Jeric Raval Almost Became a Rapper Until One Director Changed Everything
JERIC RAVAL – Before making a name in action films, Jeric Raval was chasing a very different career inspired by the legendary Francis Magalona.
Veteran action star Jeric Raval recently revealed that long before he became one of the country’s most recognizable action heroes, his biggest dream was actually to become a successful rapper and singer.
According to Jeric, he was a huge admirer of the late Master Rapper Francis Magalona during his younger years. His passion for rap became well known in his hometown of Floridablanca, where he eagerly performed whenever opportunities arose.
“I’m a huge fan of Francis Magalona at that time. Doon sa bayan namin sa Floridablanca, alam nila, rapper ako doon. Kapag may mga event-event kami nu’ng araw, nagbo-volunteer pa ako na. ‘Uy, bigyan niyo naman ako number. Gusto ko mag-rap diyan,’” Jeric shared this in an interview with “Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs.”
Determined to pursue his dream, Jeric went to the office of OctoArts Records to audition as a rapper. However, fate had a different plan for him. While waiting at the record label’s office, he caught the attention of veteran director Willy Milan, who saw action star potential in him instead.
“‘Alam mo, puwede kang action star eh,’” Director Willy reportedly told him/her. “Siyempre, hindi naman ako naniniwala. ‘Ipapakilala kita doon sa big boss. Next week, magkita tayo dito ulit, ipi-pictorial kita.’”
A week later, Jeric was surprised when the director presented him with a movie-style promotional poster featuring him as an action hero.
“So, na-develop na (mga pictures). 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,’” Jeric said.
When he returned to OctoArts, company executives immediately offered him a contract.
“At that very moment, ginawa na ‘yung kontrata. Pumirma na ako ng kontrata,” said the actor who immediately starred in the movie “Primitivo ‘Ebok’ Ala: Kalabang Mortal ni Baby Ama.”
The film became a commercial success, opening the doors for more action projects, including “Boboy Salonga: Batang Tondo” and “Estribo Gang: The Jinggoy Sese Story.”
“Siyempre, masaya ako, tuwang-tuwa ako. Nakapila ka lang sa NFA rice, pumipila ka lang doon, nakuha kang artista,” Jeric said.
Jeric also shared that he was a fan of Lito Lapid, but director Willy Milan wanted him to study Ace Vergel’s acting style.
“Fan ako ni Lito Lapid. Tapos, nu’ng bini-build up na ako bilang action star, sabi ni Willy Milan, ‘Eric, ito ang gusto kong gayahin mong acting, ganyan lang. ‘Yan lang ang panonoorin mo, gayahin mo ‘yan.’ Ace Vergel. Pinagagaya sa akin si Ace Vergel.
“Eh, hindi naman ako naninigarilyo in real life. ‘Gusto ko ganyan ang paghithit mo ng sigarilyo ha?’ Mahilu-hilo na ako, ginagamit ko ‘yun,” her recollection, accompanied by laughter.
Despite his efforts, Jeric admitted that his performance ultimately bore a resemblance to another action icon.
“Hirit pa niya, “Eto na, kagagaya ko nang kagagaya kay Ace Vergel, ang lumitaw, Robin Padilla. ‘O ba’t ganyan?’ Sabi ko, ‘Direk, gusto mo gayahin ko si Ace Vergel. Eh, paano ko gagayahin ‘yan? Ang galing-galing niyan, pati acting niyan, hindi naman ako ganyan kagaling.’”
The actor also recalled how director Willy Milan insisted that he always wear a jacket to complete his tough image, even under the scorching heat.
“‘Ang bihis mo, laging ganito, ha? Huwag kang lumalabas nang hindi ka naka-jacket.’ Kaya ang init-init, naka-leather jacket ka. Tiis ganda ka ngayon,” he said.
Jeric further revealed that being an action star came with real dangers. He suffered several accidents while performing his own stunts, including a frightening incident when he fell from a height of around 15 feet after grabbing onto a rope that was not securely tied.
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