Is Jericho ready to be a dad again?

MANILA, Philippines - At first glance, one can’t help but notice the aura of a happy and contented man in Jericho “Echo” Rosales who, everyone knows, had bid his bachelor days goodbye after he tied the knot with Fil-Brit model Kim Jones last May.

“I’ve become cuter,” quips Echo about the advantage of having a better half.

Kidding aside, the actor adds that he has become happier; more energized and inspired these days. “(It’s the) same with Kim. For me, she has become more beautiful. Some people say that she’s blooming and that’s because I am taking care of her so well.”

Marriage has also changed his views toward life. “It has now become lighter for me to live my life because I know I have ‘one big man problem’ solved; I now have someone to grow old with who will help me a lot in making decisions. For me, if you have someone who adds another meaning to your life and who will stay by your side — whether in the face of challenges or opportunities — then things become easier. It’s nice to have someone who is pushing you to do this or that.”

Echo’s eyes glisten whenever he talks about his every moment with Kim. He relates how they enjoy exploring new places together. No wonder their honeymoon became an opportune time to visit new places. “We went to several Asian and European countries and we had a great time exploring the many (tourist) spots.” 

Asked if they are planning to have a baby soon, Echo, who has a son from a previous relationship, enthused, “As of the moment, our priority is our dogs. Seriously, we both have decided not to have a baby yet. We still want to work. Like si Kim, may mga gusto pa s’yang ma-achieve. Kim is very hard-working and I want to give her that freedom and I also want to get a lot of things done before we focus on having a baby. So for now, ang baby namin is our relationship so we are taking care of it. At gusto pa naming mag-travel; mahirap mag-travel ‘pag may little Echo and Kim na.”

Besides, Echo has work to attend to these days. Tapings have already started for the new Kapamilya teleserye Bridges which he stars in. He confirms that John Lloyd Cruz has backed out from the show. Xian has reportedly been included in the cast although it is not clear yet whether he’ll portray another character or take over John Lloyd’s role.

“Of course, I’m sad,” he says about missing the chance to work with John Lloyd. “But I understand certain things — which are very important details — I cannot mention. With John Lloyd, I cannot speak for him; he has valid reasons. I respect the guy so much. It’s just a project. Actors have the right to say yes or no and it depends kung ano ang sitwasyon… me, I’ve also said no to many projects even if some people were asking, ‘Bakit mo pinakawalan?’ I have my reasons and I am happy now.”

Perhaps, there are people wondering why he declined the offer to portray a role in the remake of Pangako Sa ‘Yo. For those not in the know, Echo originally portrayed Angelo with Kristine Hermosa as Yna.

“They were being polite to ask me and I had to say no. For me, thank you very much because it’s just nicer to not involve yourself in a project that you’ve worked hard on already. This time kumbaga, I just want to enjoy at manood na lang.”

But Jericho has gladly accepted to do an all-out action film with a bit of drama for this year’s Cinema One Originals Filmfest entry titled Red. Although action is no longer new to him, having done such movies as Manny Pacquiao and Panday, and a cameo role in Suspek, Jericho has been craving to do action films lately and the offer to do Red came at the right time.

He describes his character as an underground fixer from Bacolod who “normally fixes other people’s problems but fails to fix his own troubles.”

Most of the scenes were shot in Bacolod and Echo stayed there for two weeks to complete major parts of the story. His director, Jay Abello, has nothing but praises for the actor. “He is consistent with the character and he’s easy to work with.”

Echo, in turn, appreciates how direk Jay considered his every idea for his character. “Doing action shows my being adventurous, sporty and energetic. Although I have scenes showing sensitivity, major portions (of the film) show masculinity — heavy punch scenes and running while carrying a gun. I like to do (a character) na tipong Denzel Washington.”

Red is one of the 10 films competing in the 2014 Cinema One Originals’ Filmfest that runs until Nov. 18 at Trinoma, Glorietta, Fairview Terraces and Greenhills Atmos theaters.

Aside from the new full-length films, the filmfest which is now on its 10th edition, also features short films, restored Pinoy classics and dramatic masterpieces of Asian cinema greats.

Cinema One Channel head Ronald Arguelles, in a press release, stated, “Cinema One Originals is definitely bigger, bolder and better. That’s why we are describing this year’s festival as intense.”