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Jericho and Maricel share endearing stories about their “Lavender Fields” co-stars

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Liezel dela Cruz

“Where did you find the fountain of youth?” is a question that Jericho Rosales probably hears often. For him, the answer is clear–it’s all about doing what he loves and loving what he does. It’s about finding joy (and something humorous) in the little things.“I’m very happy now to be back again… I feel so alive ngayon sa buhay ko,” he said in a conversation with his “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>” co-star Maricel Soriano, which was uploaded in the latter’s vlog channel. He was talking about his acting comeback in “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>” after a long hiatus during the pandemic. Although he was away from doing teleseryes for years, like a fish out of water, he always knew where he truly belonged—and that’s in the world of acting.&quot;Everything is just light,&quot; he said, describing the working atmosphere on the “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>” set. For Jericho, finding happiness is actually his secret to looking young, aside from watching his diet—he loves vegetables—and staying active with fun sports. He smiled, responding with his signature cool humor when Maricel added that his good heart must be one of the reasons why his gorgeous looks also shine through.Jericho is well aware that he’s still the ‘crush ng bayan’ even o younger girls, and while he admittedly feels a bit thrilled by it, he doesn&#x27;t let it go to his head. He’s just amazed that he’s been in the industry for so long, having gone through many different eras, yet he’s still here, keeping up with the latest trends. “Minsan feeling mo para kang bampira, parang, ang dami mo nang nakitang henerasyon tapos nand’yan ka pa rin at sila pa rin ang kasama mo,” he expressed.His journey into showbiz began unexpectedly. At just 15 years old, he entered a competition that would earn him the title of “Mr. Pogi,” a turning point in his life. Reflecting on it, he shared that it wasn’t part of the plan. He was working for a real estate agent at the time, and one day he was tasked with delivering documents to Broadway Centrum. Upon arriving, he stumbled upon an audition for good-looking young men. A talent coordinator asked if he wanted to try out, but feeling nervous, he rushed back to the car to avoid it. Little did he know, the coordinator had already contacted his then-manager, inviting him to join. Taking a chance, Jericho went for it, eventually winning the grand prize and opening the doors to a successful showbiz career. To this day, he humorously says, “Naligaw lang ako,” when asked how he got into the contest that changed his life.Part of winning “Mr. Pogi” opened the door to his first hosting job on TV, where he got to work alongside icons like the late Francis Magalona. Soon after, he was invited to try acting under Star Magic. For almost half a year, Jericho trained and attended workshops before finally being launched as part of Star Magic’s roster of talents. He fondly recalls sharing scenes with the late Rico Yan in one of his earliest TV roles.His star quickly rose in the drama landscape, especially with the iconic “Pangako Sa&#x27;Yo” alongside Kristine Hermosa. He remembers that the management first saw the EchoTin chemistry when Kristine guested and shared scenes with him in the family drama series “Munting Paraiso.” This led to him being pulled from “Munting Paraiso” to take the lead role in “Pangako Sa&#x27;Yo” with Kristine. The two dominated the early 2000s in the loveteam arena, with their on-screen chemistry sparking in a series of hit teleseryes and movies. Jericho recalls that, since they were both young back then, their personalities often clashed at first. But with professionalism on both sides, they eventually became good friends.With such immense acting talent, Jericho has been able to carry thought-provoking narratives, like “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/thelegalwife" target="_blank">The Legal Wife</a>,” at a time when local TV was just beginning to delve into storylines about illicit affairs. The series was incredibly intense, especially in his scenes with Angel Locsin, who played his wife, and Maja Salvador, who portrayed his mistress. The show was so sensational that some men would even approach him, opening up about similar experiences and asking for advice, thinking he was a womanizer in real life. “It was so effective, it sparked a lot of conversations about relationships,” he shared.This also reminded him of the ground-breaking series “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/halik" target="_blank">Halik</a>,” where the tables turned and he played the husband who was being cheated on. It was a refreshing change for the Filipino TV audience, who weren’t used to seeing a husband go through that dynamic. It was incredibly memorable because of how intense and emotionally draining his character was. With Pinoy viewers, the more scandalous or dramatic the scene is, the better. “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/halik" target="_blank">Halik</a>” truly pushed emotional boundaries.But