Jericho Rosales, 20 years later

ROSALES. From Mr. Pogi to best actor awardee.

Star Magic hosted a thanksgiving party recently for Jericho Rosales, who is celebrating his 20th year in show business this year. Soon after winning in “Eat Bulaga’s” Mr. Pogi tilt, he became a part of Star Circle in l997 and ABS-CBN has become the actor’s home ever since.

In his younger years, people saw him as one of the Hunks, along with Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, Carlos Agassi and Bernard Palanca. He also showed interest in music by forming a band called Jeans.

The Asian release of the hit drama series, “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” with Kristine Hermosa, amplified the actor’s popularity. He gained a solid fan base in Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia and South Africa and appeared in a TV series, “Kusinero,” in Malaysia.

More television and movie projects honed Echo’s acting skills, including a remake of FPJ’s “Ang Panday.” In 2011, another soap with Kristine Hermosa, “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” was nominated as best telenovela in the International Emmy and New York film festivals. He also starred in “Kahit Isang Saglit,” partly shot in Malaysia, costarring Carmen Soo.

For the indie movie, “Alagwa,” Jericho bagged the best actor award from the Urian and Famas. He expressed regret for not having been around to receive the best actor trophy for his portrayal of a dying man in “Walang Forever” in the MMFF last December. He is doubly happy that the movie with Jennylyn Mercado also scored well at the box office.