Meet Jen DeLeon, a 22-year-old Filipino-American celebrity correspondent for some of today’s biggest names in pop culture, including Keri Hilson, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, and B.o.B just to name a few. And we got the chance to change her role, as we go one-on-one with her as the interviewee.
In 2010, Jen was invited as a special guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” an experience that she fondly recalls. Admittedly, Jen is going after her dream – to be a talk show host, just like her hero. And she received high acclaim from Oprah herself, who assured her, “The next me will be you, just keep doing what you’re doing because someone needs to be that voice.”
Wika Magazine was, of course, very excited to speak with her.
After a nerve-wrecking trek around Grand Central looking for the perfect quiet, empty spot with cell phone reception (New Yorkers: Yes, we did manage to complete this impossible feat), we luckily found ourselves in an empty lounge in The Court Hotel on E. 39th Street, a beautiful boutique hotel with little traffic and very gracious hosts.
At such a young age, Jen has been able to work her way around the business of interviewing. Her secret? “Celebrities are just people,” she says.
“I want everyone to think, if money wasn’t an issue, what would you do every day? That’s what you should work towards.”
– Jen DeLeon
She is never star-struck or envious; she is in this for the right reasons. Jen has been following her passion of being on TV since she was a child, and dreams to have her own show one day. This may be a common ambition among youngsters, but listen to this – her motivation behind all of her hard work is so that her family can retire early. Awww!
When speaking about her career, Jen takes a deep sigh, and says that her job is much more than the glitz and glam that people may see. Journalism is a tough career, especially working in the entertainment industry. Along with some great interview opportunities come other offers: drugs, alcohol and scandal. And despite all the temptations, Jen continues to put her personal brand at the forefront, and is proud to say that she has never done anything she would not want her fans to know.
We get to know this girl, her values, and personal life.
WikaMag: What are your days usually like?
Jen: “It’s very random. I could get a call right now [from Go Where Hip Hop] for an event in a couple hours. Sometimes you find out last minute so I always make sure to be prepared. Usually, I spend my days doing research on events all around the country and when I’m not doing that, I’m usually editing or writing for my website, or shopping and eating with my family and friends.”
Have you ever done an interview that was very life changing and inspirational?
In another instance as the one being interviewed, Jen recalls this moment…
“I was on the Oprah Show in 2010 when she interviewed me about texting and driving. I had to be the teenage role model at that time, and after the show, she pulled me aside and I told her I started blogging and I wanted to be the next her, just the Filipino version. She said, ‘The next me will be you, just keep doing what you’re doing because someone needs to be that voice.’ That moment was my big boost of motivation to keep working hard.”
Is there someone in your life that you look up to and strive to be?
“My biggest motivation would be my family. My number one goal would be for my parents to retire early. I think they just work way too hard and I don’t want them to. It’s my dream to tell them that ‘hey, I made it so you don’t have to work anymore.’”
Have you ever told them how you feel?
“I do, but the most recently I text them when I was running on four hours of sleep and was up for over 24 hours already. I remember that night I kept thinking, okay my parents do this almost everyday, I can do it too. My parents are so loving and caring towards my brother, Chris, and I – if I said I didn’t want to work anymore and I wanted them to support me for the rest of my life, they would. In that text I told them how they were my motivation.’”
Is there a celebrity you would want to switch lives with?
“I think that God has a plan for everyone so you shouldn’t want to live someone else’s life. So no, I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s.”
What would you consider to be your most awkward interview?
“I’ve never had a bad interview with someone, but when I first started in 2010, there were times when I have been nervous because a lot of people were watching.
“(Doing) Keri Hilson’s interview was an example – she was in her dressing room and in the middle of us talking, she stopped and yelled at everyone in the room and said, ‘Can you all be quiet? She’s trying to do an interview!’ The room dropped silent after that. I’ve never had someone do that for me in an interview, I loved it!”
You mentioned that you don’t get star struck. Do you think that’s a big trait for someone in your line of work since you work with so many famous people?
“Absolutely. I think if you’re star struck, you can’t have a normal conversation with them. You just have to treat them like people.
“Another trait that’s a must is to be strong-willed and have good morals. A lot of people ask me how to get started in my line of work, and sometimes I feel it is just based off the glitz and glamour they may see such as being around celebrities, but they don’t see the work put into it and the downfalls. It’s the entertainment industry, people will offer you drinks, drugs, and as a woman, sometimes guys will not respect or take you seriously because of that. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my job, but it’s a lot more than just talking in front of a camera and taking pictures.”
There was a defiance in her voice, and one that sounded focused and driven.
“I don’t (give in to temptation) because my reputation is really important to me. And when I do get to that Oprah level, there will not be anything bad anyone can leak or pick up about me.”
In terms of your career, what is your ultimate goal?
“I want to have my own talk show. My vision of this show is half motivational/inspirational and half conducting an interview with a celebrity.”
If you were to think on your feet right now, what would be 3 things you are grateful for today?
“It would be my family, because they are so supportive, the patience I have and everyone who has been supportive of me since the beginning. There are too many to name, but they know who they are.”
Growing up as a Filipino-American, did you encounter any hurdles or benefits?
“The one benefit I get from being Filipino is that I will stand out at events so I feel that whoever I interview or meet remembers me. I love being the minority!” (Laughs.)
How early on did you realize you want to be a journalist?
“Honestly probably ever since I could talk. Anytime my parents asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I’ve since always said, ‘I want to be on TV.’ That’s it, and that’s what I am going to do.”
On behalf of all the guys out there, are you single?
“Yes, I am single but not looking to be in a relationship. Right now, my priorities are my family and career.”
On this note, Jen shared with us an exclusive release of her new job announcement. Please join us on congratulating Jen on her new position as a correspondent with HotNewHipHop.com in LA!
At such a young age, Jen is an inspiration for not only Filipino Americans, but for everyone, however old around the world.
Do you have any advice for Asian-Americans on how to get to where you are right now?
“I would say this to everybody – go for what you are passionate towards. Everyone thinks they want a certain life, but if everyone did what truly makes them happy, the world would be a happier place. Too many people will do things for other people’s dreams to make someone else happy. I’ve wanted to be on TV and interview people since I was a kid. If you can’t figure out what it is that would make you happy think, if money wasn’t an issue, what would you do every day? That’s what you should work towards.”
READERS: Jen will be in New York before the year ends. Wika Magazine will be doing an in-person follow-up interview, so if you are interested in joining us in meeting her, let us know by commenting below and we may be able to arrange a meet-and-greet!
