PHOTO/S: @JERICHOROSALESOFFICIAL / @ROCKET ON INSTAGRAM
Jericho Rosales, popularly known as Echo, is a 41-year-old ABS-CBN actor and performer hailed as “Asia’s Drama King.”
Currently, Echo has 2 million followers on Instagram, 2.9 million followers on Facebook, and 2.1 million followers on Twitter.
BACKGROUND
A certified A-list star, Echo has come far from a hardscrabble past that he visits now and then to keep him grounded and not get waylaid by fame.
He was born in Quezon City on September 22, 1979, to the couple Santiago Rosales and Rosario Vibar, who struggled to scrape a living to feed Echo and his sibling Jeremiah Rosales.
At age 14, he took on odd jobs to help his parents support their small family.
He became a fish vendor in Marikina’s Concepcion Market, a jeepney “barker,” a service crew member of a pizza chain, and a personal driver.
In a lengthy post on Facebook on May 18, 2020, Echo talked about being poor but not helpless, saying he had kept the faith.
Part of his post read: “When i was young i collected discarded wires and old newspapers to be sold in junk shops in exchange for money and sometimes cheap cheese curls.
“I collected plastic trash from a dumpsite with my cousin, I sold ice buko (frozen coconut water with milk and sugar), sold fish in the market, became a jeepney ‘barker,’ a pizza boy and a driver.
“Clearly, i did not have the ideal life situation. But I had a dream – to get myself and my family out of poverty and have our own house. That was my first major dream.
“I had faith in God and I also had time. So i prayed and prayed and never stopped learning new things. I kept moving. I kept my dream infront of me.”
In the same post, he wrote about not being able to go college: “I came from a poor family, went to 6 public schools in elementary and high school. Didn’t go to college because i didn’t know what career meant and we simply could not afford it.”
The PhilStar wrote in 2009 that Jericho went to New Era High School in Quezon City for his secondary education.
Constrained by poverty, Echo found ways to get himself educated outside of formal schooling.
He shared in his Facebook post, “Self-education, learning skills, surrounding yourself with forward thinking like-minded people and using your challenges as tools for self-improvement/development are keys to opening doors of opportunities.
“I learned to speak English by watching TV and movies. Forcing myself to read and talking to people gave me wonderful ideas and opened my eyes to new possibilities with a clearer vision for my life.”
CAREER
In 1996, Echo entered Eat Bulaga!‘s Mr. Pogi contest, and was dubbed the “Charlie Sheen” of Marikina City. He joined the competition on the encouragement of his former boss, for whom he worked as a personal driver.
Echo won the contest and officially joined Eat Bulaga! as one of the noontime show’s hosts. He was 17.
The following year, Echo moved to ABS-CBN, and was launched as one of the members of Star Magic Circle Batch Four. His batchmates were CJ Ramos, Steven Alonzo, Carol Banawa, Julia Clarete, Vanessa del Bianco, Kristine Hermosa, Anna Larrucea, Dominic Ochoa, Paula Peralejo, Gerard Pizarras, Gary Tesorero, Dimples Romana, Sarji Ruiz, Spencer Reyes, Luigi Alvarez, and Nikki Valdez.
That same year, he became part of the cast of ABS-CBN’s Sunday variety show ASAP and the prime-time drama series Esperanza, where he was paired with Angelika Dela Cruz. His on-screen tandem with Angelika continued in the teen horror series !Oka Tokat.
Echo skyrocketed to fame after portraying the role of Angelo Buenavista in Pangako Sa ‘Yo opposite Kristine Hermosa, which aired from 2000 to 2002. The success of his love team with Kristine paved the way for a movie project with Star Cinema, the box-office hit Forevermore (2002). Since then, Echo has become one of the leading players in the Kapamilya network’s prime-time block.
In 2006, he left Star Magic to sign a management contract with Manila Genesis, headed by Angeli Pangilinan, wife of Gary Valenciano. He returned to Star Magic in September 2014.
