TikTok Star Jess Martinez “Shaking” During Scene With Carmina Villarroel: How a Social Media Influencer is Making Her Mark in

From viral TikTok videos to primetime TV, 23-year-old Jess Martinez is steadily building her presence in Philippine showbiz. A social media influencer known for her Disney Princess-themed content, Jess is now navigating a new and challenging world—acting in front of seasoned professionals like Carmina Villarroel.

In a recent interview with PEP.ph, Jess opened up about her acting journey, her inspirations, and the intense nerves she felt during her first TV scene with a vete

From TikTok Fame to the Television Screen

Jess Martinez first captured attention through TikTok, where her fashion and lifestyle videos—often styled like Disney Princesses—earned her over 650,000 followers. The platform gave her a space to express her creativity and show glimpses of her privileged but ground

“My main platform is TikTok,” she shared. “I got to express who I really am, how I dressed up, and a little bit of how my family is.”

While many recognize her as a content creator, Jess is determined to prove that she’s more than just a pretty face online. Her goal? To be taken seriously as an actress.

Shaking on Set With Carmina Villarroel

Jess’s transition into acting was not without its nerve-wracking moments—one of which she recalls vividly. Her first ever taping was for Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap, where she shared a scene with veteran actress Carmina Villarroel.

“I was really shaking,” she said, laughing in hindsight. “I still remember, my only line was, ‘Hi, I’m Diwata… Diwa for short.’ That was it—but I was incredibly nervous.”

Despite having just a few words, the pressure of performing alongside such an iconic actress was overwhelming. But it also became a moment of personal growth.

“That experience taught me about the importance of presence of mind,” she explained. “You can be given a script, and it might change—or even disappear. So you really have to be alert and observant. You need to know where the camera is, even if no one points it out to you.”

No Showbiz Background, But Big Dreams

Unlike many in the industry, Jess does not come from a showbiz family. Her father owns a security solutions and manpower company, including a shooting range—one that was recently used by actors Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo to train for their roles in the new GMA-7 series Sanggang Dikit For Real.

Jess is currently a student at Southville International School, studying Business Management while balancing her rising entertainment career.

“I’m not in this for fame,” she said earnestly. “I love acting because I get to express different emotions and explore different characters. Being an influencer is routine-based, but acting helps me grow.”

Landing Roles and Gaining Confidence

Since stepping into the entertainment world, Jess has appeared in several GMA-7 shows such as Regal Studio Presents, Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap, and Pepito Manaloto. Most recently, she joined the cast of Sanggang Dikit For Real, a primetime series that began airing in June 2025.

Before filming began, the cast underwent two days of training, which helped Jess feel more comfortable around her co-stars.

“It really helped that some of the other cast members were also in Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap. Plus, the training was held in our own family’s facility, and my older sister was one of the instructors,” she revealed.

Jess praised her co-stars Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo for being kind and approachable, saying their warmth helped her adjust quickly.

Inspirations, Idols, and Crushes

When asked who inspires her, Jess didn’t hesitate: “I really look up to Ms. Marian Rivera. She’s such a great actress. And I admire Ms. Heart Evangelista for how she carries herself.”

As for showbiz crushes? She smiled and admitted, “My girl crush is Atasha Muhlach—I think she’s beautiful. And my boy crush is Andres Muhlach.”

Managed by Artist Circle

Jess is currently managed by Rams David of Artist Circle, who signed her in 2023. She describes the talent management agency as more than just a company—it feels like home.

“They accepted me for who I am—as a social media influencer, as Jess Martinez, and as a person. I’m so happy and grateful that I chose Artist Circle because I feel like I’m becoming a better version of myself.”

From Influencer to Actress: A Journey Just Beginning

Jess Martinez may still be in the early stages of her acting career, but she’s already proving that she has the determination, humility, and adaptability to thrive. Her early experiences—especially sharing the screen with legends like Carmina Villarroel—have been both humbling and motivating.

With her work ethic, charisma, and growing confidence, Jess is poised to become one of the most exciting new faces in Philippine entertainment.

As she juggles acting, college, and content creation, one thing is certain: Jess Martinez is not just a TikToker anymore. She’s an actress, a dreamer, and a name to watch.