This Monday, January 29, 2024, it was finally confirmed what many have suspected for years: that Jericho Rosales and Kim Jones have separated.
The dissolution of Kim and Jericho’s marriage marked a sad conclusion to what many perceived as an ideal union, with both parties deliberately choosing to shield their domestic affairs from the prying eyes of the public—a rarity within the tumultuous world of show business.
The couple’s marriage, however, has been rocked with separation rumors, with the first one emerging in September 2022.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) caught up with Jericho at the time, and he was asked if there’s truth to the issue.
Jericho, however, evaded the question and simply said, “All right guys! I love you. Thank you!”
Speculations about the state of their marriage resurfaced in 2023 despite Kim and Jericho’s efforts to downplay the issue.
Sometime in December 2023, PEP.ph obtained information from a trusted source that the couple broke up as early as 2019.
On January 12, 2024, during an interview on the sidelines of a brand event, PEP.ph asked Jericho again about the real score between him and Kim.
This time, Jericho’s evasive answer hinted at the couple’s separation.
“No comment because it’s not the place,” he told PEP.ph.
Without divulging his marital status, he simply assured the press, “We’re happy, we’re good.”
There were no sparks the first time Jericho, an award-winning actor, and Kim, a model and digital creative, went out on a date.
The notion of them being romantically involved, let alone married, appeared unlikely even to the two of them during their first few encounters.
“I didn’t get his jokes at first, and then he didn’t understand me because my accent was so thick,” Kim, who is Filipino-British and grew up in Australia, told Boy Abunda in an interview for the now-defunct showbiz talk show The Buzz.
CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ NOOD KA MUNA!
But fate had other plans.
On May 1, 2014, Kim and Jericho officially became husband and wife in a romantic “laid-back” beach wedding in Boracay, Aklan.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) revisits the love story of Kim and Jericho — a romance that started on the wrong foot before evolving into something special, culminating in a journey down the aisle, before, regrettably, ending in separation.
MARCH 2011: JERIcho broke his no-dating rule
As 2011 went along, Jericho, feeling weary from past heartbreaks and failed relationships, was in no mood to get romantically involved with someone.
Jericho’s dating history is an open book, marked by high-profile relationships with fellow celebrities such as Kristine Hermosa, Cindy Kurleto, Heart Evangelista, and Cesca Litton.
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Reflecting on his emotional state then, he told Boy, “Ayoko na. I didn’t want to date anymore. Ayun na nga, I need a break.”
Jericho first met Kim in person in March 2011 during a dinner at Rockwell organized by their mutual friend who was a make-up artist.
Also present that night were actor Dominic Ochoa and his wife, Denise Go, and other friends along with their children.
“When I arrived, I started cracking jokes with the children but Kim wasn’t laughing.
“It turned out that hindi pa gets ni Kim ang Filipino comedy,” recalled Jericho in a 2013 interview for The Philippine Star column of entertainment reporter, Ricky Lo.
“May communication gap kami,” laughed Jericho.
The truth was that Jericho went that night because he wanted to see Kim up close.
Jericho, before the dinner event, had already heard of Kim through Dominic and Denise, with the couple eagerly egging the actor to go out with the aspiring model from Australia.
“Sige na, sige na,” Jericho recalled Denise persistently urging him to reconsider his self-imposed no-dating rule.
Jericho was not budging so Denise pulled one last move that finally did the trick: She showed the actor a picture of Kim.
“Oh, sige na nga,” a suddenly curious Jericho told Denise
“So, napapayag nila ko,” Jericho beamingly looked back.
Jericho said in his interview with Ricky, “Actually before that dinner, I saved on my iPad her photos, which my friend sent me. My friend was trying to set us up.
“Kasi when I looked at the pictures, I exclaimed, ‘Oh my God, she’s so beautiful!’
“I saved two photos. So when the invitation to the dinner came, punta kaagad ako.”
Kim and Jericho’s first date, however, was a letdown as the two struggled to build rapport.
Jericho even recalled accidentally spilling beer on Kim’s dress that evening.
“Dyahe!” he told Ricky in recollection of the embarrassing moment.
Nonetheless, Jericho was smitten, telling himself after seeing Kim up close, “Mas maganda pa siya sa personal. Tapos ang ganda ng mata.”
More awkward moments occurred that night including a scene inside Jericho’s car after Kim joined him and sat on the passenger seat.
“I told her don’t worry, I won’t kiss you, I’m a nice guy. I won’t attack you or take advantage of you, just sit there,” Jericho assured his date, trying to act like a real gentleman.
