Julia Christine Botin

Jerome Ponce opens own business, reflects on 13-year showbiz journey

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1738906318246New Project (6).jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Jerome Ponce at the press conference of &#x27;In Thy Name.&#x27; Josh Mercado </div>MANILA -- Jerome Ponce proudly revealed that he is now an entrepreneur.Ponce spoke to ABS-CBN News during the grand presscon for his latest film &quot;In Thy Name&quot; directed by Ceasar Soriano.“Sa Batangas ‘yung business. Sa construction. Gusto ko ‘yung network ko in a way na they’re my friends sa Batangas. Mga kaibigan ko sila. Farm owners sila. Marami akong natututunan outside the (showbiz) industry. And when I go back sa industry, marami akong naishe-share at marami kaming napag-uusapan,” he told ABS-CBN News.In the film, Ponce plays Second Lieutenant Herbert Dilag, a 23-year-old Igorot mestizo from Kalinga. In April 2000, he agreed to head the &quot;Suicide Squad&quot; that was established to attack Camp Abdurajak in Punoh Muhadji, the largest Abu Sayyaf camp where the captives were housed.“Si Direk Ceasar is really a good friend of mine. Kami ni Yves (Flores), galing kami sa ‘A Soldier’s Heart.’ Nag-reservists din kaming dalawa. Direk Ceasar is really a good friend,” he said of the film&#x27;s director. Reflecting on his 13 years in showbiz, he told ABS-CBN News, “13 years na rin. Pakikisama ang pinakanatutunan ko sa industry. Respect din.”“Na-discover ko na I can control pala everything with my decisions, wants, and goals unlike before na nagde-depend ako sa partner or relationship,” he added. Ponce stated that he welcomed 2025 by spending time with his family and focused on himself.“Na-welcome ko ‘yung 2025 by spending time with my family and myself. Dati kasi, kapag may work, ang time ko lang napupunta sa work and ibang bagay. Maganda rin ‘yung time para sa sarili. Inuuna ko rin ‘yung sarili ko. Like kapag birthday ko or birthday ng kapatid ko, time ko ‘yun imbes na tumanggap ng work,” he said.&quot;In Thy Name&quot; is an uplifting story of unwavering faith, love for peace, and unwavering heroism, produced by GreatCzar Media Productions and directed by Ceasar Soriano.Several articles have been written about how Father Rhoel always prayed throughout captivity and encouraged everyone not to give up hope. This is shown in the 90-second &quot;In Thy Name&quot; movie teaser. Despite the challenges and tragedies, Father Rhoel surrenders everything to God&#x27;s compassion.&quot;In Thy Name&quot; will be released in theaters nationwide on Ash Wednesday, March 5.