For the first time in years, Jericho Rosales stepped onto the Kapuso Network stage—this time as a guest on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda. And as soon as he greeted the audience with, “It’s so nice to be here. Everyone’s warm. Hello, GMA!” the room instantly filled with the kind of sincerity and charm that only Echo could bring.

A CROSSOVER MOMENT

The actor’s appearance on Fast Talk stirred excitement among fans, not only because it was his GMA debut but also because it hinted at something more. When Boy Abunda asked if there was a chance he might do a series with the network, Jericho responded with characteristic openness.

“Why not? Hindi naman nakasara ang ating pinto. Masayang-masaya ako sa [ABS-CBN], but my door is open,” he said, smiling.

("Why not? The door is not closed. I am very happy with [ABS-CBN], but my door is open.")

For many, it felt like a full-circle moment. After all, Rosales has long been one of the country’s most respected actors—a bridge between networks, genres, and generations.

AFRICAN ADVENTURE AND ANNIVERSARY MILESTONES

But beyond career moves, what also captured public attention was Jericho’s deepening relationship with actress Janine Gutierrez. The couple recently returned from a memorable vacation in South Africa, where they celebrated what Echo fondly called their “big three”—their anniversary, his birthday, and Janine’s birthday.

“Big three ‘yun—anniversary, birthday ko, birthday niya,” he shared. “She was very generous about her time. And when I said it’s been my dream to go to Serengeti, she said, ‘Yeah, let’s go—as long as we go to Cape Town.’”

The trip, he said, was more than just a getaway. “It was a giant milestone in my life,” Jericho reflected, adding that Africa holds a special place in his heart. “I love Africa. I’ve been wanting to go to Tanzania. And they sold Pangako Sa’Yo and Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas there.”

It’s a full-circle experience for someone whose earlier teleseryes became household names worldwide—proof that love, dreams, and destiny often intersect in unexpected places.

“I THINK I’M AN AMAZING BOYFRIEND”

When Boy Abunda asked how he is as a partner, Jericho didn’t hold back. “I think I’m an amazing boyfriend. Janine says that all the time. She says, ‘I’m so lucky,’” he said, laughing.

But beneath the humor was a layer of introspection. “I’m not perfect, you know? But through the years, I thank all the past relationships that I’ve had… hello, ex-girlfriends! Of course, I made my mistakes. I said sorry and everything,” he admitted.

What makes this relationship different, according to Jericho, is the maturity that comes with experience. “I’ve learned from all those relationships, and I think right now, I’m pouring all of the lessons into this one. Janine is the recipient of my humility, my honesty, and my excitement for sharing great things together.”

He added thoughtfully, “The maturity, I think ‘yun ‘yun. That’s why maybe she enjoys, you know, the ten-year gap.”

AT PEACE WITH HIS PAST

The actor also opened up about maintaining friendships with his former partners. “Yeah. I mean, Kim (Jones) is my friend. She is one of my very, very great friends. Heart (Evangelista) is my friend,” he said.

The mention of Heart instantly brought nostalgia for longtime fans who remembered his emotional interviews years ago. “How many times did I cry on your show?” he joked to Boy, recalling his younger, more vulnerable self.

But today, that same man has evolved—still kind, still grounded, but lighter, freer. “I try to make friends with everyone. Life is too short to have enemies,” Jericho said with a smile.

THE NEXT WAVE

Now gearing up for his portrayal of former President Manuel Quezon in the upcoming film Quezon, Jericho Rosales seems to be in his renaissance era—professionally and personally. Whether it’s a new network partnership, a meaningful relationship, or a dream fulfilled in Africa, one thing is clear: Jericho is embracing every chapter with grace and gratitude.

And just like his timeless teleseryes that reached distant shores, Echo continues to prove that the best stories—on-screen or off—are those told with heart.