Marthena Jickain turns comparisons to mom Aiko into motivation in acting journey

The Star Worx talent opens up about comparisons to her mother, acting goals, and finding her own style.

For Marthena Jickain, comparisons to her mom Aiko Melendez come with the territory. But instead of pressure, she treats them as fuel, pushing her to prove her worth, both as a person and as an actress.

During an interview with radar Entertainment at the Star Worx Batch 1 launch on May 5 at MVP Studio in Mandaluyong City, Marthena said she values the opportunity given to her.

“I’m very blessed to have this opportunity, and it’s something I won’t take for granted. I really give my all to this craft and hope to show the industry what I can bring to the table.”

“I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t any pressure but I’d like to think the pressure more like a motivation, and I’m my own person, I can explore the craft on my own terms while  drawing a lot of inspiration from my Mom. And I think ‘yong comparison na ‘yon, ‘di ‘yon mawawala, at the end of the day may sariling galing ang nanay ko. It’s something na walang makakagaya,” she pointed out. “Same thing with me, ‘di ko ‘yon kaya but I want to show to people na iba naman ang tatahakin ko na style in acting.”

Aiko remains one of the industry’s top-caliber actresses, with numerous awards proving her unquestionable talent. Marthena, meanwhile, hopes to follow that path in drama while also exploring rom-com and action.

“Gusto ko rin drama. Feeling ko, yung mom ko, she’s doing great in that genre. Siguro I can take a lot of tips from her… I also want to enter that genre.”

“I also want to try rom-com and, siguro in the future, action. Mahilig ako sa sports. Kung magkakaroon ng opportunity, gusto ko siyang pasukin.”

Marthena also shared pieces of advice she received from her mom on staying strong in the industry. “To stay grounded, ‘wag lumaki ang ulo, and to always hold on to my family, especially when things get tough in the industry.”

“Actually, she didn’t tell me, ‘Sumali ka ng showbiz.’ She’s supportive when I finally decided to enter. Sure, there’s influence—bata pa lang ako, pinapanood ko na siya sa set, sa mga teleseryes, and movies.”

Aiko remains one of the industry’s top-caliber actresses, with numerous awards proving her unquestionable talent. Marthena, meanwhile, hopes to follow that path in drama while also exploring rom-com and action.

Aiko’s pieces of advice

“Gusto ko rin drama. Feeling ko, yung mom ko, she’s doing great in that genre. Siguro I can take a lot of tips from her… I also want to enter that genre.”

“I also want to try rom-com and, siguro in the future, action. Mahilig ako sa sports. Kung magkakaroon ng opportunity, gusto ko siyang pasukin.”

Marthena also shared pieces of advice she received from her mom on staying strong in the industry. “To stay grounded, ‘wag lumaki ang ulo, and to always hold on to my family, especially when things get tough in the industry.”

“Actually, she didn’t tell me, ‘Sumali ka ng showbiz.’ She’s supportive when I finally decided to enter. Sure, there’s influence—bata pa lang ako, pinapanood ko na siya sa set, sa mga teleseryes, and movies.”

“As her daughter, ‘di ko naiiwasan na ‘pag brokenhearted ang mom ko, nalulungkot ako. But I think that’s when I see her strength the most. Sinabi niya na she gets a lot of strength from us. During times when she’s weak, gusto ko rin siyang paalalahanan na I’m there for her the way she’s there for me when I’m down.”

Rebuilding relationship with dad, Martin 

Meanwhile, Marthena said she has a good relationship with her father, Martin Jickain, who is now working as a chef in Chicago. She added that he is very supportive of her decision to become an actress.

“I actually visited my dad in Chicago last January. I spent my holiday there with him. I’m super happy that we still have contact, that we talk. I would say we’re on the path of rebuilding our relationship. I think that makes it more beautiful—when you go through a lot of experiences together. In the end, you mature as you go through life together, your relationship grows as well. My dad was also a very present father. He is very supportive despite the distance. I’m very grateful I have my dad.”

“He was very supportive as well; he didn’t stop me from what I wanted to do. I’m really grateful for that because not everyone gets that kind of support from their parents.”

Marthena is currently a sophomore, taking up Development Studies at the Ateneo de Manila.

 

 

Aiko remains one of the industry’s reliable actresses. Marthena, meanwhile, hopes to follow that path in drama while also exploring rom-com and action.

 

 

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