How Jericho Rosales recovered from burnout, emerged a ‘happier’ actor

“Lavender Fields” lead star Jericho Rosales said he took a six-year break from acting partly because of burnout.

“Before this, there was so much anger in me,” Jericho told reporters recently. He was last seen in the drama series “Halik,” which ended in 2019. “You try to force things. You want people to cooperate. You keep fighting. Every actor can relate to these. I’m one of those who complained about the industry, about the long hours, about soap operas and directors and coactors. I complained nonstop and then, burnout happened.”

The 44-year-old actor continued: “Then you realize, if you want something so bad, then don’t be afraid to go for it. That’s what I did. It took me six years to do it. I said ‘no’ to so many projects. I had to explain this to so many people.”

For him to recognize and accept what he was going through, Jericho had to rely on ex-wife Kim Jones—whom he referred to during this interview as “a good friend of mine”—and his therapist, he said. “In one session, they dared me to answer one question: ‘What kind of life is worth living?’ It took me two weeks to answer. I said it’s ‘a life of growth, of really getting to know yourself.’ From then on, I became more accepting.”

From this soul-searching experience, Jericho said he promised “to never turn my back on acting again. Every time people ask me, ‘What do you think you’d end up becoming if you didn’t pursue acting?’ I honestly can’t think of anything else. I said I can be a wedding singer, a stunt driver, a restaurant manager, but nothing can top acting in my head. I am not turning my back on anything creative anymore. You have to pick a life you don’t want to run away from, so that when things go south, you can still choose to be happy,” the actor pointed out.

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‘New chapter’

“I’m determined to carry on. It’s a new chapter. It’s a new perspective. I’m very excited. I will be working on some projects by myself after ‘Lavender Fields,’ to be shot next year. Star Cinema has just pitched to me and I already said I’m interested. They’re working on that, too,” he said.

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In fact, Jericho said he has “assembled” a new team to manage him, led by Pinky Angodung. “I managed myself for five years after leaving Star Magic. While I’m good friends with (Star Magic founders) Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) and Tita Mariole (Alberto), I decided to handle myself because I was already starting to look like a rebel. They would ask me, ‘Why are you always going against the flow?’ I said I know what I want and I just need help in executing plans and strategies.”

Jericho said it was around this time when he felt sure that he was ready to get back to work. He explained that it took him five years because “I didn’t want to drag people with me.” He explained: “I just got a new team, and we make decisions based on trends, statistics or studies. Along the way, you realize that you’ve changed your mind and yet you have an entire barangay with you. What will happen to them? I was so conscious not to take anyone with me on this crazy ride, but then I knew I searched for the right people to work with. I had looked for the right projects and asked people to help me find good scripts. I realized that the universe is actually working with me on this one, so I said ‘yes’ to acting again. I’m no longer angry. I’m much happier now.”

Collaboration

Jericho confessed to have regretted the fact that, because he was focusing on TV work, making films took a backseat. “My ultimate dream is to become an actor-producer. When I started working on my dreams, that’s the time I became more accepting of the different stages I was in as an actor. Film has a different discipline from doing teleseryes, or advertising. Teleseryes are loved by many, so why would I turn my back on them?”

Jericho will turn a year older on Sept. 22, and he wishes for his “films and other projects to continue,” the actor said. “I love to be involved. My rule in life and at work is that things have to be fun. My manager knows this—the only way we can make this really fun is when we’re allowed to be collaborative with the people at work. Our goal is to keep working with the best in the industry and learn from them.

He continued: “On my birthday, I will just celebrate with friends and the people I love, probably play baseball, or do something active, also visit museums and appreciate art work,” Jericho said, laughing. He was referring to the time he was spotted visiting the National Museum with actress Janine Gutierrez, whom he recently admitted to be dating.

The couple, along with Jodi Sta. Maria, are the stars of “Lavender Fields,” which is currently streaming on Netflix, and airing weeknights at 8:45 p.m. on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, TFC and Kapamilya Online Live.

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