The moment left Kim feeling more uneasy than relaxed.
At this point, a second date between the two was highly improbable.
APRIL 2011: HAVING ANOTHER GO
While the date didn’t go as smoothly as both parties had hoped, Jericho was already attracted to Kim and wanted another chance to spend time with her.
Unfortunately for Jericho, his repeated invitations to Kim to go out were constantly turned down.
He even bought tickets for two to watch the Manila concert of the Irish rock band The Script on April 16, 2011, at the Araneta Coliseum without asking Kim first if she wanted to come along.
“She didn’t say yes. I ended up watching with a guy friend,” Jericho lamented in an interview for Bianca Gonzalez’s column for The Philippine Star published in February 2014.
“The truth is, I was really hurt,” confided Jericho about Kim’s refusal to watch the concert with him.
The two would communicate by text messaging but Kim, said Jericho, “would reply with just one line, tapos days later pa.”
In Kim’s defense, she also was not particularly interested in dating and going steady with someone at the time.
Kim first visited the Philippines in 2010 for a five-week vacation upon the invitation of her brother, Apollo, who was doing modeling gigs here in the country.
She liked the Philippines and thought of pursuing a modeling career like her brother.
Kim’s previous jobs in Australia included working as a staff at a salad bar and a bank teller.
Wanting to pursue a different path in a new environment, Kim sold her car in Australia and booked a one-way plane ticket back to the Philippines to stay indefinitely.
“That is sort of the reason I moved here. I was working in finance, and in Australia, it’s sort of similar to the American dream that you sort of live to work and not work to live. That was not my priority when I was 22,” explained Kim.
“So, I sort of reached a quarter-life crisis.”
Simply put, Kim’s focus was to land a steady career in the Philippines and not romance, thus her refusal to reciprocate the attention given to her by Jericho.
Kim explained to Bianca, “When we first met, we clicked on a friendly level. I was new here and I didn’t want to get into a relationship.”
That didn’t last long as Kim found herself growing fond of Jericho’s sweet ways and persistence.
This time, it was Kim who reached out and made the move. Despite their inauspicious start, Kim had come to regard Jericho as one of her few friends in the country.
“I asked him if he wanted to hang out,” said Kim.
“Then he invited me to go surfing.”
That out-of-town trip turned out much better than their dinner date a few months ago.
The long road trip and the laidback La Union backdrop were ideal scenarios for Kim and Jericho to loosen up and be themselves in the company of each other.
“That night, we were talking, getting to know each other. Then I went to bed and left my door open. Apparently, he thought…” Kim sheepishly said.
Jericho chimed in laughing, “I thought she was hinting! I was like, is this a sign? But of course, I didn’t go inside [her room].”
Needless to say, the trip provided Kim and Jericho an opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper, more personal level.
OCTOBER 2011-FEBRUARY 2012: REVEALING THE REAL SCORE
The courtship between Jericho and Kim lasted for months before they became a couple in October 2011.
Rumors were already going around by the tail end of 2011 that Jericho was in a relationship with a new girl.
But the two took their time before divulging their relationship to the public.
Some reports said that Jericho had to wait for Kim’s consent before making any announcement about their real status.
On February 29, 2012, Jericho guested on ABS-CBN’s morning talk show KrisTV where he showed a picture of him and Kim together.
“My family actually loves her, super, super loves her talaga,” said Jericho about Kim.
He continued, “She’s very open and nilalapit niya yung sarili niya sa mga mahal ko.
“Hindi niya ako nilalayo even doon sa trabaho ko at sa followers ko.
“Actually, magka-tweet sila ng fans ko. They tweet each other.
“It’s a really healthy relationship, hindi ba? We support each other. It’s really nice.”
Jericho publicly opening up about his relationship with Kim broke the ice, and the couple was more open to sharing their life after that interview.
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ MARCH 2012: FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE AS A COUPLE
Kim and Jericho made their public debut as lovers on March 12, 2012, at the MYX Music Awards held at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan.
“This is Kim. We’re together tonight,” Jericho introduced Kim to ABS-CBN News when they were approached by the crew.
Kim was also a celebrity at this point as she was the host of the cable lifestyle show ETCetera.
In April 2012, Kim spoke about Jericho in an interview with ABS-CBN News during a press conference for Gary Valenciano’s On Higher Ground concert where she had a special participation.
“I love sports, so he taught me how to surf, and now I’ve fallen in love with surfing. So we spend a lot of time at the beach. I’m an Aussie, so it’s always relaxing for me [to be] at the beach,” remarked Kim.
