Before September came to a close, a small group of journalists flew to Cebu, Sunday morning. On the plane with us was actor/singer Jericho Rosales who, by now everyone knows, is the face of one of the fastest growing restaurant chain in the Philippines – Kuya J.
Just like us, Rosales was traveling to Cebu upon invitation by Kuya J’s owners, Winglip K. Chang and Lowell Yu, to entertain the loyal patrons of the restaurant where it all started – on Escario Street in Cebu.
After a sumptuous lunch in one of Chang and Yu’s restaurants, Isla Sugbu Seafood City, one of the dining facilities at the Grand Convention Center of Cebu, Rosales proceeded to SM City Cebu where he serenaded his fans that have crowded the mall’s activity center. They were there since 2 p.m. to make sure they have a good vantage point of the actor.
When he arrived from the adjacent Radisson Blu where he was billeted for the day, the crowd even grew bigger and the screams louder.
At his opening remarks, Rosales said that he really enjoys singing for the Cebuanos because they are very warm and always welcome him with open arms when he is in town.
Jericho performed several covers including one from the soundtracks of The Legal Wife, “Pusong Ligaw.” This is the song Jericho wrote even before the series. He said he felt overjoyed when it was included in the soundtrack of series in which he starred with Maja Salvador and Angel Locsin.
It would have been only less than an hour of songs for the rabid fans of Rosales, but they didn’t want to let him go, asking for more after every song he said was his last, until he had sang four more songs that were not originally included in his repertoire.
Back at the Kuya J restaurant at SM City, a few blocks away from the activity center, sales of the actor’s CD was brisk. The fans learned that Rosales would be signing the CD after his gig at the activity center.
Finally, when he bid the crowd goobye, most of them, especially those who bought copies of his CD, proceeded to Kuya J and queued for his autograph.
At a short press conference, Rosales said he couldn’t say ‘no’ when he was offered to be the endorser of Kuya J Restaurant.
“ I believe in the values they are trying to emulate and the fact that they are promoting Filipino dishes,” the actor said. He revealed that he also loves cooking and of course, eating, “Especially the signature dishes of Kuya J … crispy pata.”
When it was time for dinner, he joined the waiters in serving the newly cooked crispy pata to the guests.
Jericho said he is looking forward to the movie he is going to star in with Jennylyn Mercado. The movie is called Walang Forever and he plays the role originally intended for another actor. According to Jericho he doesn’t mind being a second choice for as long as he likes the role.
“It’s a big break from the heavy drama I have been associated with,” the actor said in reference to the romantic comedy movie he’s be shooting soon.
Kuya J Restaurant has branches at SM Megamall apart from SM City Cebu, SM City BF Parañaque, SM City Marikina, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Novaliches, SM City Fairview, SM Center Pasig, SM City Dasmariñas, SM City San Mateo, SM City Manila, SM San Lazaro, SM City Pampanga, SM City Clark, SM City San Fernando, SM City Consolacion in Cebu and SM City Bacolod.
More branches are set to open before the year ends.
Jay-R wins ‘Clash of Celebrities’
Proving that he is not only the “King of RnB” but also the king of ethnic dances with a twist, Jay-R emerged as the winner in It’s Showtime’s “COC: Clash of Celebrities” last Saturday.
Though well known as a versatile singer, Jay-R showed that he got the moves as he delighted the madlang people and the judges with his performance of Filipino ethnic dances combined with contemporary pop songs. Jay-R won P200,000.
Also joining the grand clash of celebrity talents were Mika Dela Cruz, who showed her impressive cheerleading skills; Sarah Lahbati, who channeled her inner rock star; and Giselle Sanchez, who didn’t skip a beat in her beat box performance.
Meanwhile, “COC” grand finalist Ella Cruz was not able to compete last Saturday due to injuries from her rehearsals for the said competition. In her Instagram account, Ella said that she is already recuperating and will be in good shape in no time.
As the month-long ANIMversary continues, the audience can expect for the performances of It’s Showtime hosts as the much-awaited talent showdown in “Magpasikat” comes closer.
After the successful thanksgiving of Kapamilya stars in Biñan, It’s Showtime and ASAP20 will head to Cebu for the “Kapamilya Thank You! Biyaheng Cebu” on Oct. 17 and 18 in Hoops Dome, Cebu City.
It’s Showtime has been in the business of making people happy for the past six years. Hosted by Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford, Karylle, Jhong Hilario, Kuya Kim Atienza, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, Ryan Bang, and Eruption, the show has been an avenue for the madlang people to showcase their talents and have the chance to perform for millions of viewers. Some of the show’s remarkable and social media trending segments were “PINASikat,” “I am Pogay,” “Mini Me,” at “Sine Mo To.”
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Alex Gonzaga remains Kapamilya.
Alex Gonzaga remains a Kapamilya after signing a two-year contract with ABS-CBN recently.
The Kuryente Kid starrer excitedly shared that aside from a movie project, a follow-up book to the Dear Alex, Break Na Kami! Paano? will soon be released.
Present at the contract signing were ABS-CBN chief financial officer Aldrin Cerrado, Alex’s mother and manager Pinty, ABS-CBN Free TV Head Cory Vidanes, Star Magic consultant Johnny Manahan, and ABS-CBN TV Production Head Laurenti Dyogi.