Janine Gutierrez, 29, has been living in her own place for nearly three years. The actress moved into her 92-square-meter condo unit in San Juan in April 2016, and it was a dream come true for her as she always wanted to live independently.
Living alone for the first time takes serious adjustment, but "I've gotten used to it. There are times that I love it," Janine told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during an interview at a World Wildlife Fund event.
"I love that I can do anything that I want, that I can decorate how I like, that I hold my own time, and then I have to be responsible.
On the flip side, the 29-year-old admits that you'll also miss having company from time to time. "...kapag pagod ka or you're not feeling well, parang, 'Oh my gosh, sana nandito yung mga kapatid ko.' It comes and goes, but it's really taught me a lot. And yun naman yung goal ko talaga why I wanted to live alone. Para matututo ako ng everything—adulting!"
When asked for her advice to others who are also thinking of moving into their own place, the actress says: "I highly recommend it. I think sa mga ka-age ko or sa mas bata sa 'kin, if you're thinking about it, go. Do it.
"If you can't live alone, then live with your roommates, with friends. I think it really teaches you a lot about life and about being responsible. And it's also taught me din talaga about my waste. Kasi alam mo, kapag ikaw lumilinis, dun nakikita mo na—hala, ang dami na palang basura, diba? So, dun ka din talaga mako-conscious about your lifestyle.
Moving out is a big step but "Don't be scared. Alam ko scary siya sa una, but it's really rewarding in the end," assures Janine.
This story originally appeared on Pep.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Femalenetwork.com editors.