She said kindly about Jericho, “He has a very big heart, a very giving heart. He’s hilarious, he never fails to make me laugh. Super mabait siya.”
Jericho, meanwhile, told members of the press in a September 2012 interview, “I’m very happy. I’m very much in love.
He described Kim as “a very nice person,” adding, “She loves sports, she loves what I do. She loves me. I love her back.
“We inspire each other. And I feel so blessed to find someone like her.”
AUGUST 2013: GETTING ENGAGED
Jericho chose Kim’s birthday as the day of his wedding proposal.
On August 4, 2013, the actor popped the question at the New Life Church in Alabang.
During the service, Jericho knelt while presenting an engagement ring to a surprised Kim, who accepted the proposal.
Read: Jericho Rosales engaged to Kim Jones
Jericho posted on Instagram a photo of Kim showing off the ring, writing, “i love you, Miss Jones. You are the love of my life. Thank you for saying YES (to forever) to me. Happy birthday! God is amazing! Yeeeeeehaaa! We are #engaged !!!! #jackpot.”
Kim happily returned the favor, posting, “I love you @jericho_rosales!!! Thank you for making me the happiest lady in the world!! Now I can say “I’m engaaaaagggeeeddddd!!!!!!!!”
MAY 2014: KIM AND JERICHO TIED THE KNOT
The couple got married on Labor Day, May 1, 2014, at Shangri-La Boracay Resort, Boracay, Aklan.
It was a beachside affair and it reflected Kim and Jericho’s love for the sea and surfing.
Jericho wore a beige suit by Francis Libiran, while Kim donned a Vania Romoff gown.
Celebrity guests include Donita Rose, Iya Villania, Paolo and Gabriel Valenciano, Coney Reyes, Piolo Pascual, and Gary Valenciano.
2018: KIM’S “BEST ASSISTANT”
Jericho loves playing the supportive husband role to his also talented wife.
This was in full display in September 2018 when the couple went to New York, U.S.A. for Fashion Week.
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Jericho served as Kim’s assistant — from organizing her schedule to booking car rides to preparing her clothes for the events.
Jericho dubbed his efforts “Better Husband Project” and he posted on Instagram to express how he was rooting for Kim’s Fashion Week stint to be a success.
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A post shared by Jericho Rosales (@jerichorosalesofficial)
2020: HELPING TYPHOON VICTIMS
Kim and Jericho put their swimming and surfing skills to good use during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses in November 2020.
The couple helped in the rescue efforts by Marikina authorities in rescuing residents affected by the flood.
Kim and Jericho reportedly used their surfboards to access people stranded in their homes.
Read: Jericho Rosales, wife Kim Jones pull out surfboards, brave floods to assist Marikina residents
“This morning paglabas namin, baha na. Usually kapag baha dito kasi, ganyan talaga. Laging ganyan ang problema. Sometimes walang boats or flotation devices so naglabas kami ni Kim ng surfboard,” Jericho told the media.
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“Okay naman [yung mga napuntahan namin sa bahay], safe naman sila, thank God. May mga iba lang na hindi na mapuntahan nung rescue teams kasi malakas na ‘yung agos and wala pang boats.”
The celebrity couple was not done yet being Good Samaritans to typhoon victims as they spearheaded a housing project to provide shelter to families who found themselves homeless in the wake of Typhoon Ulysses.
Jericho shared photos on Instagram on October 17, 2021, to show the 20-unit housing project he and Kim spearheaded, along with the latter’s manager, Marinez Elizalde.
Read: Jericho Rosales builds 20 homes for Typhoon Ulysses victims in Cagayan
“We’re happy to share that with the help of one of the best titas of Manila (@marinezelizalde), our friends too many to mention, and you who donated to the cause, Ulysses Relief Fund was also able to help build 20 houses for 20 families to Project Salinong in Baggao, Cagayan!” wrote Jericho.
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“The recipients are very grateful! [emojis]”
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A post shared by Jericho Rosales (@jerichorosalesofficial)
2021: TOGETHER DURING THE PANDEMIC
At the height of the pandemic, the couple were seen together at their house in La Union.
At the time, PEP.ph did an exclusive interview with Jericho via Zoom as he landed the number one spot in The PEP List: Greatest Movie Actors in Leading Roles 2020-2022.
Read: 15 Greatest Movie Actors in Leading Roles, 2000-2020: No.1 – No.5
Jericho spoke about his married life with Kim and how they are both supportive of each other’s individual growth.
