Jeric Gonzales on his first viral scandal: ‘Parang gusto ko na ngang huwag na lumabas’

When Jeric Gonzales was declared the male grand winner of the talent search “Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break” back in 2012, he had a promising career ahead of him.

But early into his new artista chapter, Jeric’s alleged nude photos and a video scandal went viral.

In an interview on the “Updated with Nelson Canlas” podcast, Jeric opened up about that difficult point in his career.

“Hindi ko alam kung paano siya i-ha-handle that time,” admitted the "Start-Up PH" actor.

“Parang gusto ko na ngang huwag na lumabas, mag-quit. Huwag na magpakita kasi ganoon pala ang feeling kapag nag-trend ka — nag-trend not in a good way, na parang tingin mo lahat ng tao yung tingin sa ‘yo hindi maganda,” he added.

Jeric also shared that the scandal affected his confidence.

“Nakakahiya talaga. Wala yung self-esteem mo, talagang down talaga.”

It can be remembered that Jeric stayed silent about the issue despite the requests for interviews, and took a quick break from showbiz to realign.

When he came back into the scene, Jeric credits the GMA management for guiding and taking care of him.

“Ginuide talaga nila ako na kahit na anong isyu yan, parang if you will do good, parang mas makikita nila yung positive sa ’yo, yung good sa ‘yo, yung pagbabago sa ‘yo. Kung paano ka nag-rise up, kung paano ka tumayo doon sa pagkakadapa mo, yung sa pagkakamali mo, to a good way na na-improve mo yung sarili mo,” he said.

Jeric added that he was also advised to, “ipakita mo na mas naging strong ka, mas nag-improve ka. And then mas na-inspire ka, mas na-motivate ka dahil sa nangyari.”

Jeric is also so grateful for his family who stays by his side through all the issues surrounding him.

“Hanga din ako sa kanila kasi nandiyan lang sila sa tabi ko kahit nasasaktan sila, parang hindi nila ako dini-discourage, hindi nila ako pinagbabawalan na huwag na, tama na, quit ka na.”

“Parang they still believed in me, na kaya ko talaga na magsa-succeed talaga ako dito sa showbiz. Nakikita nila kasi na ito ang passion ko e, na ito talaga ang dream ko so ayun, sinusuportahan nila ako. Kahit nasasaktan ako, nandiyan sila sa tabi ko, and gina-guide nila ako.” — LA, GMA News