Jaclyn Jose reveals she almost backed out of ‘Ma’ Rosa’

Veteran actress Jaclyn Jose made history on May 22 with her Best Actress win at the 69th Cannes Film Festival—a triumph that even she didn't expect.

Jose was visibly flustered while giving her acceptance speech, gripped by shock considering that she bested big names like Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, Isabelle Hupert, and Marion Cotillard.

In an interview with Lhar Santiago for GMA News' News to Go on Wednesday, Jose confirmed that she nearly quit the role that would win her the prestigious award.

Her portrayal of Rosa Reyes in Brillante Mendoza's "Ma' Rosa" impressed the jury tremendously, but Jose told Santiago that she didn't want to continue playing the part because she didn't want to lose weight.

"Ang hirap kasi magpapayat kasi ang sarap kumain," Jose said casually. "Ang motivation ko lang, kung mapapalitan ako, mapapalitan din si Andi (Eigenmann) kasi syempre, iba na texture."

Jose said that she kept working on the film because she wanted her daughter Andi to have the same great experience in showbiz as she did when she was younger.

In her acceptance speech, Jose said that all she went to the festival for was to walk the red carpet with Andi.

She also told Santiago that she's proud that her daughter's style was recognized by Vanity Fair and considers her own award a bonus.

Jose is nonetheless grateful for the recognition and shares the victory with all Filipinos.

"Mga kababayan, salamat po ng marami sa inyong pagbunyi," she said. "Hindi ko po alam na ganoon niyo pala na-appreciate 'yung natanggap natin."

She added that these films were created with the public in mind and she hopes that people would support the film once it screens in local theaters.

Jose revealed that the producers are looking into including the film in the Metro Manila Film Festival. —Aya Tantiangco/KG, GMA News