Actress Janice de Belen rose to fame as a child star in the late ‘70s to the early ‘80s before making a successful transition to teen roles and eventually becoming a respected drama actor in adulthood.
Her equally talented sister, Gelli, who is five years younger than her, led a more typical childhood, attending school and spending weekends shopping with their father.
Despite Janice’s superstar status, a rivalry between the two might have seemed inevitable, with one sister in the spotlight and the other leading a simpler life at home. Surprisingly, there was no rivalry at all.
In a tell-all interview with broadcaster Karen Davila on her vlog, Janice and Gelli revealed the secret to their harmonious relationship.
“We never had that (jealousy and sibling rivalry),” declared Janice. “It was something I grew up with. I was never aware how different it was (having a superstar sister) because that’s all I knew,” added Gelli.
According to Janice, the key was the equal treatment they received from their parents.”Paguwi sa bahay pareho pa din. We still do our chores. Napapagalitan kami. Kailangan pa din magayos ng bed namin. Nagkaroon ng time wala kaming help sa bahay, ako nagpupunas ng mga alikabok sa tables. May chores kami,” she shared.
Gelli added that it helped that Janice was not a “diva” at home despite already being a popular actress.
“Magiiba point of view niya kung nag iba behavior ko, kung umarte ako. Walang ganun e. Paguwi sa bahay pareho pa din,” said Janice.
Despite their differences in the limelight, Gelli happily supported Janice, even recording all her TV appearances.
“I had to tape all her guestings. Tedious siya. I was 10 years old. Nagaabang ako buong araw sa guestings ni Janice. Pag may pelikula sya, guest sa GMA Supershow, guest sa hapon, guest sa gabi. Umaga hanggang gabi ako nagte-tape,” recalled Gelli fondly.
But Gelli admitted feeling sad about not spending much time with Janice due to her busy schedule. “Hindi ko lang type in the beginning kasi puyat siya lagi e. Ang sungit nito pag puyat e. Ayoko yun,” said Gelli.
