inc. and landed her first TV commercial for the brand Quake Overload.[6] She was discovered by talent manager Tyrone Escalante, who convinced her to venture acting, and started doing acting workshops with Star Magic right after.[7] In 2015, she began playing minor roles in films. Her first film appearance was an uncredited character in the romantic comedy Just The Way You Are.[8] Later in 2015, she played a supporting role in the romantic drama Ex with Benefits. De Leon also auditioned to be part of the noontime show Eat Bulaga! and Simon Fuller's group Now United but lost to Maine Mendoza and Bailey May.[9]

In 2016, she was launched as one of the members of the noontime show It's Showtime's girl group GirlTrends alongside Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, and Barbie Imperial.[10] The same year, she made her TV debut in a Wansapanataym episode "Tikboyong", where she played the love interest of McCoy de Leon' s character.[11] She also began appearing occasionally in the drama anthologies Maalaala Mo Kaya and Ipaglaban Mo!. In 2017, De Leon was cast in the action fantasy series La Luna Sangre as Lauren Catapang.[12] The same year, she appeared in two film productions. She played major roles in the slasher film The Debutantes and the advocacy film Jose Bartolome: Guro.[13]

2018-2022: Breakthrough

2018 proved to be a promising year for De Leon. She played the feisty sister of Jericho Rosales' character in the drama series Halik. She also played a supporting role in Jose Javier Reyes' film Walwal. In 2019, she played a cameo role in the film The Heiress. After Liza Soberano backed out due to finger injury, De Leon was announced as the actress to play the title character in the film Darna in July 2019.[14] Director Olivia Lamasan explained that De Leon earned the unanimous vote of ABS-CBN executives and Darna director Jerold Tarog. It was even Tarog who presented De Leon's audition tapes to the executives and according to him, De Leon impressed him for being an "instinctive actress."[15] However, in August 2020, it was announced that the film project would be postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a Darna TV series, also starring De Leon, would be developed in its place.[16] [17]

While the project was indefinitely postponed, De Leon joined the cast of Ang Probinsyano in 2021 where she played the agent Natalia Mante. After seven months on the show, she made her exit and started preparing for her role as Darna. She started vigorous trainings and worked out to prepare for her fight scenes required for the role.[18] She also had to practice modulating her voice for her character's signature yell.[19] In August 2022, Darna finally premiered on television. Her performance was met with praises from critics and viewers. Ryan Oquiza of Rappler called her portrayal as "sincere and genuine".[20] Chito S. Roño stated that he was impressed by De Leon's performance saying: "she has done very well."[21]

2023-present: Recent projects

De Leon starred in the comeback film of the longest-running horror franchise, Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme (2023) with Iza Calzado and Jane Oineza.[22] It was released at an earlier date after not making it to the Metro Manila Film Festival. While the film received mixed reviews from the critics, her performance was praised. Writing for The Philippine Star, Januar Junior Aguja described De Leon as the highlight of the "Rage" episode, saying her character had "the most interesting character development".[23] Commercially, the film performed moderately at the box-office, grossing ₱52 million. She is set to reunite with Janella Salvador in the upcoming film How to Be a Good Wife.[24]

Other ventures

Philanthropy

In September 2019, De Leon was announced as the winner for the Belo Beauty Special Award at the annual ABS-CBN Ball.[25] During the interview with ABS-CBN, she revealed that instead of taking the proceeds from the award, she decided to give it all to the beneficiary of the said Ball - the social welfare programme, Bantay Bata 163. This foundation aims to protect disadvantaged and at-risk children through a nationwide network of social services. De Leon said that it is better to be an example to help these children, who may have their own ideas on what they want for the future lives. In the same year, De Leon also attended the Red Charity Gala, to raise funds for the Philippine Red Cross, a non-profit humanitarian organization and a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.[26] [27]

Acting credits

Film

style="background:#ffc;"
Denotes films that have not yet been released
YearTitleRoleNotes
2015Just the Way You AreBit roleUncredited[28]
Ex With BenefitsArki's sister[29]
2017The DebutantesJenny[30]
Jose Bartolome: Guro[31]
2018WalwalCarla[32]
2019The HeiressYoung LunaCameo[33]
2023Shake, Rattle & Roll ExtremeTrinaSegment: “Rage”[34]
2024How to Be a Good Wife TBA[35]
Battle Ready TBA[36]
Strange Frequencies: Haunted HospitalTBAEntry to MMFF 2024[37]

