Jao Mapa recalls past romance with ‘one that got away’ Rosanna Roces

Jao Mapa recalled his brief romance with Rosanna Roces, which began around the time they worked together on the 1997 film “Matrikula.”

Mapa made the revelation during a recent interview with Susan Enriquez for her YouTube program “Kay Susan Tayo!”

When Enriquez asked Mapa about his past showbiz relationships and whether he had a “The One That Got Away” (TOTGA), he named Roces.

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Mapa said their relationship lasted only “two, three months” after they finished filming “Matrikula.”

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During the conversation, Mapa said he was 18 when he made the film, prompting Enriquez to ask if their relationship could be considered a May-December romance.

“I guess,” Mapa replied with a laugh. The pair only shared a four-year age gap.

READ: IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jao Mapa from screen to canvas

“Matrikula,” directed by Romy Suzara, starred Mapa as Eddie Boy and Roces as Mariposa. The film was released in 1997 and marked one of Mapa’s mature roles during his acting career.

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Looking back on the project, Mapa said he now regrets accepting the role.

“Ako, bata pa ako noon, hindi ko alam kung paano gumawa ng mga ganitong pelikula. Siyempre, bago sa akin. Nagsisisi na nga ako kung bakit ko ginawa ‘yung pelikula,” he said.

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However, Mapa spoke positively of working with Roces. “It was nice working with her,” he said.

Mapa and Roces did not make another film together after “Matrikula.”

Mapa rose to fame as a matinee idol in the 1990s, joining the then popular TV sitcom “Palibhasa Lalaki,” alongside an ensembled cast of Richard Gomez, Joey Marquez, John Estrada, and the so-called Gwapings — Jomari Yllana, Eric Fructuoso, and Mark Anthony Fernandez. He also appeared in the films “Pare Ko,” “Asero,” and “Babae.”

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He eventually took a break from showbiz to pursue his passion for painting and completed a Fine Arts degree at the University of Santo Tomas. /edv