Bashers are questioning why Jessy Mendiola was chosen to star in the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival entry The Girl In The Orange Dress.
In response, Jericho Rosales defended his leading lady against netizens who say they will not watch this MMFF 2018 entry.
Five months before the 44th edition of the MMFF, some netizens are already saying they will skip this movie come December.
A netizen using the handle @iambethraquino27 posted in the comments section of Jericho's Instagram account. Her comment (which is now deleted) goes: "Malaman ito lang ang diko papanuoring movie mo @jerichorosalesofficial i dont like jessy im@sorry"
Jericho responded by commenting: "wag po tayo magsalita ng tapos :) maganda story. Baka may mapulot ka :) but thank you"
Other netizens also shared the same sentiments: 
Instagram user @kiacortesdavid expressed regret and asked why Jessy was chosen to be a lead actress: "Haysssss Sayang ang movie! Why Jessy?"
Jericho asked back: "why not? She’s perfect for the role?"
In her own Instagram account, Jessy posted a screengrab of her look test with Jericho.
Through her caption, she revealed that the names of their characters are Anna and Rye. This film produced by Quantum Films will be directed by Jay Abello. 