Living a simple life

Gerald Madrid’s controversial love life eclipsed his work as an actor. He is the kind who loves until it hurts. He has been out of the limelight sadly because of matters of the heart and many more. As an actor, he was noticed with acting nominations on his first movie. He is one of the most hardworking, pleasant and amiable actors in tinseltown. He has not said no to any role because he says a role is a role and he is an actor. Observers say he has one of the most expressive eyes in the business. Recently, he has dipped his hands into independent films via the movie Ugat Sa Lupa (directed by Ariel Reyes) where he plays a farmer. Read on.

What is your most memorable performance on film?

I still consider my role as the son of Nida Blanca in Sana Pag-ibig Na as my most memorable performance on film.  It was my first movie. I was noticed by film critics and I got my first nominations from various award-giving bodies.

How do you see the future of independent movies in the country?

Independent movies in the country today do not actually differ from mainstream movies. They are just produced by independent people, but clearly, it’s the same and I see a bright future for independent movies simply because they have the freedom to experiment and not be dictated upon by mainstream producers.  Most independent films done these days have been honored and have been noticed, not just by serious filmmakers but by the global movie industry as well.

If your life story will be made into an indie film, what would its title be? Who are its actors?

If my life will be made into an indie movie, the title would be Kiliti because my life is colorful. I would want to play myself in the role because no one can do it better than myself. (hahahahaha!)

Do you consider yourself an underrated actor? Why?

It is not for me to say if I am underrated as an actor. I know that acting is a craft and I just give my best in every role that I get.

 Who is your greatest acting influence?

A lot of them. They include Joel Torre, Bembol Roco and Mark Gil. They have proven that they can do all kinds of roles and they are good enough to last this long in the industry.

Who is your dream film director?

Chito Roño, Olive Lamasan, Joyce Bernal and Marilou Diaz-Abaya would be on my list. Ang gusto ko, makasama sa isang pelikula na hindi makakalimutan agad ng mga tao.

Who are your favorite movie heroes?

Batman. There is always this mystery in him that people don’t know about. He is both human and superhuman. At siyempre, sa gabi lang siya lumalabas (hahahahaha!) 

What is your philosophy in life?

Enjoy every moment. Every moment is important dahil kapag may napalampas ka, hindi mo na maibabalik.

Favorite role you have portrayed?

I have a lot of favorite roles but my favorite now is the one that I have done in an independent movie where I portrayed a farmer. It was so demanding and so challenging but I love it. Mahirap dahil kakaiba siya at wala pa akong nagagawang ganitong role sa buong career ko.

What role would you never portray? 

I have played roles which I thought I will not do but eventually ended up doing. So hindi ako magsasalita ng tapos. A role is a role, lalo na kung totoo kang artista.

What do you think of nudity in films? Would you go nude? Why or why not?

I will, depending on the circumstances. If there is really a need for it, why not? Pero kung tingin ko, gagawin lang for the sake of nudity, mahabang usapan muna yun.

How do you handle competition?  

I compete with myself.  They say that in showbiz, “You are only as good as your last project.” Kaya dapat, you always outdo yourself, you compete with yourself.

Whose life story would you like to portray on film?

Rudy Fernandez. He is an icon in Philippine cinema. He has a certain mystery that made him more endearing to the public.

Which actor and actress do you admire the most and why?

Maricel Soriano and Robin Padilla. They are a league of their own. They have contributed much to the movie industry.

If you could compete one on one with any single actor, who would that be?

Pwede bang makipagsabayan kina Sam Milby, Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes at Richard Gutierrez? (hahahahahaha!)

The best compliment you have received?

That I am a good actor, kahit gaano kaliit ang role.

What is the color of your life?

White, because I am flexible. With white, pwedeng kulayan, pwedeng panatiliing white lang, pwede ring dumihan... hahahaha!

The most expensive thing you have bought for yourself?

Sasakyan, dun ako mahilig eh. At mga aso ko. 

If love has a tag price, how much are you willing to spend?

I am not willing to spend anything kasi wala naman talagang tag price ang love eh.

The worst thing you did for love?  The best?

My best maybe my worst and my worst maybe my best. Kasi kapag nagmahal ako, sincere at todo.

If I open your heart now, what do I see?

Love for my kids and my work.

What do you like most about being an actor? What don’t you like about it?

Siguro, the best thing about being an actor is to be able to portray roles na pwedeng hindi mangyari sa akin sa totoong buhay.  Nagpapalawak ng kaalaman at personality yun.  What I don’t like about it is ang tingin ng mga tao puro glamour ang pagiging artista.

Heaven or hell? Why?

Heaven syempre. Sino ba ang sasagot ng hell?