by NOEL D. FERRER
After the “Rewind” victory and thanksgiving party, while people are hailing the box office royalties, Star Cinema just came up with a list of box office record holders and made special mention of a constant in most of their top-grossing films of all time. This leads us to an actor, so versatile and easy to deal with that directors and co-stars refer to him as the set’s “energizer bunny.”
More than that, he is now given a title as “Pambansang Lucky Charm” – if only to underscore his noteworthy contributions in every film he appears in.
Friends, let’s hear from Joross Gamboa as he looks back at the memorable things he experienced in appearing in various box office hit movies now etched in Filipino film history:
“Rewind”
“Being a part of the new highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time, I appreciate all the affirming words and recognition, but the truth is, I don’t believe in luck. I am blessed because i became part of many great movies that people supported like ‘Rewind,’ which dealt with the experience rooted in the Lord who continues to give us, not luck but blessings. The film’s message resonated with the public. Everything else is bonus! Oh looking forward to that, too! Hahaha!
“Hello, Love, Goodbye”
“It was an unforgettable experience being a part of ‘Hello Love Goodbye’ because we are able to share the story of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Hong Kong. Shooting and staying there for almost a month , I really became close to my roommates Alden Richards and Jeff Tam at para talaga kaming mga OFW. The film made me appreciate and value what our kababayans do abroad just to fend for their families here.”
“The Hows of Us”
“I only did a cameo for this film but I made sure that it’ll be memorable. I didn’t want people to recognize me and so they made me age, and I think we achieved that, and the experiment on a different character worked!”
“Ang Dalawang Mrs Reyes”
“Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes is something I ticked off from my bucket list having worked and being paired with the superstar of our generation, no less than Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, whom I have always looked up to. While we’re all on our toes in delivering the best, we enjoyed shooting this outrageous film that was ahead of its time. In the course of filming, we ended up being really good friends: Juday, Angelica Panganiban, JC de Vera and I.”
“Can’t Help Falling In Love”
“This is technically the first time I worked with ‘KathNiel’ in a full length movie because in ‘She’s Dating a Gangster’ I only did a cameo and didn’t interact with them. This is also the second time I worked with Direk Mae Cruz who I am very comfortable with.”
“Panti Sisters”
“‘Panti Sisters’ is my second time with Direk Jun Lana and I am grateful with IdeaFirst Company for always including me in their films. Direk Jun is like an empowering teacher. He gives me concrete instructions, but lets me be when the camera starts grinding. I am very comfortable with his process. “
“My Ex and Whys”
“I enjoyed working with Joey Marquez as one of his sons in this movie. I kinda identified with him as the forever best friend with an endearing side. This was my first movie with ‘LizQuen’ and I am always blessed to be under the supervision of a dear friend – Direk Cathy Garcia.”
“My Amnesia Girl”
“This is really one for the books because John Lloyd Cruz, Ketchup Eusebio, JM de Guzman and I were inseparable and obviously our closeness and our friendship truly registered well on screen; along with Toni who just jived with us. This film is truly one of my favorites, and I miss working with JLC! Sana magdrama or action naman kami!”
“Starting Over Again”
“This is my first time with Inang Olive Lamasan who, along with Ricky Lee, was one of my writing teachers. It was truly fulfilling to work with such great drama actors like Piolo and Iza, with Toni’s endearing funny side. I just had to deliver the acting chops. Ayokong mapahiya dahil ang gagaling nila – mapadrama o comedy man. And really, Inang Olive was very precise in what she wanted.”
“A Very Special Love,” “You Changed My Life” and “It Takes a Man and a Woman”
“This trilogy is the best for me. It is here when Direk Cathy and I formed a bond that was based on trust and love for our craft and for each other. She would let me do the Joross adlibs and I am grateful that my co-stars and Star Cinema appreciated me very much.”
Lastly, Joross expressed his hope to work in the business not just before the cameras but also behind: “I look forward to doing more movies: act to the fullest – whether support and hopefully lead roles, too. I also hope to pitch and write good concepts for scripts and again be at the helm as Direk Joross in the future, so help me God!”
