CEBU, Philippines – For Jericho Rosales, what could have remained justa dream is now a reality as he gets to enjoy both acting and making music in his 16th year in Philippine show business. It is a rare position to be in, indeed, as not everybody gets the opportunity to pursue a many-faceted career.
Not only is Echo visible in the film and TV industry, wherein he reaped awards, but also in the music scene. He has been engaged in a lot of concerts already and has released albums that garnered positive feedback.
He rocked Cebu last May 16 during the Western Union-presented "Gintong Galing ng Pinoy" concert at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug. His guest performers were singers Christian Bautista and Yeng Constantino as well as comedian Chokoleit.
The said concert also featured the best talents of Cebu as part of Western Union’s aim of promoting world-class Filipino talents.
The FREEMAN got a chance to interview Jericho at the VIP Room of Teatro Casino after the concert. It was already 12:30 in the morning when the interview was done, but Echo was still very energetic. He thanked his latest endorsement, Extra Joss, which he drank before the start of the concert.
“Oh, I couldn’t believe that the concert finished until 12:30am. It is so overwhelming. Dahil ‘to sa Extra Joss na ininum ko before the concert and I love performing here in Cebu, the people here are so responsive; they really inspired me so well,” said Echo.
Echo said that he is truly enjoying his work right now because he’s able to do film and music at the same time.
Still and all, there's something that Echo desires to do. It’s been his lifelong dream as well to become a movie director, and as part of his preparation for this future endeavor, he took an advanced class in cinematography and graduated last May 15. Later, he would take up film editing and directing.
“I want to push through with these studies because I want to be a movie director someday. Part of my long-term plan as well is to be a producer,” said Echo.
Echo is so determined that he will be able to realize his plans. He has already made a mark when it comes to acting, as proven by the various awards that he received in the span of 16 years and counting.
Another thing that excites Echo is his upcoming album. He is now working on new songs for his latest album that will be released on July. It will feature big-name artists in the Philippine music industry.
“I’m so excited with my upcoming album. Even though it is still my fourth year in the music industry, I am blessed that kahit papaano my talent in singing was praised,” Echo said.
Doing two things at the same time is indeed hard for Jericho, but he is banking on his strong will and determination to accomplish everything.
“It’s hard because you need to sacrifice one for the other. But what I did, I spend my weekdays in the film and my weekends in music,” he said.
Another upcoming project for Echo is his team-up with ex-girlfriend, Kristine Hermosa, in a teleserye on ABS-CBN’s primetime block as well as a movie for Star Cinema, which would be a love triangle with his "Kahit Isang Saglit" leading lady, Carmen Soo.
“It feels great! People are excited for us working together again,” he said. To recall, the Jericho-Kristine tandem was awarded as the Most Popular Love Team in the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation Awards in 2001 and 2002.
This writer could not resist from asking the hunk actor about his rumored crush, Karylle, the daughter of the Divine Diva, ZsaZsa Padilla.
“We are very good friends. She is very intelligent and she loves kids,” a smiling Echo said. “She’s a ‘wow’ girl, a prized catch. Whoever will have her hand is a winner.”
Jericho said that he is concentrating on his career as of now, and he is not in a hurry when it comes to matters of the heart. He is confident that God would give the right woman for him at the right time. He is also very happy that he was able to survive this long in show business and he owes it to God.
“Everything that had happened to me, I owe it to God. I could have been gone a long time ago if I did not pray to Him,” he said. “I am so grateful that I am surrounded with good people, I can seek wisdom from older people, and I have an open heart to listen to their advice.”
“Change is the only permanent thing in this world. I try to keep myself humble at all times. I always try to bring a smile to people by giving the best in everything that I do,” ended Echo.