LllJericho Rosales and Janine Gutierrez. Images: Emmanuel John Caro via Instagram/@jerichorosalesofficial, @antheabueno
Jericho Rosales is further speaking up about his relationship with “Lavender Fields” co-star Janine Gutierrez, recalling how he met the actress’ family in a single day.
In a press junket via ABS-CBN News’ YouTube channel, Rosales looked back at how he met Gutierrez’s family, including her mother and screen veteran Lotlot de Leon. The actor said they were supposed to visit the actress’ dog at the veterinarian and then attend the launch of her brother Diego.
“We’re together in a car and on our way to Diego’s launch. And their dog was sent to the vet and [Janine’s] two sisters were there,” he said. “And after that, we went to her brother Diego’s launch… Her father was there. Ms. Lotlot [de Leon] was there. And her entire management was there. And I was like ‘hello!’”
The actor described the encounter as something of a “jackpot” while praising how “warm and cool” Gutierrez’s family was. “I met the family in one whole day. Jackpot, diba (right)? It was really one of the cutest things. They’re just warm and cool and chill.”
“It’s so cute,” he continued. “I love it because Janine has such a loving family, very accepting and cool family.”
Rosales then shared that de Leon has a special role in the upcoming drama, where she was cast as Jodi Sta. Maria’s onscreen mother.
“We have Ms. Lotlot de Leon in the show. She has a special participation as Jodi’s mother. I did share scenes with her sa Atok and she is also funny. It kinda really runs in the family,” he said.
When asked if he asked for de Leon’s permission to date Gutierrez, he said that he did.
“As much as I am an adult and she is an adult and this is our like culture, like kailangan magpaalam (you need to ask permission), I did ask her,” he said.
‘So into her’
Rosales also recalled that he initially accepted the offer to be part of “Lavender Fields” due to his interest in the production team, until he realized that already had feelings for Gutierrez.
“I decided to do the show because I was really into the production team and everyone. And then I realized that I was so into her. But she’s an amazing person, very sweet, very kind, and very funny. Very dedicated and a good actress,” he said.
Touching on his relationship with Gutierrez, the actor said they “share a lot of things” in common.
“We just share a lot of things. And we thought, ‘Hey, you’re fun. I’m fun. We’re fun. Let’s go to the museum. Sure.’ Things are great. There’s no negativity around,” he said.
Rosales made headlines after confirming that he’s dating Gutierrez in a junket for the drama. The actors sparked relationship rumors after they were seen together at a museum earlier this year.
The actor’s godfather Ricco Ocampo confirmed Rosales and estranged wife Kim Jones had broken up since 2019 last January of this year. They tied the knot in May 2014.