Jillian Ward has a work ethic that puts older stars to shame

ONE CAN’T HELP but fall for the charms of tot star Jillian Ward. At 5, she’s truly precocious for her age and with a work ethic that puts older stars to shame. “Kahit anong pagawa mo, she won’t complain,” says Director Mark Reyes of the Christmaserye “Jillian: Namamasko Po” that stars tonight on GMA. “Her sense of professionalism is awesome for someone her age. Magaling mag-memorize ng lines. Mas mahusay pa siya sa ibang artistang nahawakan ko who’re older than her, but I won’t name names, of course.”

Jillian says she doesn’t get tired when in front of people as she really enjoys when her fans surround her. “Gusto ko yung sinasabi nila sikat na raw ako,” she laughs. “Basta wag lang ako kukurutin o papaluin kasi masakit.”

“Kaya pinagsusuot ko siya ng jacket pag humaharap sa fans kasi maraming nanggigigil sa kanya di nila alam nasasaktan yung bata,” says her mom.

She’ll be busy this Christmas. “Kasi bukod sa TV, may movie ako, ‘Agimat at Enteng’, tapos sasakay daw ako sa float sa parade at magwe-wave sa mga tao tapos mananalo kong best actress.” She plays Santa’s walking doll assistant in “Namamasko Po”. Does she believe in Santa Claus? “Opo. Nakita ko na siya, si Michael V.”

Michael V plays Santa in “Namamasko Po” and GMA-7 built an expensive set in Crosswinds, Tagaytay to be Santaland where Jillian is one of the dolls. “Kompleto siya, with snow-making machine,” says Direk Mark. “You’ll see Michael V here as a perfect Santa. He’s really a chameleon as an actor. Kayang iba-ibahin ang character niya.”