IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Kathryn Bernardo and the actors who want to work with her

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Filipino actors who want to work with Kathryn Bernardo | Image: INQUIRER.net

With her acting experience beginning as a child actress and becoming an established name in the Philippine entertainment industry, Kathryn Bernardo is undeniably one of the most bankable actresses in the country right now. At almost 30 years old, she is entering a new era in her career as she breaks free from a long-term love team and slowly embarks on her solo era. 

But regardless of that “solo” journey, as the Kapamilya actress expands her horizons and explores more opportunities, a roster of leading men has expressed desire to work with the box office queen. So here’s a list of the Filipino actors who have openly communicated their wishes to work with Bernardo, making her the current “most sought-after.” 

Jericho Rosales 

Jericho “Echo” Rosales | Image: Instagram/@jerichorosalesofficial

Aside from being the most pitched by fans for the next leading man that Bernardo should work with, Jericho Rosales has also been consistently vocal about his desire to work with the Kapamilya actress.

In 2019, the “Pangako Sayo” actor jokingly expressed his disappointment that he still hadn’t worked with Bernardo, saying, “Naunahan na nga ako ni Alden [Richards],” he said. “It’s all a matter of time, to be honest with you, [until we work on a] movie.”

In November 2023, Rosales personally shared a graphic of the actors that people want to see Bernardo work with in the future, with his name included. The actor then expressed enthusiasm for the sentiment, writing, “I think it would make more sense to work with Kath at this moment.” 

During the contract signing of Bernardo with her home network, ABS-CBN, in February, Rosales did not just congratulate the actress but also reiterated the possibility of them working together on screen. 

“Hey, Kath! I want to congratulate you for the steps that you’ve been taking. I’ve been watching you, and you’ve been doing great. I hope that we can work on something someday. We’ll work on that, promise,” he said at the time. 

Paulo Avelino

Paulo Avelino | Image: Instagram/@pauavelino

Paulo Avelino is a recent addition to the list of actors who wish to work with Bernardo. On April 6, the “Fangirl” actor introduced the idea of him and the Kapamilya actress joining forces as the latter slowly trails after the “mature roles’ that Avelino is considered an regular in.

“Si Kathryn, she is trying to transition into more mature roles baka maging bagay ako sa mga proyektong gagawin niya, (so I might be suitable for the projects she will do)” he said at the presscon of his recent movie.

David Licauco

David Licauco | Image: Instagram/davidlicauco

After having the chance to see the Kamilya actress during a fashion show, David Licauco had the chance to share that he’s a long-term fan of Bernardo, saying he’s open to doing any project with her. “Oo naman, siyempre. Anything na sa work, I’ll do it.”

“I’m a big fan of Kathryn. Noong bata-bata pa ako, pinapanood ko yung mga pelikula nila ni Daniel [Padilla]. I’m so happy to see her as a fan, I guess,” added the Kapuso actor.

Alden Richards

Alden Richards | Image: Instagram/@aldenrichards02

Despite already having the chance to work with Bernardo in 2019 for the box office movie “Hello, Love, Goodbye, Alden Richards remained interested in keeping his on-screen partnership with the actress alive. Recently, the two made headlines after Richards’ recent appearances in her private parties, and even surprised the Kapamilya actress with a red rose bouquet for her post-birthday celebration.

“Ako po, of course, ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ naman po made history. At ‘yun naman din po ang clamor ng mga nakapanood—to have a part two. Ako po, ready naman ako, anytime,” he said in a December 2023 interview. 

(Of course, Hello, Love, Goodbye made history. And that’s also the clamor of those who watched it—to have a part two. Me, I’m ready, anytime.)

Kristoffer Martin

Kristoffer Martin | Image: Instagram/@kristoffermartin_

“Endless Love” is one of the popular series that Bernardo did for GMA Network, where she played the younger version of Marian Rivera. In the series, she partnered with Kristoffer Martin, who portrayed the younger version of Dingdong Dantes. 

In a recent interview, Martin admitted that he had a crush on the Kapamilya actress when they were doing the show and shared his desire to work with her again. 

Cedrick Juan

Cedrick Juan | Image: Instagram/@cedrickjuan

Coming from the success of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 entry “Gomburza,” Cedrick Juan named Bernardo as one of the actresses he wants to work with now that his career is now going in an upward trajectory.

“Ay, yeah,” he said when answering a question about working with Bernardo. “Kasi (because) last time I watched A Very Good Girl. Sobrang galing nila ni Tita Dolly De Leon (she and Tita Dolly are both great). So kung magkakaroon ng pagkakataon (if the opportunity comes), why not?” 

Richard Juan

Richard Juan | Image: Instagram/@richardjuan

Actor, founder and managing director of Two Infinity Entertainment and also the co-founder of 28 Squared Studios, Richard Juan, sat down on Long Conversation on February 9 and shared that Bernardo is the actress he will choose when he is given the chance to produce and act on a project of his choice.

“I appreciate the acting prowess of Kathryn Bernardo. I’ve seen a lot of films that she’s been doing. Saludo ako sa acting niya, (I salute her acting)” he said.