Echo’s other notable projects were Carlo J. Caparas’ Ang Panday (2005–2006), Kahit Isang Saglit (2008), Green Rose (2011), The Legal Wife (2014), and Halik(2018–2019), among many others.
In 2020, Echo was slated to top-bill Dreamscape Entertainment’s Naglilibot ng Kaluluwa, which was delayed owing to the non-renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The teleserye, as it were, was supposed to be Echo’s comeback in the prime-time block.
INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Echo became in demand in the Malaysian entertainment scene after Pangako Sa ‘Yo was shown in Astro TV network.
In 2006, he was cast as Gabriel in the Malaysian movie Bilut. In 2008, he was paired with the actress Carmen Soo in the series Kahit Isang Saglit, which ABS-CBN co-produced with the Malaysian production outfit Double Vision. The show aired in the Philippines and Malaysia at the same time.
In the same year, Echo was cast in the Hollywood movie Subject: I Love You with Superman actor Dean Cain and Step Up star Briana Evigan. The film was released in theaters in April 2011 as part of the Newport Beach Film Festival in California.
Echo has since been taking stock of an international career.
He told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in a previous interview, “Sana makaabot ako sa Hollywood or makagawa ng ibang pelikula.
“Unti-unti, nagkakatotoo iyon. Before nung makagawa ako ng film sa Malaysia, nag-film kami sa Brussels, nagpunta ako ng Korea.
“Kahit sa mga soaps ko na-feel ko iyon—for me, little steps; para sa akin, big achievement na iyon.”
Currently, Echo is keeping his fingers crossed for a film project in Los Angeles, California.
He said in his interview with Yong Chavez for ABS-CBN News last October 30, 2020, “It may push through, it may not push through because of COVID, we don’t know. But I’m hoping fingers crossed by March, I will be there.”
PHOTO/S: @JERICHOROSALESOFFICIAL / @ROCKET ON INSTAGRAMMUSIC CAREER
Echo is into music as well. He was once part of a group in ASAP called Hunks with Carlos Agassi, Diether Ocampo, Piolo Pascual, and Bernard Palanca. In 2001, their group released an album titled Hunks Live.
In 2006, he fronted a band called Jeans and released an album titled Loose Fit. Two years later, Echo went solo and released his self-titled album Jericho. He was able to release two more albums titled Change (2009) and Korona (2012).
Some of his well-known songs are “And I Love Her,” “Pusong Ligaw,” “Bumuhos Man Ang Ulan,” “Naaalala Ka,” and “Makita Kang Muli.”
SHOWBIZ LINKS
Just like his showbiz career, Echo’s love life is also well-documented. His first known showbiz girlfriend was Angelika de la Cruz, who was his first love team partner.
In 2000, Echo was in a relationship with top model Kai Palomares, with whom he had a son named Santino.
After the success of Pangako Sa ‘Yo, the on-screen partnership of Echo and Kristine turned into a real-life romance. Their relationship lasted for three years until their breakup in 2003. For Kristine, Echo would always be her first love.
That year, Echo was also linked to Cindy Kurleto, his co-star in Star Cinema’s Ngayong Nandito Ka.
In 2005, Echo got into a relationship with Heart Evangelista, his love team partner in the Kapamilya fantasy drama series, Carlo J. Caparas’ Ang Panday. The couple called it quits in 2008. Heart revealed the reason for their breakup in a sit-down interview with YES! magazine in its May 2013 issue.
The former Kapamilya actress said her parents made her believe that Echo cheated on her with the Malaysian actress who was his on-screen partner at the time.
Heart recalled, “When they said that he was cheating on me with Carmen Soo, I really did think that he was. I really thought that he cheated on me. I really did. And that was because they told me that he was and I was convinced.”
In 2009, Echo promptly hosed down rumors linking him to singer-actress Karylle.
He told PEP.ph in a previous interview, “We’ve known each other for a long time now, because of Genesis [Entertainment]. We’re of the same management before; pareho kami ng account manager. Dati pa, nagte-text na rin kami, hi-hello, that’s all. Grabe!”
