Janine Gutierrez On Why Women's Month Still Matters—Especially After That Anne Curtis Comment Earlier This Month

"We were all reminded why it's still important to celebrate it… unfortunately."

That was how Janine Gutierrez summed up why Women's Month remains essential, even today. The comment came during an intimate media gathering held in celebration of her being named Esquire Philippines' Sexiest Woman Alive 2026. Already recognized as Cosmopolitan Philippines' Women of Influence Creative Catalyst and headliner last year, Janine laughed at the duality of receiving both honors.

On a more serious note, her remark comes in light of recent events involving Anne Curtis. Earlier this month, during a House justice panel hearing, Quezon City Representative Bong Suntay made lewd remarks imagining acts with Anne after seeing her in real life. Public backlash came quick, and Anne issued a statement condemning the comments, calling attention to how women face sexism daily—in offices, group chats, and public spaces.

When Cosmo asked Janine why it's still important to celebrate Women's Month, Janine spoke about the incident and took a moment to commend Anne's courage. "I applaud Anne for really speaking up against it," she said. "Women deserve respect, and I'm grateful there are women like her not afraid to push empowerment forward."

Janine sees moments like these as a reason to push even harder the need to advocate for women. "Kailangan ipagpatuloy yung trabaho to really emphasize how important women empowerment is, especially for the younger girls," she shared. "It's so important to do the work for them, for the next generation."

Even with her busy schedule preparing for a new movie and series (which she couldn't tell us much about just yet!), Janine makes it a point to put her beliefs into everyday actions.

"I try to support friends' Instagram posts or female-owned businesses. You never know how much a small compliment can go a long way," she added. These simple, consistent gestures—her version of "everyday feminism"—are just as meaningful as larger acts of advocacy.

Janine also shared with Cosmo which of her characters she'd genuinely be friends with. She initially joked it would be her dragon character in Dragon Lady (2019). "Parang masaya siyang maging friend," she laughed.

But her more serious answer was her role as AM in Ngayon Kaya (2022), a romantic drama about taking chances on someone new. "Siya yung talagang malapit sa akin, she said. "May line siya dun na super favorite ko na I also feel the same way: 'Why not just give it a shot. You'll never know what might happen.'"

She also mentioned her character Sabina in Balaraw (2026). "I love playing strong, complex women—these are the kinds of characters I connect with most," she added. Clearly, strong women on screen inspire strong women off it.