Gerald Anderson moves on from past intrigues of new show

MANILA, Philippines - Gerald Anderson recognizes that his upcoming primetime soap opera, “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin,” was plagued with intrigues even before it started airing—particularly the departure of Maricel Soriano from the show.

But Kapamilya star believes he and the viewing public have moved on from the show’s past issues.

“It happened, eh, it happens. Hindi laging Pasko, di ba? Sa buhay natin, sa trabaho natin, may times na hindi swabe,” Gerald said during the press conference for “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” on Wednesday.

It was reported last January that Maricel, who was originally slated to play Gerald’s mother on the show, allegedly shouted at Gerald during taping. She was later replaced by Dawn Zulueta, although the network didn’t specify the reason for the cast change.

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Despite the show’s rough start, Gerald said doing the project was worth it.

“Worth it is an understatement para sa pinagdaanan namin dito,” he said.

Gerald further said, “Life is not easy. It’s a rocky road. But you stay focus and mag-work hard ka lang and it will pay off.”

Of course, the 24-year-old actor would rather not dwell and talk about the issue. Instead, he wants to focus on his work as an actor when talking to the press.

“That’s why it’s called the past, e. Tapos na. Siyempre, nakakapagod din. And gusto mo yung mga pinag-uusapan n’yo, yung mga sinasagot mo is about the craft. Pero artista ako e, hindi maiiwasan,” he explained.

Inspired

And there’s a lot to talk about Gerald’s current body of work. His recently-released movie “OTJ” is currently getting early critical acclaim. The film premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight of this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

The experience of attending the film’s Cannes premiere, Gerald said, was an inspiration for him as an actor.

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“I learned so much there. Sabi ko nga kay Rayver (Gerald’s co-star in “On The Job” and “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin), ‘Halika, balik na tayo para makapag-taping na tayo para sa soap natin’,” he said.

The Kapamilya actore added: “I’m happy. Sobrang happy ako dahil okay ang personal life ko and dahil sa projects ko.”

Gerald is currently in a relationship with Maja Salvador.

“So sobrang, what can I ask for? Sobrang selfish na ako kung hihingi pa ako kay God.”

“Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” premieres Monday, September 2, on ABS-CBN.