With more than a decade of experience in the vibrant entertainment world, the acclaimed Kapuso actor Jeric Gonzales exudes confidence as he immerses himself in intense drama projects. 

His journey through the entertainment industry has refined his craft and enhanced his ability to convey complex emotions with authenticity and depth. In 2022, his film "Broken Blooms" earned him five Best Actor awards from various international film festivals.

Jeric returns with another heavy drama film, "Graduation Day," under Bentria Productions, led by Engr. Benjie Austria.

In "Graduation Day," Jeric plays the adult Simon, depicting his life from high school to college. He comes from a disadvantaged family facing numerous challenges.

"It's heavy drama, and director Dante Balboa did a great job directing because he wanted it to be both impactful and inspirational. It's also philosophical.

"I can say relax na ako doing heavy drama projects. I've done 'Broken Blooms', where I won awards. This time, it's drama again, and I'm comfortable with it," said Jeric during an exclusive interview in Manila. "Graduation Day" is complete, and will be shown later this year.

Jeric, 32, shared how much he related to his role in his upcoming film. "There were parts of the movie where Simon searched for the care of his parents and grandmother during challenges. Mahina rin tayo minsan so kahit na malakas ka, babalik ka pa rin sa mga mahal mo sa buhay.(We are also weak sometimes, so even if you are strong, you will still return to the ones you love.)

Early days in showbiz

But the hunk actor candidly shared that he nearly walked away from the entertainment industry's glitz and glamour when a wave of profound homesickness washed over him.

"There was a time nasa 'Protege' ako, I remember nahirapan talaga ako sa pinagdaanan ko eh. Three months kaming parang naka-confine tulad ng sa 'PBB.' Walang communication yun sa outside world.

"Gusto ko ng sumuko kasi hindi ko naman kilala yung mga kasama ko eh. Every night napapaiyak na lang ako because I got homesick. I missed them. But I pray to the Lord na challenge sa akin ito and opportunity at the same time. 

"I just graduated from nursing at that time and then napunta ako sa showbiz. Major turn around yun. Sabi ko dito siguro ako dinala ni Lord so this it," Jeric said.

In October 2021, Jeric and Thea Tolentino were declared winners of the second season of "Protege: The Battle for the Big Artista Break" on GMA Network. The program aims to discover new celebrities through nationwide auditions. In the later stages, the public votes through text voting, with judges contributing to half of the results.

Jeric remembered being criticized when people told him he was just a pretty face without talent, which motivated him to prove them wrong.

"Sabi rin nila noon I was just a pretty face and walang talent. Pero pinatunayan ko sa kanila na kaya ko at nag workshop ako. After 'Protege,' mas lalo kong sinipagan because I want to prove sa ibang tao na kaya ko ang showbiz. (They also said before that I was just a pretty face and had no talent. But I proved to them that I could do it and I did workshops. After 'Protege,' I worked even harder because I wanted to prove to other people that I could do showbiz)," he added.

If he could see the people who criticized him, Jeric said he would just thank them. "Sa una masasaktan ka (sa mga negative comments nila) but you realized, when they push you to the limits, mas mahihigitan mo pa yung kakayahan mo. (At first, you'll be hurt (by their negative comments), but you'll realize, when they push you to the limits, you'll surpass your abilities.)"

Jeric added: "Kapag may bago akong project, I set aside my achievements from my last project. It's a clean slate for my new project, so it's challenging."

Between the project and the cast, Jeric said that he gives a bit of weight to the movie's cast. "I consider the story of the project and the cast. It is also beneficial for the cast, as it provides a learning experience to collaborate with others. You will learn from your fellow actors."

Jeric said he enjoyed working with Direk Danny during the filming of the movie. "Sobrang saya ang experience ko sa 'Graduation Day' because I saw the strength Direk Danny Balboa. Ang galing niya mag explain and mag guide. Siguro because naging actor din siya. Talagang nag-collaborate talaga kami rito ni Direk. (My experience with 'Graduation Day' was so much fun because I saw the strength of Director Danny Balboa. He was great at explaining and guiding. Maybe because he was also an actor. The director and I really collaborated on this.)

No regrets

Jeric expressed that he has no regrets about choosing to focus on movies instead of nursing.

"No regrets naman. Pero siyempre yung pinag-aralan ko na four years minsan naiisip ko sayang din," he said. However, given the opportunity, Jeric said he would like to take the nursing licensure exam soon. "I just needed to have a refresher course."

When asked why he took nursing in college, Jeric said: "Nursing was very in demand at the time. My original plan was to work abroad after I took up nursing. Practice sana muna rito and then work in the Middle East. Then, the US. I was influenced by my sister and brother-in-law to take up nursing. Malaki ang salary ng nurse sa US."

Caring for self

In taking care of his body, Jeric said that rest and diet are very important to him.

"I eat mostly vegetables and lean meat. I have not had rice or soft drinks for three years. On cheat days, I have milk tea or sweets. I prepare my own food, which I take to the set. Naging maingat na rin ako sa food because may diabetic sa side ng mom ko. Para na rin sa appearance ko," he said.

When not busy in showbiz, Jeric is into weightlifting, basketball, and boxing.

Jeric is set to star in another Kapuso series, which will be announced soon. He is also busy preparing for his album under Star Music.

Ultimate showbiz dream

On his ultimate dream in showbiz, Jeric hopes to attend prestigious film festivals abroad like Cannes. "I wasn't able to attend the film festivals for 'Broken Blooms' because I was busy taping for Start-Up. Sana magkaroon ng chance."

Jeric characterized himself as a dedicated and responsible figure in showbiz. He always took the time to thoroughly prepare before stepping onto the set. 

His commitment to excellence shines through as he meticulously ensures every detail is in place, eager to deliver a captivating performance.

"Wala pa naman akong negative experience with veteran actors. Good boy ako. Pero sa ibang kasama ko meron like kapag late sa set or mabagal kumilos. Kay Direk Joel (Lamangan) wala naman akong naging problem. Nagkaroon lang kami ng discussion sa blocking pero hanggang doon lang. I am always ready when I go to the set. (I haven't had any negative experiences with veteran actors yet. I'm a good boy. But with some of my colleagues, there are times when they're late to the set or slow to act. With Director Joel (Lamangan), I haven't had any problems. We just had a discussion about blocking but that's it. I am always ready when I go to the set.)

Asked about his love life, Jeric smiled and answered: "I'm single now."