Between Sacrifice and Serenity

MANILA, Philippines - Being away from family and loved ones in Melbourne to pursue a career in modeling here in Manila, six-foot-tall, 19-year-old dusky Fil-Aussie stunner Gerard Sison is having the time of his life.

Almost every member of the hybrid generation has it good here. They realize how life is so much more pampered, sheltered and cloistered within the arm’s length reach that is Manila — their home away from home.  You get offers from model and talent scouts, showbiz comes knocking on your door to join the next big reality show, confetti shower and all.  ”I was also modeling and throwing parties back in Australia,” says Gerard in his heavily accented Aussie twang, whose lean and muscular physique he owes to years of playing tennis (his uncle is local tennis legend Beeyong Sison), among other sports.

Industry insiders say he looks like a junior version of Pinoy male supermodel Rocky Salumbides, to which Rocky humbly says, “Gerry is the better-looking version.”

Of course, it doesn’t come without hardships.  Life, after all, does not always hand you a silver platter—right away.  ”I totally understand and appreciate that — that’s why I want to work hard for it.  I realize that you must do things one step at a time.”  So when the glitz biz bosses came offering him an open door, he thought twice before going for it.

“There are a lot of sacrifices that have to be made, and I don’t know if I’m ready for it,” he candidly admits. “All I know is that I’m starting out by polishing my Filipino, because I love it here, but I am not in a hurry. I want to be ready for it by preparing.  I think more than what you accomplish, you need to have your peace of mind — that sense of serenity that tells you that you are here for a reason.”