‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ star revisits his Filipino roots

From his very first Filipino morning show guesting on TV5’s “Gud Morning Kapatid” to a farewell dinner, it was the perfect homecoming for Gordon Cormier, who last visited his hometown in Laguna seven years ago.

It was all very different for Gordon who came to the Philippines thrice before for family reunions in Sta. Rosa because this time, the 14-year-old budding Hollywood superstar came over to Manila to promote “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” his very first mega series with a mega fanbase for streaming giant Netflix.

The best part is he booked the lead role in this series as Aang. His life is definitely about to change drastically but he is still in awe about the turn of events with his mother Genalyn guiding him to stardom every step of the way.

Gordon told us, “Yeah! It’s amazing. I have such a supportive country on my back! First time, my mom showed me a video on MGM, it’s a Filipino channel, I said, ‘Oh my God, that’s me!’ And they said, ‘First Filipino actor to book lead!’ I thought that was amazing and I just love the Philippines, too, it’s my home!”

The author shares a lighthearted moment with Gordon and his co-star Dallas Liu, who plays Prince Zuko in the series.

What makes it more special for Gordon is that the streamer really pulled all stops to make him enjoy his homecoming with the perfect Pinoy welcome snacks and all.

He also saw his grandmother in Taguig and they had a sleepover.

“It’s been a long time, I’m not gonna lie. I was probably seven when I was last here, but I remember seeing my relatives. I got to see them again. I got to see my grandma! They actually came here for the night and stayed in the hotel, and it was really nice.”

Just as Gordon was enjoying himself, so was his co-star Dallas Liu who plays Prince Zuko in the series. He even could not believe that many showed up in their “Fire and Air” bender costumes just to make them happy.

“I just wasn’t expecting it, I know it’s big in the States and that it has such a stronghold worldwide is amazing to me. To get to see them in another country is very heartwarming.”

It was a genius idea to bring them over at the start of their careers in Hollywood, where the content creators, fans and journalists could get to know them in such a deeper light. They surprised super fans inside a cinema during an advanced screening in Taguig.

During their despedida dinner last Thursday, both Gordon and Dallas were also so generous to take a photo with almost all the guests. They wore the trending duck clips as well and accepted mementos from fans. Both Gordon and Dallas also signed dedications and had takeout halo-halo before hitting the sack and getting ready for their flights back to La La Land. It was not your usual talent stop. For sure, it would be more challenging to do this once they blow up in the coming seasons of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” which is now streaming.