(PEP.ph) Jericho Rosales has had several remarkable portrayals in both television and film.

But despite having played many iconic characters, he says there were roles he wished he had played.

Totoo ba? He coveted the title role in the 2015 highest-grossing independent film, Heneral Luna?

Jericho reveals in his Calamansi live cast session with the editorial team of PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on April 21, 2021, that he, in fact, auditioned for the role.

Although he quips, “Feeling ko, if I played that role, I would suck and the movie wouldn’t have made money,” he narrates the story of his audition where he faced director Jerrold Tarog and his team.

He recounts, “I auditioned for Heneral Luna as Heneral Luna. So, I remember being in front of the camera for Jerrold Tarog and his team. I was throwing lines.

“I remember them asking me, that was 2013, 2014. ‘Can you gain 40 pounds for the role?’”

At that time, Jericho was preparing for his wedding with his wife Kim Jones.

Laughing, Jericho continues, “2014, that was my wedding and then if I do that, I’m gonna be fat on my wedding day!”

Talking about Jerrold, Jericho says, “I think he felt the hesitation there na, ‘Wait, hold on, so you can’t gain weight?’

“Because I was skinny that time, medyo payat talaga and I need to gain weight for the role.

“Eventually, of course, we all know who got the role. He’s not fat, but he is more massive than I am, he’s more muscular, he’s way more mature for the role so I think he was the best.”

The role eventually went to veteran actor John Arcilla, who did his first lead role in many years.

And looking back, Jericho has no regrets.