By Robbie Pangilinan
Jethro Ramirez makes a comeback in the culinary masterpiece “Fusion,” as the chef of one of the lead actresses. “Fusion” is a romantic comedy directed and produced by Hero Bautista, who also stars in the film with Brazilian DJ Luane De Lima, Croatian Ms. Pure Energy Marija Debelic, Maria Ozawa, Yayo Aguila, Toby Alejar, Herbert Bautista, Harlene Bautista, Nino Muhlach, Kiko Matos, Miko Penalosa, Monette Rivera, Kate Coseteng, Nikki Coseteng, Alonzo Muhlach, Sandro Muhlach, Archie Adamos, Chris Aguilar, Peach Mascarinas, and Elishah Pangilinan.
“I had fun. Happy lang sa set, we were like a family. Working with Hero is cool and relaxing, same with Marija and Luane,” says Jethro.
Jethro is a jack of all trades. Formerly known as the child star Erwin Estrella of the ‘80s, Jethro has starred in more than 30 movies – drama, action, comedy, reality. He also acted on stage and on television, as well as in TV commercials. He is a businessman. And he wants to try directing soon.
Jethro started in 1984 acting and dancing on stage for Tanghalan Kayumanggi and Starlight Cultural Foundation. Director Mauro Gia Samonte discovered Jethro on one of his stage plays. Direk Mauro went on to direct “Mga Ibong Pipit,” Jethro’s first film where he played the starring role in 1984. The same year he made another Mauro Gia Samonte film titled “Kapag Baboy ang Inutang” and the following year, he made the movies “Banjo Laurel True to Life Story” and “Public Enemy No. 2” where Robin Padilla was introduced with Joko Diaz and Jethro as his brothers.
Jethro went on to make more than 30 movies, including “Enteng Manok: Tari ng Quiapo” in 1993 where he was introduced as Jethro Ramirez. Many of his films are real-life stories such as “The Vizonde Massacre 2,” “The Maggie Dela Riva Story,” “Lipa Massacre,” “Annabelle Huggins Story,” “Kuratong Baleleng,” “Totoy Hitman,” “Boy Buluran,” “Sgt. Esguerra,” and “Manny Pacquiao the Movie.”
While filming movies, Jethro would still act on stage. He has played Elias in “Noli Me Tangere” and Florante in “Florante at Laura.” He was also in the TV series “Zarda,” “Mia Gracia,” “Imortal,” “Juanita Banana,” “Dwarfina,” “Kokak,” “Pahiram ng Isang Ina,” “Amaya,” “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” “The Good Son,” and “Sino’ng May Sala?” He has shown his acting prowess at ABS-CBN’s “Maalala Mo Kaya” and in a documentary film where he plays the lead role.
The Batampasig best actor is likewise a TV commercial model and endorser of brands like Nissin, Anchor, Royal Spaghetti, San Miguel Beer, Megafol Agri F arm and Alpha Wellness.
In his 35 years in showbiz, Jethro says he has regrets but chooses to move on.
“Regrets can’t bring back time, nor anything lost. There was a time when I was so busy in my jewelry business and got so caught up in a personal problem that I turned down movie projects. But here I am again, back to doing what I truly love,” says Jethro, who is also into the business of direct selling racing oil and other items.
Jethro has experience in line and supervising movie productions and soon wants to try directing. He is currently doing “Bilibid 19,” an action film, and soon “Snow White and 7 Swadrs,” “Muelle de Binondo,” and “Mayor Bulabog” where he will play the lead role. #
