JERICHO Rosales
Jericho Rosales said he and “Magpahanggang Wakas” leading lady Arci Muñoz didn’t need to attend any “familiarity workshop” before doing their steamy love scenes for the series on Caramoan Island.
“It felt awkward to kiss her in the beginning. We’ve only met each other on the island. The only bonding time we’ve managed to spend was talking for a few hours at the lobby of our hotel prior to the shoot,” Jericho said at the press conference for the show on Sunday.
Good thing the scenes came out convincing, the actor said. “The secret here is to really fall in love with the person you’re doing the scenes with. You shouldn’t control that. If you feel ‘excited,’ just let it be,” he pointed out. “Of course, working on the teleserye gave us the opportunity to be friends. We both love the beach. It’s good to have something in common with the person you work with.”
The series premieres on Sept. 19, occupying the time slot of “Born for You.”
Jericho said his wife, host and fashion blogger Kim Jones, doesn’t mind him doing love scenes. “She’d be disappointed with me if I don’t give a particular project my all. She has nothing to worry about. Arci is also in a relationship, and I know her boyfriend. I have worked with his family in my previous film, ‘Subject: I Love You.’”
Arci is dating Badi del Rosario, the frontman of the rock band Mr. Bones and Boneyard Circus.
Jericho, a Born-Again Christian, said he used to turn down offers to portray sexy roles. “I used to take matters to the extreme. I’ve grown and become more mature. I’ve consulted my pastors and friends, who told me there’s nothing wrong with playing controversial roles. I can be a killer, a womanizer or someone with a different religion, like a Muslim or a Buddhist. It’s all about telling a good story.”
The actor added: “Even the Bible talks of killings and massacres. With more understanding of God’s teachings, I’m now able to do roles that people don’t usually see me do—this is as long as it conforms with my life goals. I accept only projects that inspire and give hope.”
“Magpahanggang Wakas,” with FM Reyes at the helm, tells the story of a couple, Waldo del Mar and Aryann Castillo, whose love for each other is put to the test when the former accidentally kills a man for attempting to rape Aryann and was sent to prison.
Feeling responsible for Waldo’s misfortune, Aryann takes on different jobs to raise money to get him out of jail. She then meets Tristan (John Estrada) who eventually falls in love with her.
Tristan asks her to marry him, but only after Aryann witnesses Waldo falling off a cliff after being shot by the vengeful brother of the man he killed. Waldo resurfaces shortly after Aryann accepts Tristan’s marriage proposal.
The series also features Estrada, Danita Paner, Gelli de Belen, Rita Avila, Lito Pimentel, Liza Lorena, Jomari Angeles, Maika Rivera and Marco Gumabao.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph