Jericho Rosales

Jericho "Echo" Vibar Rosales (born September 22, 1979)^[1] is an award-winning entertainment icon from the Philippines.

Primarily a film and television actor, "Echo" as is he known by his friends and fans, began his career by winning the Mr. Pogi ("Handsome") talent search on the noontime variety television show Eat Bulaga! His outstanding talent has secured an epic rise and an impressive portfolio of roles both on TV and in film, spanning over 20 years and a variety of genres, warranting the monicker, "Asia's Prince of Dramas."^[2]

He, likewise, is a popular commercial endorser and brand advocate of various leading companies in the Philippines.

When not in front of the camera, Rosales, among many other things, is a singer, songwriter, and performer with three solo albums to his credit.

Currently he stars as Lino Bartolome in the hit ABS-CBN primetime soap, Halik, alongside Yam Concepcion, Sam Milby, and Yen Santos.

He is married to British-Filipina digital creative Kim Jones.

Career

After winning the Mr. Pogi contest in Eat Bulaga, Rosales became a regular host and performer in the variety show.

His career took off when he was cast opposite actress Angelika dela Cruz in the top-rating primetime drama series Esperanza, and in the teen horror flick Oka Tokat. Their tandem made its way to the big screen through the blockbuster horror movie Magandang Hatinggabi. But their tandem was cut short when Dela Cruz decided to transfer to ABS CBN's rival network, GMA.

Rosales has garnered international attention in the Asian, African, and Latin American television markets since his drama serious have been distributed in these regions. In countries such as Malaysia, China, Ghana,^[3] Cambodia^[4], Peru, Colombia, and many others, for his primetime soaps Pangako Sa 'Yo (2000-2002), Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas (2003-2004) and Dahil May Isang Ikaw (2009-2010), all co-starring Kristine Hermosa. Since its original release, Pangako Sa 'Yo has aired in over 20 foreign territories, with the Cambodian Television Network ordering a local remake in 2013.^[5] In Peru, Rosales is known for his role in the series Bridges of Love ("Puentes de Amor"), the first Filipino drama to air in the country and the Latin American market.^[6] Similarly, The Legal Wife (2014), which also stars Maja Salvador and Angel Locsin, have gained much popularity in the African and Balkan regions.^[7]

In 2006 he portrayed legendary Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in Pacquio: The Movie, and bagged two Best Actor trophies for his work. He repeated this feat in 2008, when he won two more Best Actor awards for his role in the classic film Baler, opposite Anne Curtis.

In 2012, Rosales played the lead role in Alagwa (Breakaway, internationally), for which he won the which won Best Actor Trophy at the 36th Gawad Urian Awards, one of the Philippines' most respected award-giving bodies. Alagwa garnered several accolades in film festivals around the world, most notably the Most Outstanding Achievement in Film Acting Award at the 2013 Newport Beach Film Festival in California; the Grand Jury Award - Best Narrative Feature in the 3rd Guam International Film Festival; Best Narrative in the Third World Independent Film Festival; and the First ASEAN International Film Festival.^[8]

The following years found him in a string of Metro Manila Film Festival entries. In 2016, Rosales played Philippine national hero Jose Rizal in Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, which starred Robin Padilla as the eponymous character. His succeeding films were comedies, with rom-com #WalangForever in 2015, starring opposite Jennylyn Mercado; Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough in 2016 - sequel to Quantum Film's satirical 2011 hit starring Eugene Domingo; and then played opposite Bela Padilla in 2017's Luck At First Sight.

In late 2017, he played Diego in surf romance film Siargao, directed by Paul Soriano. Set in the eponymous Philippine island, he co-stars Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

Outside of film, Rosales has forged a music career which features his strengths as a lyricist, songwriter, and singer. He has released three full-length albums to his credit, and several music awards including Song of the Year Award for "Pusong Ligaw." Other songs he has produced and co-written became theme songs of several of his television shows, including Green Rose, Dahil sa Pag-Ibig (Because of Love) and I Dare You.

Personal life

Rosales was born in Quezon City, but was raised in Bula, Camarines Sur^[9] where he learned to speak Rinconada Bikol.

In 2000, Rosales was linked to former model Kai Palomares, with whom he has a son, Santino "Saint" Palomares Rosales.

He married Kim Jones in a beach wedding ceremony in Boracay on May 1, 2014.^[10]

Filmography

Television Shows

Discography

Animal activism

During February 2014, Rosales became actively involved in a campaign to Free Mali, the lonely elephant who has been living in a small, concrete enclosure at the Manila Zoo for more that 35 years. The campaign is led by animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and works toward having Mali transferred to the Boon Lott's Sanctuary in Thailand, where she will be given all of the care and natural surroundings that the Manila Zoo cannot provide her with. Rosales showed his support by posing for a photograph] holding up a sign that reads "JERICHO ROSALES WANTS MALI FREED"."^[13]

Awards and nominations

References

External links

• Jericho Rosales on IMDb
• Jericho Rosales profile at Telebisyon.net