Kapamilya star Jake Ejercito takes on a significant milestone in his career as he stars in his first main lead role in Prime Video’s Fit Check: Confessions of An Ukay Queen opposite Kim Chiu.
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He portrays the role of Chris Blanco, a dashing fashion executive who will recognize Melanie’s (Kim) abilities and introduce her to the glamorous but cutthroat world of the Philippine fashion industry.
At the press conference for the show on June 29, 2023, Jake admitted that he felt overwhelmed when he learned about the project and the opportunity to work with renowned actors like Christopher de Leon, Angel Aquino, and Kim.
"Talagang na-pressure ako," he said.
"It was so daunting for me, but you know, [I’m] very grateful for the trust ng mga boss na mapabilang sa show na ito."
While acknowledging the challenge of headlining a series, Jake also expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he received from his fellow actors in this comedy-drama series.
"Once we started working on the show, we were locked in, and we became a closely knit group talaga," he said.
"The comfortability was there, and the trust was there. We really became a family, that up until today, may GC [group chat] pa rin kami, nagka-kamustahan."
Jake went on to mention the incredible support he received from the cast members most especially during a scene with Christopher de Leon.
He added, "Everyone was so generous kahit na before eksena ko with Sir Bo na nanginginig ako, nakikita nila Kim, but you know, everyone is so supportive of one another."
Jake was referring to veteran actor Christopher who's known by his monicker Bo.
Expressing his admiration for Kim, Jake recalled the initial pressure he felt when he learned he would be working with her, considering her status as a multimedia star.
"Nung pinitch sa akin ito and sinabi sa akin na makaka-work ko si Kim. Siyempre, andoon yung pressure, di ba, kasi Kim Chiu, e. But at the same time, she was really humble."
He recalled that they even participated in a series of workshops to break the ice between them.
"At the beginning, especially ako kasi medyo kasi, I’m quite an introverted person. So medyo may konting struggle sa umpisa," he shared.
"But that’s why we have workshops, which really helped naman pagdating sa set and nakatulong din yung iba naming kasama sa show."
As they got to know one another, he discovered that Kim was easy to get along with and that she became the glue that held the people on the set all together.
"She really made it easy for me, na gawin yung mga eksena namin. Ganoon siya kagaling."
According to Jake, Kim's energy never wavered and had a contagious effect on the entire cast and crew.
"Sobrang ma-chika niya na kahit tulog ka, gigisingin ka niya para chikahin ka," he noted.
Fit Check: Confessions of An Ukay Queen starts streaming on July 6 on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories across the world.
Read: Kim Chiu now building owner in Cagayan de Oro recalls time when "walang-wala talaga kami"