Playing lead in a dramatic project, whether in film or television, is no longer alien territory to Jericho Rosales. As a matter of fact, this columnist proclaims that Rosales is the greatest actor of his generation.
Proving my declaration? His scintillating and truthful performances in Siargao, Lucky in Love, Alagwa or his earlier film forays in Santa Santita and Bagong Buwan. We all remember him as Angelo Buenavista in the original Pangako Sa ‘Yo, Tristan in the boob tube incarnation of Ang Panday and to add more wattage to his all scorching television characters is Lino Bartolome in Halik, the soon to be shown sizzling primetime drama.
“My character Lino exudes a lot of man heat because I play a married man in Halik. Normal lang naman ito since Yam (Concepcion) are newly married,” Jericho begins his tale. “We are not selling sex here, at least that is how I see it. Of course, some of the scenes are sexy but I am not trying to be sexy, we are not using sex as the main reason for you guys to watch this new show.”
Rosales describes Halik as groundbreaking, “It is groundbreaking, in a way, because it is told in the point of view ng isang lalaki. Usually, when we present complicated relationships, from the women’s point of view. Dito, bigla naman si Lino ang center of the drama’s universe.”
“You know, at the end of the day, this is still a melodrama that caters to a niche, ito ang gustong makita nina mommy, lola, tito at tita, mga kapamilya natin who are so accustomed and used to this kind of fare.”
Rosales carries on. “I say that it is somewhat groundbreaking because we are introducing something new. I tell myself or the people I work with to change the formula, you just cannot shove what you like, pronto. You know, the teleseryes are for its niche market and I’m happy to serve them.
Talking about his co-star Sam Milby, whom he’s working with for the first time, Rosales said that the actor is very cooperative.
“He’s very collaborative. And I would rather work with a collaborative person than an amazing actor who doesn’t want to work with other actors and is oblivious of his peers.”
With Yam Concepcion, on the other hand, his eyes lit up and did not deny his excitement.
“With her, I see growth. She started na may kaba lalo na when we were just starting the shoot. Now, I can already see the confidence in her. She is working hard to make her character real.”
In conclusion, Rosales minces no words about playing lead in Halik,”I have no issue whether I play lead or not. When I do a certain project, I focus on what I can contribute to totality of it.”
Halik will air on Aug. 13, replacing Since I Found You on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida Block.