If there’s one thing Jericho Rosales realized while portraying the late President Manuel L. Quezon in the 2025 box-office hit Quezon, it’s that they couldn’t be more different when it comes to managing finances.
"Quezon would be spending on a lot of parties," Jericho observed.
"He likes to dance. He likes, you know, to gather people and Maya would be... The perfect lifestyle, the lifestyle card for Quezon."
Jericho shared this insight on November 20, 2025, during an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the press at the film’s victory party.
The celebration, hosted by Maya Black—where Jericho serves as an ambassador—was held fittingly at the Quezon Club in Solaire Resorts North, Quezon City.
JERICHO ROSALES: MONEY MINDSET
While he shares Quezon’s love for hosting gatherings, Jericho shares he’s not drawn to lavish things—even when it comes to clothing—and would rather spend on home essentials.
"I spend on... a lot on, you know, gatherings, and I spend a lot on the fun experiences and, not too much on clothes or things, but things that last, like, you know, house stuff, home stuff.
"I'm a big advocate in understanding the kind of person that I am, so that I can prepare for the things that I need to spend on. Parang ganun.
"Although I'm not saying I'm perfect, so Maya helps me with, you know, like, ideas and where I can save, how I can save, you know, how I can be supported in terms of my, my financial life."
This practical approach to money isn’t new for Jericho—it’s something that’s been ingrained in him for as long as he can remember.
Looking back, he takes pride in achieving his dream of providing a home for his family at just 25 years old.
He even recalled how, early in his career, he would hitch a ride with Angelika dela Cruz to tapings because he didn’t own a car yet.
Jericho shared, "Masinop ako... you know, I at 25... not [to brag]... My dream was... we didn't have a house.
"We were caretakers... caretakers of houses and, and properties. Yun yung [naging] bahay namin sa Manila.
"So, it was my mission to have our own home, you know... my mission to have my, you know, my own car... kasi nakikisabay ako dati kay Angelika de la Cruz papunta sa mga taping... kasi wala akong kotseng sarili.
"Nag-e-FX ako dati," Jericho looked back, remembering his days of commuting and squeezing himself in with common folks in a Toyota Tamaraw FX, a popular mode of public transport back in the 1990s.
These experiences shaped his approach to finances—an attitude he hopes to influence in others as well.
"I guess that's why Maya got me kasi... it was more of, you know, how I worked really hard and valued... of course the money that [I earned]... dugo't pawis yung inano ko diyan, di ba?
"And putting it in the right places and at the same time living my life. Parang ganun."
JERICHO ROSALES: CHRISTMAS pLANS
With the holidays fast approaching, members of the press asked Jericho about his Christmas plans.
This year, he shared that he intends to keep things simple—staying at home and celebrating with the people closest to him.
Jericho said, "[We'll spend Christmas at] home and try to chill and relax and gather all the families or the friends that I can gather... my friends who are not celebrating with their families are welcome to my house.
"Of course, Janine's family," Jericho mentioned girlfriend Janine Gutierrez. "My family. Dalawa lang kami sa Manila. Tatlo lang kami yata dito, e."
Gift-giving has always been a cherished Christmas tradition for Jericho and his loved ones during the Christmas season—and it also happens to be one of his love languages.
That’s why he goes the extra mile to find the perfect presents, especially for those closest to his heart.
He said, "I think about the person. I am so ano, sometimes medyo OA ako when it comes to thinking about the person.
"Although sometimes I'm very, very busy, so I trust my team to help me out with [the gifts] but I do have to think about... I spend a lot of time thinking about the person, what the person needs.
"Yun yung umpisa sa akin... Sometimes, [gift giving] is not fun kasi... minsan pag gift sa Christmas kahit hindi nila kailangan basta masaya lang sila, parang ganun.
"But ang topmost priority para sakin is like, the need and then, what would make them happy... yung bagay sa kanila parang ganun."
This same thoughtfulness is what he values when receiving gifts. For Jericho, the price tag doesn’t matter; what truly counts is the meaning and intention behind the gesture.
He said, "I'll be happy with a white hanky or a white T-shirt... Super simple lang. If they can give me isang buko, happy na ako e. Alam nyo yun?
"All the simple things that I really, really love. I don't expect a lot from my family or my friends. I just, you know, I expect them to know me. Yun lang yun."
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