Jeric Raval, nag-audition sanang rapper gaya ni Francis M; ikinuwento kung paano naging action star

• Jeric Raval shared how an audition to become a rapper unexpectedly led to his discovery as an action star
• He went to OctoArts Records hoping to follow in the footsteps of his idol, the late Francis Magalona, but director Willy Milan saw his potential in action films
• Jeric initially doubted the suggestion until he saw himself featured on a movie poster and began believing he could become an action star
• He eventually signed a contract and landed the lead role in his debut film, "Primitivo 'Ebok' Ala: Kalabang mortal ni Baby Ama"

Jeric Raval recalled how he was discovered as an action star while he was actually auditioning for a chance to become a rapper and follow in the footsteps of his idol, the late Master Rapper Francis Magalona. He shared the unexpected turn in his career during his guest appearance on Susan Enriquez's "Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs," where he looked back on how his original dream of becoming a rapper eventually led him to the action genre.

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At the time, Jeric was already known in his hometown of Floridablanca as someone who enjoyed rapping. He said he would even volunteer to perform whenever there were local events because of his admiration for Francis, who had become one of the most influential figures in Philippine hip-hop.

Jeric explained that his admiration for Francis was one of the reasons he decided to audition as a rapper at OctoArts Records. He recalled how people in their town already knew about his passion for rap and how he would actively seek opportunities to perform at events.

“I'm a huge fan of Francis Magalona at that time. Doon sa bayan namin sa Floridablanca, alam nila, rapper ako doon. ‘Pag may mga event-event kami nu'ng araw, nagbo-volunteer pa ako na. ‘Uy, bigyan niyo naman ako number. Gusto ko mag-rap diyan.’”

However, Jeric's visit to OctoArts Records would lead to an opportunity he had not expected. At the time, the company had also entered the film industry and was looking for someone who could potentially become a new action star.

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Instead of focusing solely on Jeric's interest in becoming a rapper, director Willy Milan, who was making action movies at the time, saw something else in him. Jeric recalled being approached by the director and told that he could have a future as an action star.

“‘Alam mo, puwede kang action star eh. Siyempre, hindi naman ako naniniwala. ‘Ipapakilala kita doon sa big boss. Next week, magkita tayo dito ulit, ipi-pictorial kita.’”

Jeric admitted that he initially did not believe the director's suggestion. His original goal was to pursue a career in rap, and the idea that he could become an action star was something he had not seriously considered.

That changed when he returned to OctoArts and eventually saw himself featured on a poster. Seeing his image presented as an action star apparently made the possibility feel real to him for the first time.

“So, na-develop na. Nagkita na kami ulit. Ipinakita sa akin. ‘O ito na, tingnan mo.’ Poster, malaki. ‘Aba oo nga ano. Naniwala ako. Sabi ko, ‘Puwede! Puwede akong action star.’”

The unexpected opportunity quickly moved forward. Jeric returned to OctoArts so the company's boss could meet him, and what began as an audition for a completely different career path soon resulted in a movie contract.

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He recalled that the contract was prepared and signed on the spot, marking the beginning of his career in the Philippine film industry.

“At that very moment, ginawa na 'yung kontrata. Pumirma na ako ng kontrata.”

Jeric then landed the lead role in his first movie, "Primitivo 'Ebok' Ala: Kalabang mortal ni Baby Ama." Rather than beginning his career as a rapper like he had initially planned, he entered show business as an action star.

His debut was followed by a series of films in which he took on leading roles. Among them were "Boboy Salonga: Batang Tondo" and "Estribo Gang: The Jinggoy Sese Story," among other action movies.

Jeric Raval is a veteran Filipino actor who established himself as one of Philippine cinema's iconic action stars during the 1990s. After making his feature film debut in "Primitivo 'Ebok' Ala" (1992), he went on to build a multi-decade career starring in numerous action movies, indie films, and mainstream television series.

In the same interview, Jeric came to the defense of Senators Robin Padilla and Lito Lapid amid criticism of actors entering politics. He shared his candid thoughts on their capabilities as senators and why their showbiz backgrounds should not be the basis for judging them.

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Jeric also revealed the reason he keeps Christmas decorations up in his home all year. He explained that the tradition is tied to fond childhood memories and the joy Christmas brought him despite his family's financial hardships.

Source: KAMI.com.gh