In August 2010, TV host Cesca Litton confirmed her relationship with Echo. Two months later, in November 2010, Echo and Cesca’s breakup made headlines.
Echo and Kim Jones, tied the knot in a stunning garden ceremony at Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa on May 1, 2014.
Their journey began in March 2011 when they were introduced by a mutual friend. Although they officially became a couple in October 2011, it wasn’t until February 2012 that they publicly acknowledged their relationship.
However, Echo and Kim have since gone their separate ways.
Ricco Ocampo, the owner of i2i eyewear and a godfather at Jericho and Kim’s wedding, confirmed their separation in a statement sent to ABS-CBN News on January 29, 2024.
According to Ricco, the couple has been apart since 2019, citing it as a “mutual decision” and describing it as an “amicable separation.” However, Ocampo did not disclose the specific reasons behind their split.
FILMOGRAPHY
TELEVISION
- Naglilibot ng Kaluluwa (ABS-CBN) as Paulino “Paul” Crisanto
- Halik (ABS-CBN, 2018–2019) as Catalino “Lino” Bartolome
- I Can See Your Voice (ABS-CBN, 2018) as Himself / Guest Star
- Magpahanggang Wakas (ABS-CBN, 2016-2017) as Ronualdo “Waldo” Del Mar
- Kapamilya Deal or No Deal (ABS-CBN, 2015) as Celebrity Player
- Bridges Of Love (ABS-CBN, 2015) as Gabriel ‘Gael’ Nakpil
- Kusinero Cinta (Global Station Malaysia, 2014) as Fredo
- The Legal Wife (ABS-CBN, 2014) as Adrian De Villa
- It’s Showtime (ABS-CBN, 2013) as Himself
- Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tsinelas (ABS-CBN, 2013) as Jesse Robredo
- Dahil Sa Pag-Ibig (ABS-CBN, 2012) as Oliver Falcon
- 100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN, 2011) as Tagabantay
- I Dare You (ABS-CBN, 2011) as Himself/Host
- Green Rose (ABS-CBN, 2011) as Jerome Delgado
- Dahil May Isang Ikaw (ABS-CBN, 2009) as Miguel Ramirez
- I Love Betty La Fea (ABS-CBN, 2009) as Aldo
- Kahit Isang Saglit (ABS-CBN, 2008) as Francisco ‘Rocky’ Santillan, Jr.
- Maalaala Mo Kaya: Gayuma (ABS-CBN, 2008) as Johnny
- Jericho Date (ABS-CBN, 2008) as himself
- Pangarap na Bituin (ABS-CBN, 2007) as Terrence Rodriguez
- Love Spell Presents: Ellay Enchanted (ABS-CBN, 2007) as Elloy
- Carlo J. Caparas’ Ang Panday (ABS-CBN, 2005–2006) as Tristan
- Bora: Sons of the Beach (ABS-CBN, 2005–2006) as Alon
- Masayang Tanghali Bayan (ABS-CBN, 2003–2004) as Host
- Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas (ABS-CBN, 2003–2004) as Christian Soriano
- Pangako Sa ’Yo (ABS-CBN, 2000–2002) as Angelo Buenavista
- Ang Munting Paraiso (ABS-CBN,1999–2002) as Alberto Dionisio
- Richard Loves Lucy (ABS-CBN, 1998–2000)
- !Oka Tokat (ABS-CBN, 1998–2000) as Jeremy
- ASAP (ABS-CBN, 1997–present) as Himself
- Esperanza (ABS-CBN, 1997–1999) as Buboy
- Kaybol: Ang Bagong TV (ABS-CBN, 1997–1998)
- Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7, 1996–1997) as Mr. Pogi/Himself/Host
MOVIES
- Basurero (2019) as Bong
- Directed by Eileen Cabiling, co-produced by Jericho Rosales
- Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2019
- The Girl in the Orange Dress (2018) as Rye Del Rosario
- Star Cinema, Quantum Films
- Siargao (2017) as Diego
- Ten17P
- Luck At First Sight (2017) as Joma
- Viva Films, N² Productions
- Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: Forever is Not Enough (2016) as himself
