Jericho Rosales renews ties with Walker.

Jericho Rosales, one of the hunk dramatic actors of his generation, declares he doesn’t need to take off clothes so just to be called “sexy.” This, he proved in the latest collection of Walker Underwear, where he happened to be its longtime endorser.

Jericho, or Echo as he is fondly called, recently renewed his ties with Walker. It has been last 2000 when Walker first got him as endorser.

At the recent launch of Grafitti at Annabel’s Morato, Echo took part in a photo shoot to capture the essence of the new collection. He was made to look ruggedly handsome like James Dean, showing just a little skin but appearing very sexy just the same.

On showing a little bit of skin, Echo stressed, “Di ko kailangan maghubad para maging sexy. I believe I don’t have to take off clothes to endorse anything. I preserve things with myself. Pag sa work like soap opera, if needed, okay lang. Whatever I endorse, it has to go with my image as an artist.”

He added, “Good thing with Walker is they respect my ideas. I’m very concerned with my audience.”

Being in the business for 55 years already, the Walker management announced that this 2009-2010, they will be venturing into fashion. Echo strongly suggests his styles, as seen in his photo shoots. The most interesting part is Echo strongly patronizes his endorsements, showing the press people that same event that he is wearing the brand.

No more second chance for Echo-Tin?

Pairing Echo again with former flame Kristine Hermosa is something that Echo is thankful for. He said, “Very thankful ako na nakatrabaho [ko] uli si Tin dahil naaayos namin ang mga di [namin] naayos noon.”

With the positive comments they are getting because of their seemingly “real life” portrayal of husband and wife, Echo reacted, “Hindi…ramdam na ramdam lang talaga ['yong character]. Alam niyo naman kami ni Tin medyo metikuluso kaming dalawa. Nasa script talaga yung mga kisses…at kinasal na kasi kami sa story kaya ganun [ka-sweet].”

Asked if he and Tin are close to real life lovers, he answered, “'Yon nga ang iniingatan namin e, 'yong mauwi sa totohanan. Siyempre trabaho 'yon e.”

Echo made a deal with himself with regard to second chances. “Let’s just put it this way, I made a promise to myself na kapag leading lady ko e medyo ‘trabaho tayo.’ Saka naging kami [ni Tin] e. Meron [lang] talaga kaming comfortability level na mahirap basagin,” he said.

Being in the set of “Dahil May Isang Ikaw,” Echo was also asked to comment on the issue involving co-stars Lorna Tolentino and Chin Chin Gutierrez. It was reported that the slapping scene of the two crossed borders and that Chin Chin hurt Lorna. He said, “Alam ko yung nangyari pero di ko napanuod yung nangyari. OK naman kami sa set. Wala kaming problema. Walang birian, walang angasan, walang pangit na pinapakita.”

On his Emmy nomination

In a recent interview with Carmen Soo, Echo’s leading lady in “Kahit May Isang Saglit,” which happened to be nominated in the 37th International Emmy Awards (Nov. 19 and 20 in New York), she said that Echo can’t go with her to grace the awards night. “Yeah, may taping ako e. I prayed a lot, pero wala talaga e, di ako makakapunta e. Sayang, medyo mami-miss out ko yun. Ang prayer ko na lang sana manalo kami. Na-nominate na kami e. So I pray that Carmen will have a good time. Sina Tita Malou [Santos] at Angel [Locsin] pupunta sila. Ako, I can’t kasi madami kaming taping. I would love to go. Broken hearted ako ng konti dahil hindi ako makakasama,” Echo shared.

He added, “I believe that opening na ito. It’s  time that Filipino shows are doing well dito sa atin. Really, the world is the stage now. Magandang senyales yan na nakikilala na tayo sa ibang bansa.”

At present, Echo claims to be single, choosing instead to focus more on his career as an actor and as a singer. He has just released his latest album titled “Change.” Echo also indulges himself into sports like surfing, skateboarding and boxing.