Kapuso star Jeric Gonzales on Sunday, August 21, admitted that he is still on cloud nine after discovering that Alden Richards personally recommended him to be part of Start-Up PH, the Filipino adaptation of the hit Korean series Start-Up.
The actor still felt surreal as he now stars in a local version of a show he used to watch during the height of the pandemic.
“I’m blessed and thankful to Alden, of course. Sa dinami-dami…hindi ko talaga in-expect na ako ‘yung mag-play ng role na ito kasi napaunod ko talaga ito eh, ang ganda nito eh.
“I’m overwhelmed pa rin until now. Kahit na ginagawa na namin siya, nagawa na namin, hindi ko pa rin ma-imagine na ako ‘yung nagpe-play nito. So I’m beyond grateful,” he told the press and LionhearTV during a press conference in Davao City.
Meanwhile, Richards revealed that he merely became an instrument for having GMA Network choose Gonzales as part of the lead cast of Start-Up PH. The actor, however, said that his co-star deserves the spot.
“Everyone deserves a chance, and I think it takes someone to suggest or say a name para mabigyan ng opportunity ‘yung mga taong deserving, and I think Jeric is one of them.
“Since it is a GMA show, why not make it a show for the GMA actors na talagang homegrown? And Jeric is a homegrown talent.”
Start-Up PH also stars Bea Alonzo in her first-ever Kapuso show since joining GMA Network in 2021. Yasmien Kurdi is also part of the main cast.
The series is directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng and will premiere in September.
