Will Jeric and Rabiya have Kapuso projects together?

Showbiz sweethearts Jeric Gonzales and Rabiya Mateo recently graced the Signed for Stardom #ProudToBeKapuso Contract Signing event. Their renewal of ties with GMA 7’s talent arm, Sparkle, assures Jeric and Rabiya onscreen visibility in the coming months and years. A rosy showbiz career awaits the Protége winner and 2020 Miss Universe Philippines.

“I’m also happy kung saan papunta yung career namin individually (where our individual careers are heading to),” said Rabiya in a recent virtual press conference that also featured Jeric and other Sparkle talents. “Of course, I hope someday we will have a project together. I’m happy na steady lang.”

As for Jeric, he shared that “palagi ko naman gustong maka-trabaho si Rabiya (I always want to work with her). I hope we will be given a show, where I’m the leading man, while she is the leading lady. Gusto ko na kasama ko siya siyempre. Masaya dito na sabay kaming nag-sign at mag-grow dito, magkaroon ng maraming opportunities na pwedeng pagsamahan together. I’m excited.” However, there are rumors circulating that the two stars have already parted ways. Their management has yet to issue a statement about this, but Jeric’s Instagram account continues to carry their couple pics. By the way, their love story caught everyone’s attention when they posted kilig messages to each other, accompanied by their photos taken during a trip to Bohol, on their Instagram accounts sometime in March.

“I always say that this year is a great year for me,” said Jeric during the group interview. “It’s a blessing, ang dami kong natatanggap na malalaking projects and then, the awards.”

Jeric is part of the local adaptation of the 2020 hit Korean series, Start-Up with Bea Alonzo and Alden Richards.

“I’m very grateful to GMA,” said he of his role in the upcoming GMA show, to be directed by Jerry Sineneng and Dominic Zapata. “Ginagawa namin (ito) ngayon (We’re doing it now). I’m happy (na) ang gaganda nung nangyayari, ang gaganda ng eksena namin. I’m excited for viewers to see what we’re doing. This project is famous because it’s a K-drama that has been watched by many. I’m excited to share the Philippine adaptation at kung ano yung mga nilagay namin dito as an adaptation, like (some aspects of) Philippine culture as well as the twists in the story. (Viewers) should look forward to the twists. We’re on our second leg of Start-Up.”

His performance in the film, Broken Blooms, directed by Louie Ignacio, has won for Jeric Best Actor Award and Critics Choice Award for Best Actor in an Indie at the Harlem International Film Festival in New York and 2022 Mokkho International Film Festival, India, respectively. He also scored the Best Actor, Outstanding Achievement Award, at the Tagore International Film Festival in Bolpur, India.

“Abangan din nila yung Broken Blooms kung saan ako nanalo ng award,” said he. “Hopefully, later this year, it will be shown here and I hope to be in the other shows of GMA like AOS (All-Out Sundays).”

Meanwhile, Rabiya will focus more on hosting via TiktoClock.

“It’s a variety show and marami kaming ipapakita na talented individuals, who (excel) in singing and dancing,” said she, who is an occasional and guest anchor of the 24 Oras segment, Chika Minute. “There’s Mama Pokwang, who is very funny. There’s Kuya Kim (Atienza), who is very intellectual. Ako, parang nasa middle lang, medyo funny, medyo intellectual. This time, I’m very happy to show my personality, far from being a beauty queen, parang si Rabiya na talaga. I’m looking forward (to it) because it’s different and I know magiging masaya (ito).” The taping of TiktoClock has already started.

“They have given me horror (assignment with Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho special), drama and action with Sen. Bong (Revilla, Agimat ng Agila Season 2) and now I’m hosting, which makes me feel lucky kasi hindi lang nila ako nilalagay sa isang spot, na ito lang ang branding ko,” said Rabiya on the path her showbiz career is treading. “I’m looking forward to the many things I can do and types of acting I can explore with them because I really love challenges and I love growth.” She sounds ready for a busy schedule ahead and counts each opportunity a huge blessing. “I’m hoping for the best every time,” said she, who, along with Jeric, as described by Sparkle, are among its prime artists.