Jericho didn’t limit himself to just one dramatic genre—he explored. He took on epic and historical films like “Baler,” which he loved for its grand setup and beautiful location. However, a funny anecdote from that time was that he didn’t want to do a kissing scene with leading lady Anne Curtis because he was a devout Christian and very strict about his faith.He also tested his skills in romantic comedies, which became a remarkable experience for him, especially since he was paired with none other than one of the queens of rom-coms, Jennylyn Mercado. “Oh, I love Jennylyn!” he exclaimed as he looked back on their movie “Walang Forever.” He admitted he was incredibly shy and starstruck by Jennylyn, who he described as fun-spirited. He felt a bit intimidated since Jennylyn was already considered a rom-com master, while for him, it was like diving into something new, and it was also his movie comeback at the time. “Kumbaga dinala niya ako sa pelikulang ‘yun,” he said.They both won Best Actor and Best Actress for that film, and, interestingly, they decided to exchange trophies. To this day, they haven&#x27;t returned them to each other because they made a pact—they’ll only switch them back once they work together again. It’s their way of keeping alive a quiet hope that they’ll cross paths on-screen in the future.For Jericho, winning awards serves as a meaningful reminder of the dedication and passion he pours into his craft. While he appreciates the recognition, he doesn’t strive for excellence just for the sake of accolades—his true motivation is his love for the work itself. Still, he’s deeply thankful for the honors he’s received. Jericho was moved when Maricel pointed out that an actor’s work holds an immeasurable value, as it comes with the weight of responsibility, not only to deliver powerful performances but also to drive the success of the projects they carry. Jericho agreed, adding, “Walang ibang magbibigay ng halaga sa’yo o sa ginagawa mo, kundi ang sarili mo lang. So, kailangan alam mo ang halaga mo at ng ginagawa mo.”The friendships he has cultivated in the industry are truly invaluable as well, like his deep bond with fellow ex-HUNKS members Piolo Pascual and Diether Ocampo. They prioritize regular gatherings to reconnect and support one another. These friends are his pillars; even if they don’t meet often, their reunions are filled with playful banter, and they’re always open about giving constructive feedback when necessary.Not one to rest on his laurels; he’s actively delving into movie production. He understands the need to adapt in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape, marked by new storytelling techniques, more advanced technology, and a fresh generation of directors and writers. The introduction of the ‘Eddie Garcia Law’ has also been a significant boon for actors and production crews alike. This evolving landscape has added to his excitement about returning to “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>,” making it a meaningful comeback for him.Jericho shared how he became part of the teleserye, explaining that he brought up to ABS-CBN a movie that he was eager to take on. However, ABS-CBN also had a counter-offer, leading to an agreement where he would first do “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/lavenderfields" target="_blank">Lavender Fields</a>,” which he found incredibly exciting, especially after learning about the cast and plot.“I’m really happy to be on the set all the time and it’s my joy. Masaya ka din na napapasaya mo ang mga tao,” he said, highlighting his role as a source of good vibes on set. The conversation turned playful when Maricel asked if his co-star Janine Gutierrez is officially his girlfriend. With a smile of ‘kilig,’ he replied, “We’re doing really well, going really steady. We’re really happy.” They connect well because they’re both fun-loving people. “I found a jokester also. Pareho kami ng humor, and then, dedication and passion. Ang takaw din, mahilig din kumain.”Jericho described his co-stars with fondness, noting the lighthearted banter he shares with Jolina Magdangal, who often brings food to share with everyone on set. He appreciates his dynamic with Jodi Sta. Maria as well, highlighting that their conversations are more serious and often delve into topics related to psychology, a field Jodi is passionate about.With a touch of pride, he playfully remarked, “Barkada ko sina Edu Manzano at Albert Martinez,” when asked about working with these two esteemed actors. He admires their professionalism on set, coupled with their fun-loving nature off-camera. He and Albert share a love for outdoor adventures, while he and Edu enjoy exchanging jokes and laughter.Jericho has one guiding principle in life: “Every moment should be enjoyed.” He understands that success isn’t merely about longevity but about discovering joy in every step of the journey. This mindset has fueled his passion for acting, helping him remain grounded while continuously evolving in his craft. It’s his ability to embrace both the highs and the challenges that keeps him inspired, proving that true fulfillment comes from loving what you do every single day.

Jericho Rosales and Maricel Soriano share endearing stories about their “Lavender Fields” co-stars.