Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News 

Award-winning actress Jaclyn Jose has brought to life a myriad of characters over the last decades and is celebrated for her ability to breathe a distinct portrayal for every single role.

Playwright Joey Papa, who wrote the 1986 play "Woman" which marked Jose's debut on stage, attributed her exceptional performances as an actress to her unwavering devotion to the craft.

"Grabe dedication niya sa trabaho. Kapuri-puri, hindi matatawaran. Bihira ngumiti kasi lagi nag-iinternalize, mula sa stage hanggang sa paglabas. Noong time na 'yun ha, hindi mo makausap, seryoso. Minsan nakikita ko bumubulong-bulong, mine-memorize ang linya, nagre-refresh,” he said in an interview in Quezon City on Friday. 

"Kuhang-kuha niya lagi ang role niya. Siyang-siya ang role niya. Tinanong niya ako as a writer, ano ba kwento na 'to… Saan ko hinango, ano nag-inspire sa akin," he added.

According to Papa, Jose portrayed the wife of a rebel in the 1986 play, which was directed by Joel Lamangan. 

She starred alongside Ma. Isabel Lopez and Lala Montelibano. Daniel Fernando and Ricky Hora were also part of the cast.

"Talagang lumutang si Jane. Ang sipag. Sa workshop pa lang makita mo seryoso, masipag, matalino," Papa said. 

The playwright shared he saw how Jose spent long hours hard at work to hone her skills.

"Ang sipag ni Jane. Doon lang sa rehearsals namin nakikita ko siya halos isang araw wino-workshop siya ni Joel Lamangan. At kahit aalis si Joel, pinagpapatuloy niya. Masipag siya mag-aral ng role at nagtatanong si Jane," he recalled.

While it was Jose's looks that may have initially captured one's attention, Papa emphasized that it was her equally captivating attitude and personality that truly made a lasting impression.

"Maganda si Jane, maganda ugali, maganda pakikitungo, maganda looks. Jaclyn Jose na iyan," he said.