At some point during the Zoom call, Kim showed up behind Jericho to say hi to the PEP staff editors and writers who were interviewing the actor.
Read: Jericho Rosales on what he loves about marriage with Kim Jones: “We both can be the best versions of ourselves.”
2022: MOVING TO NEW YORK
February 2022 saw Kim and Jericho share on Instagram a view of their apartment in New York City, USA.
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“Bagong haybol sa Big Apol,” Jericho playfully wrote in the caption.
Read: Jericho Rosales gives sneak peek of New York City home with wife Kim Jones
He even joked about looking for the nearest “palengke” using Google Maps and waiting for “taho” from the window of their flat.
The couple wasted no time exploring their new neighborhood and they gladly gave their followers a tour of the city with photos of their New York escapades.
2022: SEPARATION RUMORS WENT VIRAL
Kim and Jericho became the subject of separation rumors in September 2022.
The scuttlebutt seemingly came out from nowhere, but it went viral nonetheless, and showbiz fans wondered what could have gone wrong between Kim and Jericho.
Kim, however, squashed the rumor by posting photos of Jericho on Instagram to mark her husband’s birthday.
“Birthday boy in his natural habitat. This year is yours @jerichorosalesofficial!!!!,” Kim enthused in the caption.
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Jericho immediately replied: “I loooove! Back at you, (crown emoji)! (orange heart emoji).”
This doused water on the separation rumors spreading like wildfire on social media.
Kim and Jericho looked pretty much a tight couple when they attended the ABS-CBN Ball in September 2023.
They held hands as they arrived and walked for the cameras to see, giving the impression that everything was well in their marriage.
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Read: Couples serve up doses of sweetness at ABS-CBN Ball 2023
2023: GOING THROUGH ANNULMENT?
Talent manager and showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz dished out a blind item on his YouTube channel on December 29, 2023, about a showbiz couple who was in the process of getting their marriage annulled.
“Naa-ano ako kasi nung narinig ko ito, parang nalungkot ako,” Ogie said.
Ogie added, “Akala ko kasi itong guwapong aktor na ito na kinasal sa isang napakagandang babae ay ‘kala ko all along maayos ang kanilang relasyon.”
“All along, we thought na okay pa rin sila, na silang dalawa ay ine-enjoy muna ang isa’t-isa habang hindi pa nagbubunga ang kanilang pagmamahalan kasi wala pa silang anak, di ba.”
Meanwhile, Ogie’s co-host Loi Villarama had this to say, “Yung personal development nila, yung mga individual dreams nila, ina-achieve nila, ‘di ba? At sinusuportahan nila yung bawat isa. Kung nasa’n yung isa, nandun din yung isa,”
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Netizens were quick to surmise that the celebrity couple Ogie and Loi were alluding to were Kim and Jericho.
The celebrity couple reacted to the rumors the same way they always did in the past — by posting sweet messages directed to each other to dispel negative talks.
On January 12, 2024, Jericho was pressed by the media about his reaction to the separation rumors hounding him and Kim.
“No comment,” Jericho readily replied.
He continued, “It’s not the place. I never really talk about relationships
“We are happy we are good, Kim and I are amazing. We are fantastic.”
Meanwhile, Kim posted on Instagram Story a photo of Jericho while playing with a dog.
Jericho reposted Kim’s post and wrote the caption, “Non-negotiables.”
The couple even left comments and traded jokes on Instagram to greet 2024, with Kim and Jericho expressing support for each other’s upcoming and future endeavors.
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Read: Jericho Rosales and Kim Jones exchange comments, jokes on IG amid persistent breakup rumors
While reassuring to some fans, Kim and Jericho’s nonchalant demeanor sprouted more speculations as many observed the lack of firm denial from the couple as separation rumors got louder by the day.
“People are entitled to think what they think. I mean, ano ang gagawin ko? Tatawa lang ako,” Jericho told PEP.ph in June 2023.
“But it’s okay, people are entitled to their own opinion.
“I’m really not that type of person na I really have to explain myself to anyone.
“What you see is what you get.
“As long as Iive in peace, in love and respect, yun na ang importante sa akin.”
2024: THE CONFIRMATION
After weeks of speculation, on January 29, 2024, a close friend of the couple confirmed to ABS-CBN News that Kim and Jericho have indeed broken up since 2019.
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Part of the statement from the source read: “While the friendship between the two remains, they have decided it is time to lead separate lives.
“They are encouraging each other to grow, albeit in different directions.
“It was a mutual decision, an amicable separation, dealt with grace and maturity by both parties.”
