JERIC Gonzales did a lot of growing up in the seven years since he won in “Protégé.”
Now that he gets to play his biggest role in GMA’s latest afternoon series, “Magkaagaw,” he believes the time spent waiting for this break was worth it.
He had the chance to focus on himself. He is leaner now and works out for two hours a day, at least three times a week. He has sworn off rice and is on a protein-rich diet. He also got to work on his music and will soon release his single under GMA Records.
He had to contend with a lot, including comparison with Ruru, who was a runner-up in “Protégé” but got leading assignments ahead of him, but he said there is really no competition between them because they are friends. Jeric also believes he won “Protégé” fair and square, plus he has an edge over Ruru.
“Mas pogi ako,” he quipped.
Turning serious, Jeric said what he has going for him is his being open to learn new things and improving himself. “Edge ko is my willingness to learn sa lahat ng bagay. Hindi ako nagkaka full confidence na alam ko sa lahat ng bagay at magaling na ako. Everyday na pumupunta ako sa taping, tinitingnan ko talaga nangyayari. ‘Yun talaga edge ko, marami pa akong gustong matutunan.”
For Klea, Jeric has a lot going for him, because he looks like a hunk and also a boy next door. “He also prioritizes his family and career, something very admirable in a guy,” she added.
Although they are not in a relationship, they have good chemistry on the screen. They are both statuesque — Jeric is 5’11” and Klea is 5’9” — and they look very good on screen. Jeric also admires Klea’s passion and spirit.
“I like ‘yung determination nya. She’s a girl on fire. I see her in a few years joining Binibining Pilipinas then Miss Universe. Malayo ang mararating niya,” he said.
In “Magkaagaw,” the “KleRic” tandem tackles more mature roles after being paired in “Ika Limang Utos.” The two take their relationship a step further as they play childhood sweethearts who marry and have a family. The soap, which is set to air on GMA this month, is bound to be controversial as it tackles the effects of a mom’s choices on her daughter.
“Magkaagaw,” directed by Gil Tejada, Jr., also stars Sheryl Cruz, Sunshine Dizon and Alfred Vargas.