Television

style="background:#ffc;"
Denotes shows that have not yet been aired
YearTitleRoleNotes
2016WansapanataymSassyEpisode: "Tikboyong"[38]
Maalaala Mo KayaAppleEpisode: "Gitara"[39]
SallyEpisode: "Pantalan"[40]
VilmaEpisode: "Karnabal"[41]
2017AngeliqueEpisode: "Tahanan"[42]
DoreenEpisode: "Tubuhan"[43]
Young MarleneEpisode: "Diploma"[44]
La Luna SangreLauren Catapang[45]
2018Maalaala Mo KayaCesar's DaughterEpisode: "Portrait"[46]
Ipaglaban Mo!Kate DollenteEpisode: "Bayad"[47]
HalikMargarita "Maggie" Bartolome[48]
2019Ipaglaban Mo!Tere Episode: "Dignity"[49]
2020Maalaala Mo KayaNesthy PetecioEpisode: "Medal"[50]
Dr. Lerma Bhelle IglesiaEpisode: "Stethoscope"[51]
Episode: "Bracelet"[52]
2021FPJ's Ang ProbinsyanoP/Cpt. Natalia "Lia" Mante[53]
2022–2023Mars Ravelo's DarnaNarda Custodio / Darna[54]

Music video appearances

YearTitleArtist
2016"Mahal Mo Pa Rin Ako"Ace
2023"Day and Night"Alamat[55]

