Being one of Philippine television’s finest actors with countless awards, endorsements and awards under his belt begs the question, “How to be Gerald Anderson?”
And quite coincidentally (but with pun intended), his new movie with Bea Alonzo – and their first movie team-up is entitled, “How to be Yours.” But before we get into the details of their movie, let’s talk about this Fil-Am hottie.
Anderson has undoubtedly mastered the art of “having it all.” He is a film and television actor, producer, brand ambassador and a philanthropist. He has established himself as the sought-after leading man of his generation while at the same time dabbling with socio-economic affairs. It’s true what they say about having so much experience in life – you also have to lot to give.
Born in Subic Bay, Zambales in the Philippines, Gerald Randolph Opsima Anderson Jr. is son to Evangeline Opsima and Gerald Randy Anderson. He has a younger brother named Kenneth and two older sisters named Jen and Darling, from his mother’s first marriage. When he was three years old he and his family moved to San Antonio, Texas, and later moved to Missouri when he was six. At 14, he and his family moved back to the Philippines in General Santos City.
Anderson’s entry to show business was set in place through his connection with fellow actor, friend and “discoverer” Joross Gamboa, whom he worked with as the latter’s backup dancer in provincial shows. Gamboa introduced Anderson to his manager Jun Reyes who brought him to ABS-CBN, where the “Gen-San Amboy” then joined “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition.” He was partnered up with his fellow house mate, Kim Chiu, who later became his “love team” for shows, movies, and endorsements and took the Philippines by storm, as the next big thing – and apparently one of the strongest love teams in showbiz. Fans dubbed the pair as “Kimerald.”
He and Kim starred in a number of hit series such as as “Sana Maulit Muli” in 2006 and films I’ve “Fallen For You” in 2007, “Paano Na Kaya” in 2010 and “Till My Heartaches End” in 2010.
The dashing actor also teamed up with Sarah Geronimo in the films, “Catch Me, I’m in Love” and “Won’t Last the Day Without You”; Jessy Mendiola in their hit TV series, “Budoy”; and with Cristine Reyes in their teleserye, “Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin.” His amazing performances in these and his other films reaped a number of accomplishments such as Best Single performance by an Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, to name the least.
The young talented actor may have poured so much in his acting career but he is also wasting no time in giving back to the community. He has recently launched the Gerald Anderson Foundation which is a volunteer search dog unit and man-tracking unit on call 24 hours a day to assist law enforcement and other official agencies. They also provide service, assistance and therapy dogs to deserving individuals.
According to the website: “The Anderson Foundation is a non-profit volunteer organization based in the Philippines whose mission is two-fold: (1) to help save lives and to assist in the recovery of missing persons by providing highly-trained canines, skilled personnel and specialized equipment during calamities and other emergencies and (2) to help enrich the lives of veterans and persons with disabilities by providing them with task-trained service dogs that can assist them with their daily tasks.”
In his most recent interview with Boy Abunda, Anderson announced that he is now officially a Coast Guard Auxiliary Lieutenant, having passed all training and certifications required.
Indeed, there is no stopping Gerald Anderson from being… well… being Gerard Anderson! He seems to have done it all and still expanding his horizon. I am certain that I am not only one who’ve asked the question I posted as the title of this piece.
In the meantime, Anderson is busy promoting his first movie with his longtime crush and rumored old flame, Bea Alonzo. This is Anderson’s second collaboration with award-winning director Dan Villegas, after their successful hit in “Always Be My Maybe” with lead actress Arci Munoz.
In an interview, Anderson expressed his excitement for the project. “First time namin magsasama ni Bea which makes everything more exciting kasi you know, pangarap ko iyon. Pangarap ko pa lang iyon nung bata ako nung pinapanood ko siya,” Gerald said.
The teaser trailer of “How To Be Yours” was released Wednesday, July 6. The trailer shows Niño (Anderson), being teased by his best friend about being too uptight and choosy when it comes to women. They were strolling in Chinatown when Niño saw Anj (Alonzo) for the first time. Anj is a cook whose ambition is to work in a high-end restaurant. The two fell in love and vowed to support each other but struggle found its way to their relationship as they preserve other priorities in their life while being together. “How To Be Yours” is directed by Dan Villegas and is produced by Star Cinema.
In an interview, Anderson was asked how he’s able to do what he does and he said, “I love what I do and when you love what you do, you give your best.”
LOVE – That is how to be “Gerald Anderson.”
***
Monet Lu is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of Monet Salon salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products such as Enlighten, your solution to discoloration. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com or email him at [email protected]