- Quantum Films
- #WalangForever (2015) as Ethan Isaac
- Quantum Films
- Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (2014) as José Rizal
- Philippians Productions
- ABNKKBSNPLAko? The Movie (2014) as Roberto
- Viva Films, MVP Entertainment
- Alagwa (2012) as Robert Lim
- Indie film distributed by Star Cinema
- Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (2011) as Jacob
- Regal Films
- Subject: I Love You (2011) as Victor
- Radiant Studios
- I’ll Be There (2010) as Tommy Santibañez
- Star Cinema
- Baler (2008) as Celso Resurrecion
- Viva Films
- Bilut (2006) as Gabriel
- Mega Waja Sinar (Malaysia)
- Chinese School (2006) as Heric Gongan
- Regal Films
- Pacquiao: The Movie (2006) as Manny Pacquiao
- Star Cinema
- Nasaan Ka Man (2005) as Joven
- Star Cinema
- Santa Santita (2004) as Mike
- Unitel Pictures
- Noon At Ngayon (2003) as Levi
- Star Cinema
- Ngayong Nandito Ka (2003) as Rocky
- Star Cinema
- Kailangan Kita (2002) as Abel
- Star Cinema
- Forevermore (2002) as Anton
- Star Cinema
- Bagong Buwan (2001) as Lieutenant Ricarte
- Star Cinema
- Trip (2001) as Erwin
- Star Cinema
- Tanging Yaman (2000) as Rommel
- Star Cinema
- Suspek Wansapanataym: The Movie (1999) as Michael Arcangel
- Star Cinema
- Magandang Hatinggabi (1998) as Darwin
- Star Cinema
- Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin? (1997) as Jojo
- Star Cinema
- Biyudo Si Daddy, Biyuda Si Mommy (1997) as Robert
- M-Zet Films, Star Cinema
AWARDS
Here are the awards won by Jericho through the years:
- 1998
- PMPC Star Awards for TV
- Best New Male TV Personality
- PMPC Star Awards for TV
- 2000
- 30th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards
- Prince of RP Movies
- Most Popular Loveteam (with Kristine Hermosa)
- 14th PMPC Star Awards for TV
- Best Single Performance by an Actor
- 11th Young Critics Circle Awards
- Best Performance in Tanging Yaman (2000)
- 30th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards
- 2007
- 23rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies
- Movie Actor of the Year for Pacquiao: The Movie (2006)
- 23rd PMPC Star Awards for Movies
- 2009
- Gawad PASADO Awards
- Pinakapasadong Aktor for Baler (2008)
- Gawad PASADO Awards
- 2010
- 41st GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards
- Promising Male Recording/Performer of the Year
- 41st GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards
- 2012
- 26th PMPC Star Awards for TV
- Best Drama Actor for Dahil Sa Pag-ibig
- 26th PMPC Star Awards for TV
- 2013
- 37th Gawad Urian Awards
- Best Actor for Alagwa (2012)
- Guam International Film Festival
- Achievement in Acting for Alagwa (2012)
- 37th Gawad Urian Awards
- 2015
- 41st Metro Manila Film Festival
- Best Actor for #WalangForever (2015)
- 41st Metro Manila Film Festival
- 2016
- 47th Box-Office Entertainment Awards
- Film Actor of the Year for #WalangForever (2015)
- 47th Box-Office Entertainment Awards
- 2017
- 48th Box-Office Entertainment Awards
- TV Actor of the Year for Magpahanggang Wakas
- 48th Box-Office Entertainment Awards
- 2018
- 8th EdukCircle Awards
- Most Influential Male Endorser of the Year
- 8th EdukCircle Awards
- 2019
- 33rd PMPC Star Awards for Television
- Best Drama Actor for Halik
- 33rd PMPC Star Awards for Television