Accolades

See main article: List of awards and nominations received by Jane de Leon.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Jane de Leon: Rise of the next-generation Darna . PEP.ph . 20 December 2021 . en.
  2. Web site: Atilano . Joseph R. . 2022-08-18 . Spotlight on Jane de Leon . 2022-08-20 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  3. Web site: Baylon . Khryzztine Joy . August 19, 2022 . Jane de Leon recalls hardship before achieving success: "Minsan yung kinakain na lang namin, asin." . 2022-08-20 . PEP.ph . en.
  4. Web site: Atilano . Joseph . Spotlight on Jane de Leon . Inquirer . August 18, 2022 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . 20 August 2022.
  5. Web site: Ichimura . Anri . July 17, 2019 . Who is Jane De Leon, the New Darna? . April 16, 2024 . Esquire Magazine.
  6. Web site: Jane de Leon talks showbiz and becoming Darna . April 16, 2024 . ABS-CBN Push.
  7. Web site: Tuazon . Nikko . July 24, 2019 . The beautiful transformation of Jane de Leon from 2013 to 2019 . April 16, 2024 . PEP.ph .
  8. Web site: Mercado . Sarah . October 20, 2021 . Jane de Leon: Rise of the next-generation Darna . April 16, 2024 . PEP.ph .
  9. Web site: Gabinete . Jojo . September 15, 2017 . Bailey May to join global pop group Now United; Jane de Leon drops hint about Philippines Now United . April 16, 2024 . PEP.ph .
  10. Web site: December 5, 2016 . Girltrend Jane De Leon celebrates her 18th Birthday . April 16, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  11. Web site: Nitura . Jam . July 18, 2019 . 10 Things You Need to Know About Jane de Leon A.K.A. the New "Darna" . April 16, 2024 . Preview Philippines.
  12. Web site: August 12, 2022 . Jane de Leon's remarkable TV portrayals that prepared her to become Darna . April 16, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  13. Web site: Villano . Alexa . October 8, 2017 . 'The Debutantes' review: Designed to death . April 16, 2024 . Rappler .
  14. News: IN PHOTOS: Meet the new Darna, Jane De Leon. 17 July 2019. ABS-CBN News.
  15. Web site: Why Jane De Leon? ABS-CBN execs explain decision in choosing new 'Darna' . TheSummitExpress.com . July 18, 2019 . The Summit Express . 20 August 2022.
  16. Web site: Biong. Ian. 2020-08-21. 'Darna' production postponed indefinitely over COVID-19 concerns, ABS-CBN clarifies. 2021-06-08. INQUIRER.net.
  17. Web site: 2020-08-20. 'Darna' film starring Jane de Leon scrapped—report. 2021-06-08. INQUIRER.net.
  18. Web site: Cruz . Marinel . 2022-08-12 . Why latest 'Darna' the 'woke version,' according to Jane de Leon and series nemesis Janella Salvador . 2022-08-20 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  19. Web site: Cardona . Yssa . August 16, 2022 . Jane De Leon Reveals The *Intense* Vocalization Process It Took Her To Perfectly Shout 'Darna!' . 2022-08-20 . COSMO.PH . en-ph.
  20. Web site: August 18, 2022 . 'Darna' review: A gritty, modern retelling with the guts to fly higher . April 15, 2024. RAPPLER.
  21. Web site: Dumaual . Miguel . Why director Chito S. Roño, a fan of 'Darna' since childhood, is 'very pleased' with Jane de Leon's portrayal . April 15, 2024.
  22. Web site: November 18, 2023 . Jane De Leon proves naysayers wrong with two new films post-Darna . April 16, 2024 . The Philippine Star .
  23. Web site: Aguja . Januar Junior . December 6, 2023 . 'Shake, Rattle and Roll' makes decent return with 'Extreme' . April 16, 2024 . The Philippine Star .
  24. Web site: Pasajol . Anne . November 14, 2023 . Janella Salvador, Jane de Leon to headline new film 'How to Be a Good Wife' . April 16, 2024 . Inquirer Entertainment .
  25. Web site: Hsia . Heidi . Jane de Leon donates proceeds of award to charity . yahoo.com . September 17, 2019 . Yahoo Singapore . 31 August 2022.
  26. Web site: LOOK: Jane De Leon, a golden goddess at the Red Charity Gala . push.abs-cbn.com . ABS-CBN . 31 August 2022.
  27. Web site: Jane De Leon Was A Stunner At The Red Charity Gala 2019 . Preview.com . Preview . 31 August 2022.
  28. Web site: Abunda . Boy . September 1, 2022 . Jane de Leon shares rejections, hardships before getting biggest break . April 16, 2024 . The Philippine Star .
  29. Web site: Atilano . Joseph R. . March 21, 2021 . #Exclusive: Jane De Leon on her showbiz beginnings and becoming Darna . April 15, 2024 . Lifestyle Inquirer .
  30. Web site: Cruz . Marinel R. . July 22, 2019 . The 1st thing Jane de Leon did after clinching Darna role . April 15, 2024 . Inquirer Entertainment .
  31. Web site: Bonifacio . Julie . July 20, 2017 . Karl Medina swak na swak sa 'Jose Bartolome: Guro' . April 15, 2024 . Bandera Inquirer .
  32. Web site: Lo . Ricky . June 24, 2018 . Let's hear it from the Walwal girls . April 15, 2024 . The Philippine Star .
  33. Web site: Gabinete . Jojo . November 29, 2019 . Jane de Leon, tinanggap ang cameo role sa The Heiress nang di pa siya napipiling Darna . April 15, 2024 . PEP.ph .
  34. Web site: Tuazon . Nikko . November 26, 2023 . Jane de Leon on absence of 'Shake, Rattle, & Roll: Extreme' at MMFF 2023 . April 15, 2024 . PEP.ph .
  35. Web site: Abad . Ysa . November 14, 2023 . Janella Salvador, Jane de Leon to star in 'How to Be A Good Wife' . April 15, 2024 . Rappler .
  36. Web site: Gabinete . Jojo . March 28, 2024 . Dondon Monteverde, nag-reveal ng mga proyektong pagbibidahan nina Enrique, Bea, Juday . April 15, 2024 . PEP.ph .
  37. News: July 18, 2024 . MMFF 2024 announces 1st batch of entries . Philippine Star.
  38. Web site: December 8, 2020 . She's ready to fly! Check out Jane De Leon serving fiery looks in red OOTDs . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  39. Web site: July 27, 2016 . Ama, kalaguyo ang ex ng mismong anak sa "MMK" . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  40. Web site: Plaza . Gerry . September 4, 2016 . REVIEW: MMK "Pantalan" shows why true friendship brings real love . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  41. Web site: Plaza . Gerry . December 27, 2021 . REVIEW: Yves Flores' acting depth marvels viewers in MMK "Karnabal" . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment.
  42. Web site: January 21, 2017 . John Estrada napasabak sa matinding drama sa MMK . April 15, 2024 . Bandera Inquirer .
  43. Web site: April 23, 2017 . MMK Tubuhan: Noven, nawawalan na ng pag-asa na matupad ang kanyang pangarap ABS-CBN Entertainment . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  44. Web site: October 7, 2017 . MMK Diploma: Memerto, nagsimulang malulong sa sugal . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  45. Web site: Dela Cruz . Liezel . July 10, 2022 . 6 Kapamilya shows that displayed Jane De Leon's astonishing beauty and acting talent ABS-CBN Entertainment . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  46. Web site: April 24, 2019 . MMK Family Portrait Recap: Ang kwento ng buhay ni Edgardo Angara . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  47. Web site: March 21, 2019 . Jane de Leon fights for her dignity in "Ipaglaban Mo" . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN . ABS-CBN Entertainment.
  48. Web site: Dela Cruz . Liezel . March 25, 2019 . Jane de Leon acts out Lino's trending scenes in Halik . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  49. Web site: March 21, 2019 . Jane de Leon fights for her dignity in "Ipaglaban Mo" . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Corporate.
  50. Web site: March 6, 2021 . Jane De Leon grew unexpected friendship with Nesthy Petecio while taping for MMK . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  51. Web site: Plaza . Gerry . November 29, 2020 . REVIEW: Arjo Atayde, Sylvia Sanchez deliver moving, deeply ingrained portrayals in well-crafted MMK "Stethoscope" . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  52. Web site: December 5, 2020 . WATCH: Jane De Leon, Arjo Atayde and Sylvia Sanchez showcase superb acting in Maalaala Mo Kaya "Bracelet" . April 15, 2024 . ABS-CBN Entertainment .
  53. Web site: Alarcon . James Patrick . August 20, 2021 . Jane de Leon's character bids goodbye to Cardo; Ang Probinsyano leaves teaser for next chapter . April 15, 2024 . PEP.ph .
  54. Web site: Pasajol . Anne . February 11, 2023 . Jane de Leon reaches full potential as Darna in finale; Janella Salvador 'chooses to be free' as Valentina . April 15, 2024 . Inquirer Entertainment .
  55. Web site: 2023-06-15 . Alamat's newest MV features Jane de Leon as a mermaid . 2023-06-16 . ABS-CBN News . en.