Before he caught the acting bug, Jeric Gonzales had fallen in love first with music and singing.
In fact, he entered the talent search, Protégé, armed with that talent and his gift for playing the guitar. The South Luzon showbiz wannabe eventually emerged the male champion and was sidetracked to playing roles.
But one thing is for sure: He has never forgotten singing. If the opportunity to record a single — like what he has done before — comes his way, Jeric will find time for it. He is still in love with singing.
Case in point is his latest single, Hihintayin Kita, the theme song of his drama film, Broken Blooms, directed by Louie Ignacio. Jeric’s film will grace the 41st Oporto International Film Festival in Portugal.
Under GMA Music, Hihintayin Kita was released on March 1, while its music video, shot in Boracay, premiered before Valentine’s Day. The song will have its another launch tomorrow, March 20, in All-Out Sundays (AOS) and is available on various digital platforms.
“For me, it’s about being patient (to everything), particularly to finding love,” said the Kapuso actor about the tune’s message, which might “foreshadow” the movie narrative, in a recent virtual press conference. “If you want something, if you love something, you really have to wait (for it).” If one may add, you have to wait patiently for the right time to come along. That’s why some, including Jeric, associate it with the saying, “Patience is a virtue.”
“This is one (thing) about the song that I can relate to,” said he, who, prior to snagging meaty roles, had his own share of supporting ones. “I’ve been (doing) showbiz for nine years now. I’m very grateful to GMA for always giving me opportunities (to showcase my talents). Yung paghihintay ko talaga (has paid off). Now, I have an upcoming teleserye and then, there’s a movie and a new single. I really feel blessed.”
Again, the movie is Broken Blooms, while the single is Hihintayin Kita. As for the TV series, it’s the Philippine adaptation of the hit 2020 Korean series, Start-Up, with Bea Alonzo and Alden Richards in the lead roles.
Few days back, Jeric’s inclusion was made official via a 24 Oras report. The TV interview revealed his thoughts about it, with him saying that “nanduon yung pressure, of course, but it’s a good pressure na ma-challenge ako dito sa role na ito.” He is also taking on the challenge to work with passionate actors. With that, Jeric, as he put it, will do his best.
While waiting for more details of his upcoming TV project, everyone should give Jeric’s Hihintayin Kita a listen.
“It’s similar to my previously recorded singles,” said he of the song’s genre. “Kapag gumagawa kami ng song, under GMA Music, talagang binabagay namin sa type of genre ko. I play instruments like guitar. It’s acoustic, which is more on guitar with a little instrumentality.”
Jeric shared that he recorded the song after they filmed Broken Blooms. “Hindi na ako nahirapan masyado kasi fresh from the shoot,” added he. “Sabi ni direk Louie (also the director of the music video) na gamitin ko na yung emotions ko dun, yung mga scenes namin dun, naka-relate talaga ako ng husto sa character ko and I used it during the recording of the song.”
The movie is about Jeremy, played by Jeric, “(who) wants to have a happy family,” and “doesn’t succeed with his career,” said the actor. “From there, everything falls apart.” His character wishes to live “like a flower that blooms but that (seems elusive to him and) doesn’t happen.” His film starrer touches on what people consider broken dreams that some have encountered.
“It’s very realistic and that’s why the first time we (read) the script and the story, we, me and direk Louie, were very happy because we found it relatable,” said he, “It happens, especially yung kahirapan na pinakita din dun, isang factor din siya kung bakit ang buhay ni Jeremy ay naging broken blooms.”
Since his song is about love, Jeric was also inquired about affairs of the heart and responded by saying, “Kung may nagpapasaya po sa akin ngayon, siguro ang pinaka-nagpapasaya talaga sa akin ay yung family ko, sila talaga yung inspiration ko (If there’s someone that makes me happy these days, it will be my family, my source of inspiration).”
However, it seems that his family is not the only inspiration of Jeric. He and fellow Kapuso artist and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo recently posted kilig messages, accompanied by their photos taken during a trip to Bohol, on their Instagram accounts. Reading between the lines, one can say that young love is in the air.
Asked what fans can expect from him as a recording artist, Jeric answered: “When it comes to music, I want more. I want to compose my own songs. Actually, nag-susulat din naman ako, so hopefully, I will be able to release a self-penned and composed single. I’m expecting that (will happen) before my birthday, second quarter of this year. I hope to release another song.”
Last year, he won the Male Acoustic Artist of the Year award at the Star Music Awards for the song, Taksil.
“It’s my first award at masayang-masaya ako at na-appreciate ako at nabigyan ng recognition ng PMPC,” said he. “Bata pa lang talaga ako kumakanta na ako at tumutugtog na ako, masayang masaya ako na napansin nila yun (I’ve been singing and playing instruments since I was a kid. I’m very glad that they’ve noticed it).”
This is a well-deserved pat on his back, telling Jeric that he is on the right track, music-wise.
“I’m inspired as one of those who (should) continue singing, recording and composing songs,” concluded he.