Following in the footsteps of actors Dingdong Dantes of GMA 7 and the late Rico Yan, ABS CBN actor Gerald Anderson was recently named Ambassador for Youth in Public Service by the Philippine Youth-KASAMA (Kabatang Sama-samang Maglilingkod or Youth Serving Together). Senator Imee Marcos recently presented Anderson in front of 900 Sangguniang Kabataan leaders from all over the country.
This appointment elicited some social media criticism because Gerald was accused by his ex-girlfriend actress Bea Alonzo of ghosting. She claimed that he “just started not talking to me” after three years as a couple, and she even hinted that another ABS CBN actress was a third party.
Thanks to the invitation of ULAP (Union of Local Authority of the Philippines) president and Quirino Governor Dakila “Dax” Cua, Nellie King, Von Valdepeñas and Gerald Ortiz of the Philippine Youth Kasama, this writer was recently given an exclusive, no-holds barred interview with Gerald.
Excerpts:
PHILIPPINE STAR: How do you feel being appointed Ambassador for Youth, following in the footsteps of Dingdong Dantes and the late Rico Yan?
GERALD ANDERSON: I am very humbled and excited. Rico and Dingdong are very good people to follow, they set the bar really high. This is a good way to end this year, with all its ups and downs, like a roller-coaster!
What is the worst crisis in your life?
None yet, I’ve been blessed, but mostly love life [laughs].
You’ve had how many romantic breakups already?
[laughs] Makulay (colorful).
Your biggest crisis and controversy was about your alleged ghosting of your ex-girlfriend Bea Alonzo, how do you feel about it?
It was overblown, nakakalungkot (it’s sad), because there are many bigger and real issues in the country kaysa sa love life ko (rather than my love life). I think there are many other real, serious problems kaysa sa breakup namin, nakakalungkot (instead of our breakup, it’s saddening). The Philippines has suffered from typhoons, earthquakes, food problems, etc., hopefully their attention can focus on those issues.
On the allegation that you ghosted her, is it true or not?
It’s private, between the two of us.
How long did this controversy last, with your love problem becoming a national issue commented on by many celebrities, including by Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Nancy Binay and Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen? Even Muntinlupa City Congressman Ruffy Biazon joked that he wants a House investigation.
It lasted about two months. Throughout this period, I had many realizations and I gained strength from true friends who texted and people who cared. Their support meant a lot.
How did you cope with that breakup, and what is your advice to people on how to survive a breakup?
Find something positive to do for your energies, because after a breakup, marami tayong kinikimkim (we have a lot of pent-up feelings). In my case, I got more involved in sports, particularly basketball.
The Philippine Youth leaders told me they chose you as Ambassador for Youth in Public Service because of your various civic causes. Can you share some?
I want to help and to inspire others. My idol is the NBA star Lebron James, he is more than a superstar athlete, he is using his influence to fight racism in the US. I want to support our Philippine soldiers because my father was a soldier, he was a former Second Lieutenant in the US Navy, Gerald Anderson, Sr. My mother is Filipina, Evangeline Opsima.
Like Dingdong Dantes, Matteo Guidicelli and other actors, I heard you’re now a military reservist? You did actual military training amid your breakup controversy, how was it?
Yes, I joined the Scout Rangers for three days training in Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan. It was a learning experience — three days of no sleep, nakahiga sa putik (lying on mud), eating meals in 10 counts and eating simple foods like a hotdog. I learned discipline, brotherhood and respect for elders. That experience helped put things into perspective, it pushed me to the limits. In January, ABS-CBN will start our new TV series A Soldier’s Heart, where one of my co-stars is Carlo Aquino.
More than the entertainment, my No. 1 goal in wanting to do well with this TV series is to give support and respect to our soldiers, especially those in the frontlines, for all their sacrifices. In many countries of the world, they give high respect to their soldiers.
As a military reservist and strong supporter of our soldiers, what are your thoughts about our rebels?
It’s very complex… I think the Duterte administration is doing the best they can, to be fair. Rebellions go back in history. In a way, kawawa din ‘yung mga rebels (I also pity the rebels).
One of your advocacies is coastal clean-ups?
I have joined coastal clean-ups near Manila Bay and also in Anilao, Batangas where I dive. Nakakalungkot (It’s sad), we the Philippines have the world’s third most polluted ocean. The ocean and beaches give us peace and enjoyment, but we do not take care of them.
I heard another advocacy of yours is sports?
Yes, aside from supporting soldiers, helping in calamities and rebuilding schools, I want to help in sports. I think we need a better system in the Philippines. Explore grassroots development of children as young as six- years-olds, train them to become future champion athletes, look at the way China has successfully done this for years. Why can’t we implement the right system?
What is your dream movie role?
Before, I had wanted to play General Gregorio del Pilar who had fought the American colonizers. Now, my dream film role would be part of a really legit movie about the Bataan Death March after the Japanese military invasion. Most people just know the surface of that important part of Philippine history.
What are your health secrets as a 30-year-old actor and active basketball player of the Imus Bandera team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League?
I eat healthy, sometimes becoming vegan or eating just all vegetables, sometimes I do intermittent fasting. Since I invested in a gym business called The Th3rd Floor at No. 120 Alejandro Roces Avenue, Quezon City, I try to go to the gym every day and spend about four hours per visit.
Before I forget, President Duterte has on three occasions repeatedly declared that he shall not extend the franchise of your network ABS CBN when it expires in March next year 2020. Your reaction?
Ummm, well, mahirap, maraming mawawalan ng trabaho (it’s difficult, many people would lose their jobs). Hopefully, the right thing happens, but this is out of our hands as actors, it’s really up to the administration and our big bosses at ABS CBN, I just hope for the best.
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