or young female stars who are battling each other out for opportunities in local show business, it is fatal to be saddled back by crucial turns in their personal lives.

But for Jennylyn Mercado, her option is clearer than any other career moves: Family comes first and if it will mean she has to slow down for the sake of her pregnancy, she will gladly embrace this new chapter in her life.

Shows in the offing for Jennylyn (from her mother network GMA–7) will have to be given to other artists as her Artist Center management recognized the "Starstruck" winner's sensitive condition as she is seven weeks on the family way.

Reports have it that Jennylyn, who is supposed to star in the Cine Novela "Maging Akin Ka Lamang" with boyfriend Patrick Garcia, will be replaced by Nadine Samonte. If Jen's pregnancy was Nadine's gain, Patrick's lost role lands an opportunity for Polo Ravales who will star with Nadine in the said project.

Jen and Patrick already started taping for "Maging Akin Ka Lamang" before Christmas, sources from GMA declared during the press conference of "La Vendetta" last Thursday night. But the 40 sequences Jen and Patrick shot will have to be done all over again with Nadine and Polo, teaming–up in a major soap for the first time, star in "Maging Akin Ka Lamang" along with Isabel Oli and Carlo Aquino.

However, GMA promised other projects for Jen once her condition permits her to work long hours again. "When Jennylyn is ready and in the right condition to work, we will be willing to support her and give her another show," told GMA Artist Center 's Ida Henares.

Priorities cleared

It will be recalled that Jen was said to be in between decisions of joining ABS–CBN late last year until GMA–7's Ida Henares clarified that the network manages Jen and that they have the right to renew the Starstruck find.

In an interview for "Resiklo," where Jen is part of the cast, she hinted that Patrick prefers that she stays with GMA but any plans have yet to be concretized. This was followed by news of her supposed transfer to ABS–CBN.

All of these talks have been relegated to mere shadows as priorities change for Mark Herras's former love partner. "Importante naman kasi yung health ko and yung baby, so family muna, kami munang tatlo," Jen told GMA news at the Makati City Hall where the couple was said to have planned to wed initially.

The intention to wed was reportedly rejected because the Makati RTC judge Selma Palacio Alaras only counseled Jen and Patrick.

Patrick cleared that there will be no immediate plans to wed but that he will stand by his woman. "Jennylyn is six weeks pregnant and that's why I'm here. I would want to set things right sana to get married and panagutan siya. But, of course, the judge said marriage is... It is very easy to get married but to get married to right reasons dapat," he stated to GMA News.

The only time the media was able to corner the couple was right after the private consultation they had at the Makati City Hall . Jen said, "Kaya pala naiinis ako kay Patrick ng walang dahilan. Naglilihi na pala ako nun sa sandwich at spaghetti, palaging pasta."

In other news related to Jennylyn's pregnancy, talks have it that Jen's personal manager Becky Aguila is against a wedding at this point in time for her talent and her boyfriend.

According to a confirmation text reportedly sent by Aguila to close media friends (when asked about Jen's pregnancy), the manager who dealt Angel Locsin's transfer to ABS–CBN said, "Marriage is not the answer, they're both not ready. Cheska [Garcia, Patrick's sister] is getting married this year, sukob, di puwede. Wait for the right time. Marriage is not the solution. Marry when ready and able. Jen will remain single. I'm against the marriage. Just keep the baby."

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