Jericho: Set sail, paddle own canoe
Jericho Rosales doesn’t believe in luck but in opportunities. He explained, “Kasi with luck it’s either good or bad, and I don’t like that. With opportunities, it’s what you do with it that counts most. Parang, God gives you opportunities and it’s up to you to create your own ‘luck’ with it.”
It is with the mindset that he found his way into showbiz.
“Bata pa ako, nangarap na ako. Like, I used to watch ‘Ang TV’ and I remember telling myself wala talagang chance (to make it to the show) kasi nga we’re not that well off naman. But opportunity came and I grabbed it.
“Siguro, if anything, malakas din ang self belief ko. Kahit kabado ako, I usually just go for it.”
Years into a successful career dotted with acting honors and other recognitions, the 37-year-old hasn’t forgotten how it all began for him.
“Ganoon pa rin ako basically, like when I pick projects, I don’t rely on chance na ‘Uy baka swerte ito o big chance ko na ito...’ No, when I say yes to a project, it is because I believe it’s a good opportunity for me.”
Of course, there were times intuition failed him.
“You can only go so far with self-belief,” he said. “Yes, I’ve let go of some projects na when I look back parang, ‘Sana ginawa ko pala ’yun.’ Or may ino-oohan ako pero hindi naging maganda ang kinalabasan.
“Pero ’yun nga, isa mo ding titignan is that things always happen for a reason and that you have to simply learn na lang din as you go along.”
Regrets
Jericho admitted among his biggest regrets in life is hurting people he loves with his decisions.
“Tao lang ako and just like everyone, I made decisions na nakasakit sa iba. But ’yun nga, like I said, I learn as I go along so, ako, I didn’t stop there. In time, I’ve made amends. Inayos ko.”
He made sure to pass the learning on to Santino, his son from a previous relationship.
“Sabi ko sa kanya it’s important that when you go through life, you avoid hurting people. But if you do, don’t fail to say sorry and make amends.”
Is Saint interested in following in his footsteps, we asked.
“Ayaw niya mag artista eh, gusto niya sports,” replied Jericho, who is now married to model Kim Jones.
Is he eager to be a father again?
“Honestly, hindi namin priority ’yan sa ngayon. We’re both quite busy with our respective careers so, ang sa amin, when it comes, it comes.”
Rebel yell
Do you know Jericho is not keen on titles? He appreciates it and all but also considers it “a burden sometimes.”
“Like last time parang I think itinag nila ako na Asian Drama King, nakakatuwa pero parang naiilang ako.”
Apparently, it runs counter to his core belief. Said the actor-singer who is also a surfer and motorbike aficionado, “May pagka-rebelde rin kasi ako in the sense na ayoko makilala bilang si ganito o si ganyan. Ayoko ’yung parang nakakahon ako. Having a title is not part of my goal as actor. I want to be someone who could go out there and do something na parating bago o unexpected.”
“Importante sa akin sa career ko ang medyo may kabog sa dibdib. Ayoko ng sure thing tapos wala lang. Whatever I do should move me. I should feel it from within, medyo kailangan may kaba ako about it.”
A feel-good film
Jericho will star in “Luck At First Sight,” a film for release by Viva Films on March 22. It tackles the story of Joma and Diane both reliant on luck in pursuing their goals in life.
“It is a cute little story na will have you cheering for the lead characters,” said Jericho. “I signed up to do it kasi feeling ko parang ang tagal na walang pelikulang Filipino na feelgood lang all the way, fun, chillax pero may sense.”
Jericho only has good words for his co-star, Bela Padilla.
“Gusto ko sa kanya she’s pro-active. Bela goes out of her way to make sure our partnership works. Very collaborative siya.” (With report from Jojo P. Panaligan)
‘Tao lang ako and just like everyone, I made decisions na nakasakit sa iba. But ’yun nga, like I said, I learn as I go along so, ako, I didn’t stop there. In ’ time, I’ve made amends. Inayos ko.