Janella says mom Jenine now accepts Klea despite past religious objections

Janella Salvador is done worrying about what people might say about her relationship with fellow actress Klea Pineda, choosing instead to live openly and protect what they have built together.

For the actress, making their relationship public was not about seeking approval but about reaching a point in her life where she no longer felt the need to explain her happiness to anyone.

Klea publicly came out as a lesbian in March 2023 during her 18th birthday celebration, where she also introduced her then-girlfriend, Katrice Kierulf.

After more than three years together, the Kapuso actress confirmed her breakup with Katrice. Janella was subsequently linked to the split after she and Klea starred together in the queer film “Open Endings.” Both actresses firmly denied the speculation, clarifying that Janella had nothing to do with the breakup.

Janella and Klea eventually confirmed their relationship during their guesting on “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” last June 2026.

When radar Entertainment interviewed the lead actress of “The Good Doctor” during the “Tara sa Paskong Kapatid” thanksgiving celebration at the Grand Hyatt Manila ballroom on November 9, we asked why they decided to go public with their relationship and whether she feared being judged for being part of an LGBTQ+ family.

“Happy, obvious naman. Siguro nasa age na rin ako na I couldn’t care less anymore what people would say. Gusto ko lang mabuhay. I know I’m doing my job. I know I’m making a clean living. I know if something is real, real enough para ilabas ko siya.”

She also explained that being more open about their relationship did not mean sharing every aspect of their private lives.

“Saka sa tingin ko kasi nasa point na kami ng buhay namin ngayon na natutunan na rin namin kung ano ang puwedeng i-share at kung ano ang puwedeng i-keep to ourselves to protect. Kung paano mas i-protect ‘yong love, ‘yong relationship. By now, mas natutunan na namin.”

Family acceptance

We also asked Janella about Klea’s relationship with her son, Jude, and her mother, singer Jenine Desiderio, who has reportedly been vocal about her opposition to same-sex relationships.

“Okay naman, happy. They are very close to the family. Kay Mom? Yah, everything’s good.”

Janella acknowledged that her mother’s religious beliefs may have influenced her initial reservations but maintained that their relationship is now in a good place.

“I think nanggagaling kasi ‘yon sa religion niya. At the end of the day, ramdam ko sa kanya ang buong pagtanggap, pagmamahal. Nag-usap na kami about it and honestly, we’re okay now,” she declared.

Marriage and family plans

Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized in the Philippines, where the law does not provide for marriage between partners of the same sex.

After two years of being together, we asked Janella if she and Klea had discussed getting married in another country and eventually building a family of their own.

“If we do have a plan, you guys will know,” she declared. “Ia-announce? It depends. ‘Di naman kasi kami nagtatago.”

Meanwhile, as a single mother balancing her showbiz career and parenting responsibilities, Janella admitted that juggling work and motherhood is not always easy.

“Di ko rin alam pero, so far, kinakaya naman. Minsan sinasama ko si Jude sa work. Minsan nalulungkot siya ‘pag kailangan ko nang umalis. Sinasabi niya, ‘I don’t want you to go to work,’ mga ganun. Pero I try to explain naman to him na kailangan ko siyang gawin, kung bakit kailangan kong mag-work.”

Back on the small screen

Janella is part of the cast of the Philippine adaptation of “The Good Doctor,” where she plays one of the lead characters and the love interest of Iñigo Pascual.

She expressed excitement about working with Iñigo, whom she has known for years, although this marks their first time working together in a teleserye.

“It’s actually great. Iñigo and I have been friends for a long time na. Parang kaka-launch pa lang ng batch ko, naging friends na rin kami. First time naming magkatrabaho sa teleserye.”

Medical dramas can be particularly challenging for actors because of the technical terminology and procedures involved in their scripts. The genre has also drawn criticism in the past when medical professionals point out inaccuracies in medical protocols and surgical procedures.

Janella shared that the production has a medical consultant on set to help ensure the show’s medical scenes are realistic.

“Actually, habang nage-eksena kami, may doctor doon. May kino-consult kaming doctor kung paano ba dapat para maging realistic.”

“The Good Doctor” is an upcoming TV5 series produced by CreaZion Studios and MediaQuest and directed by Derick Cabrido. Its ensemble cast also includes Ryan Agoncillo, Gelli de Belen, Macoy Dubs, Sue Ramirez, Gabby Padilla, Tony Labrusca, Mylene Dizon, James Blanco, Dylan Menor, River Joseph, Jeffrey Tam, and Matet de Leon.