“Blood vs Duty” is absolutely overflowing with top-tier Kapamilya actors, with Gerald Anderson masterfully portraying both Jalil Abubakar and Major Allan Espina. In the May 9 episode of Jeepney TV’s “Stars on Stars,” Gerald goes through a heart-to-heart conversation with fellow actor Baron Geisler.
He firstly addressed his nostalgic photo taken during an episode of the 2006 fantasy-romance drama “Love Spell,” one of his first projects shortly after emerging as the third big placer in “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Editon 1.” In the image, Gerald was wearing wolf-like prosthetics, appearing exhausted.
“I was 17 years old dito, kakalabas ko lang ng PBB… Isa sa mga first acting jobs [ko], and honestly, hindi ko alam kung ano ‘yung ginagawa ko nung time na ‘yan,” he admitted, eventually acknowledging that it was important to him as it marked his professional beginnings.
In further detail about his early days as a young actor in the Philippine entertainment industry, Gerald expressed that if he were to be given a time machine, he would still decide to make himself a “PBB” housemate, even if he were already aware of the events that transpired during and after the iconic reality show.
“Tuloy talaga. Itong industriya natin has given me so much. Andami kong nasusuportahan sa pamilya ko because of this… ‘Yung experience ko for the last 20 years of my career, hindi ko ‘yan ipagpapalit,” he elaborated.
Gerald was likewise appreciative of the fact that he was able to take on different characters with nuanced personalities, while also frequently feeling excited whenever he showed up at work. “[Kasi] alam ko [na] may gagawin na naman tayo na ikasasaya ng mga Kapamilya, ng mga audience natin,” he said, ensuring that he mentioned Filipinos abroad who could experience a sense of being at home through meeting Kapamilya stars during international shows.
In recognition of the remarkable characters he brought to life that turned unforgettable for him, Gerald first named Lt. David “JR” Garcia in “Tayong Dalawa,” highlighting its influence on the increased percentages of students enrolling as PMA cadets in the country.
He also spoke proudly about his titular character in “Budoy,” particularly emphasizing its importance to raise awareness about the lives of special children and their parents. “‘Yung social awareness na nabigay tungkol sa mga special children… Mga magulang [din], they felt that people understood them,” he added.
Appropriately representing the Muslim culture has been a familiar path for the actor, given that he participated in “A Soldier’s Heart” and, finally, “Blood vs Duty.” He then underscored that actors and production companies have a big responsibility to accurately and carefully represent the Muslim culture.
On the topic of his self-growth as an actor, Gerald admitted to seeking validation in the past, which was a normal reaction as a young individual getting accustomed to the spotlight. “[Ngayon], lalo na sa industriya natin, hindi mo talaga mapapasaya lahat. Kahit nagtatrabaho ka nang marangal. Laging may negativity… Kung ano ‘yung trabaho ko, ‘yun ang focus ko,” he conveyed.
As he began his newfound career as a producer and director, there are indeed surprising matters he discovered along the way, specifically about the heightened responsibility that comes with the said positions.
“Mahirap ‘yung ikaw rin ‘yung director ng sarili mong scene… It's hard kasi nga you’re trying to make the scene as balanced as possible,” he said.
When he was asked by Baron regarding the question about being nervous upon switching phones for ten minutes, Gerald humorously wondered about the trending quality of the query, since phones should be entirely personal.
“[Though] if you went through my phone, makikita mo na boring talaga ‘yung buhay ko ngayon… [Puro] schedules [and] business,” he shared, while Baron points out Gerald’s dedication to maintaining his resorts, gyms, and acting projects.
In relation to his businesses, Gerald further explained that he prioritizes building the team around him and becoming the ultimate decision-maker, for instance, in the overall costing, like in food expenses, toiletries, and more supplies.
Approaching an emotional moment, Gerald honestly revealed that one of the most painful things he has been told was about taking someone for granted. “[It was] ‘You took me for granted.’ ‘Yun na ‘yun, iwan na natin doon,” he disclosed.
The Kapamilya actor continued to show his admirable personality, particularly in the moments he underscored that people should avoid gossiping about other people and should mainly focus on focus on improving their lives as well as his pure intentions to build other actors who would be part of the next generation after him and Baron.
When it came to relationship questions, Gerald kept things straightforward, specifically agreeing that he’s the low-key but intense type, deeply valuing privacy. Despite the changes he already went through, Gerald still yearns to become even better, firstly recognizing that he should truly learn from his mistakes and regrets.
On the last query, he brought in the laughter alongside Baron, who playfully and repeatedly asked about who might be Gerald’s most loved person in his life. Ultimately, Gerald decided to live a single life, focusing on himself.
“I want to become a better partner, person, son, brother, provider… Magagawa ko ‘yan if I focus on myself muna… I’m building the life I want in five years… I have to start now,” he stated.
Marvel at Gerald’s timeless charms and dedication in “Blood vs Duty,” streaming on iWant and airing weeknights at 8pm on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).
READ: Gerald and Baron reveal what fueled their intense performances in “Blood vs Duty”
READ: Gerald goes undercover to expose the truth in “Blood vs Duty”
READ: Fun facts revealing the many passions of Gerald Anderson
READ: Gerald Anderson’s stellar evolution from teen heartthrob to action-drama powerhouse