Jericho Rosales Embraces Romance Again in New Film with Anne Curtis
Following his demanding portrayal of former President Manuel L. Quezon, acclaimed actor Jericho Rosales is making a deliberate return to familiar cinematic territory: the romantic drama. His latest project, "The Loved One," sees him reuniting onscreen with Anne Curtis for the first time in over a decade, under the direction of Irene Emma Villamor.
A Deliberate Shift from Historical Weight to Emotional Depth
Rosales described the transition from his historical role to this romantic venture as both refreshing and necessary. Speaking at a recent press event in Cebu, he highlighted the stark contrast between the two projects. "While portraying Quezon was about embodying a national leader and the country's narrative," Rosales explained, "this film centers on a deeply personal journey. It explores why we fall in love so profoundly and so unexpectedly."
Interestingly, the actor initially passed on the script. "I didn't even read it at first," he admitted. "I was seeking something darker—a thriller or grittier material." However, after reconnecting with director Villamor through mutual friend Jerald Napoles, a lengthy dinner conversation changed his perspective. "We talked for three to four hours about the story's emotional layers," Rosales recalled. "By the end of that night, I was convinced and told her, 'Let's make this film.'"
Reigniting On-Screen Chemistry with Anne Curtis
Casting the female lead became a crucial next step. Rosales actively advocated for Curtis, believing she was the perfect fit for the role. "Director Irene had a list of potential actresses," he shared, "but I insisted we had to work with Anne." Villamor agreed, noting their natural chemistry was evident from the first day of filming, even during challenging scenes.
"They're already friends, so the connection was immediate," Villamor observed. "Despite not working together since 2011, I wasn't hesitant to begin with significant emotional scenes. Their rapport translated beautifully on camera." The director, who previously collaborated with Curtis on the 2018 film "Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story," emphasized her ongoing fascination with love stories that probe emotional complexities. "Whenever I explore love narratives, I seek a unique perspective," she said. "I want to understand why people love in the ways they do."
Maturity and Life Experience Enhance the Narrative
Curtis was unable to attend the Cebu event due to her father's recent passing, but Rosales spoke fondly of their renewed partnership. He reflected on their early careers, recalling how his religious beliefs once led him to decline a love scene with Curtis. "She was my crush back then, and I was very devout," he said with a smile. "Even management was puzzled by my decision."
Now, both actors bring richer life experiences to the project. "We've matured significantly," Rosales noted. "Anne has her own family now, and I've undergone many personal changes as well. Our understanding of love has evolved, which adds depth to our performances." In the film, Curtis plays Ellie and Rosales portrays Eric, former lovers who reunite years later to confront unresolved emotions. Although their characters are in their early twenties, Rosales stressed that real-life maturity was essential to authentically conveying the story's emotional truth.
Symbolically Shedding Quezon and Embracing New Beginnings
For Rosales, this romantic return also served as a therapeutic way to move beyond his portrayal of Quezon. He humorously described posting an online video to symbolically release the historical figure. "I even shared a clip of myself shaking Manuel off my body," he laughed. "Jumping around and saying, 'Not Manuel, not Manuel.'"
Returning to romance felt like a welcome reset. "After carrying such a weighty character, it was incredibly refreshing to revisit familiar ground," Rosales expressed. "This project allows me to simply enjoy exploring love's many facets—the excitement, the pain, and the frustration that inevitably accompany it."
