Jerald Napoles was quick to issue a disclaimer as he stood beside a poster proclaiming him “The New Pogi.”

“Hindi ako nakaisip niyan, pagdating ko dito andiyan na ’yan,” he quipped, drawing laughter from everyone present.

He then added, “Pero naa-appreciate ko ’yong title na ibibigay sa akin. Ang importante, people appreciate me. Na-a-appreciate ko na may mag-a-agree diyan. Kung may hindi man mag-a-agree diyan, naiintindihan ko kayo.”

But does he actually consider himself pogi?

“Sa totoo lang, hindi ko man puwedeng ikalat na pogi ako, pero ’yong kumpiyansa, kapag nahuhugot ko ‘yun, that’s the time I feel I’m pogi.”

Despite not fitting the mold of a typical leading man, Jerald has come a long way in his 30 years in show business.

He started out as a dancer before eventually trying his hand at theater. From performing onstage to becoming a scene-stealing second lead in films and television series, Jerald has steadily proven that he can thrive as a leading man.

With an impressive roster of Viva Films projects under his belt, including “Ikaw at Ako ang Ending,” “Girlfriend Na Pwede Na,” “Instant Daddy,” “Seoulmeyt,” “Un-Ex You,” “Sampung Utos Kay Josh,” and “Wonderful Nightmare”, Jerald has showcased his versatility across comedy, horror, and romantic comedies alike.

“Maraming salamat din, kahit papaano, kasi si Lord fair talaga. Kasi sa totoo lang, hindi ko naman inexpect na ganito. Thirty years ago, ang alam ko lang, kaya nag-theater ako kasi dancer ako. Doon ako nagsimula. So ang alam ko lang, basta magpe-perform ako. Pero ’yong magiging artista, leading man, or The New Pogi, parang hindi ako masanay. So tama po, fair po talaga si Lord kasi siguro ’yong talent ko naa-appreciate ninyo.”

Jerald attributes his success to hard work, persistence, and believing in his talent despite the odds.

He recalled how, early in his career, he would often be judged because of his looks.

“Marami kasing pogi at maganda siyempre tapos kapag nakita ka noong director, sasabihin, ‘O, dapat magaling ka dahil hindi ka naman pogi.’ Maraming ganu’ng pagkakataon.”

It was the kind of criticism that could have easily discouraged him, but Jerald chose to persevere, determined to build a better life for himself.

As for aspiring artists hoping to follow in his footsteps, he offered a simple but heartfelt piece of advice:

“Don’t give up. Tuloy mo lang ’yan. Hindi ka man mapansin ngayon pero, if you have the talent, mabibigyan ka rin ng break.”

Jerald stars in director Darryl Yap's comeback film "Love, Ngo," opening in cinemas nationwide on June 3.