'Mas masarap pakinggan kapag...': Gerald Anderson reacts to Ivana Alawi's feedback on his professionalism

MANILA, Philippines — Gerald Anderson shared how he can relate to his new character in the new series "A Family Affair."

At yesterday's virtual press conference of the new teleserye by Star Creatives and ABS-CBN, the actor opened up on how he internalized his character named Paco.

"To be honest, 'di ko pa mahanap noon agad paano ko gagawin si Paco. Pero sa awa ng Diyos, after a couple of taping days, alam ko na motivation niya sa buhay. You have to find your character as fast as posible. Ideally, sana sa pangatlo or pang-apat na taping day e kilala ko na si Paco para mas madali para sa lahat," he said.

Paco is the second among four male siblings who falls in love with Cherry Red, who's played by sexy actress Ivana Alawi. He is part of the Estrella brothers, with the eldest named Dave played by Sam Milby, followed by Gerald as Paco, Jake Ejercito as Seb and Jameson Blake as the youngest named Drew.

"Yung character ko na si Paco, kakaiba. Usually sa shows na nagawa ko before, ang premise usually is 'boy meets girl,' na-in love sila. Dito sa 'A Family Afair,' medyo challenge sakin, kasi siya 'yung mas nagmamahal sa babae na gusto niya, siya ang humahabol, at gagawin niya lahat para sa babae na mahal niya. Hindi gano'n ka-strong feelings ng babae pero makukuha niya ang loob niya," he said.

He shared how he can relate to Paco, saying, "Pagmamahal niya sa pamilya, 'yung pagiging competitive niya na gusto niya successful lahat ng mga ginagawa niya. Alam niya priorities, ano ang mga importante sa buhay niya."

Gerald said he is thankful for his new acting project.

"Special sakin ito eh, kasi tungkol sa pamilya ang istorya. Dati ko pa sinasabi na sana next project ko about sa pagmamahal sa pamilya at sa serye na ito, binigay sa'kin ay tatlong kapatid, three brothers na iba iba characters." 

"Lahat ng emotions ko, nailalabas ko sa acting. There’s always a piece of me in all characters I’ve done and played," he added. 

Anderson also shared the challenges he's had to embody Paco.

"Eto ibang klase sa pagka-internse. Every week, pa-intense nang pa-intense. Every time darating ang script, pa-intense pa nang paintense. From the smallest scenes to the biggest scenes. Smallest scenes lead up to big scenes. 'Yung simpleng eksena na 'yan, importante dahil kakapitan ng mga audience 'yan."

He added, "It’s always a challenge, paano iibahin ito. Kahit simpleng pagtingin sa kanya, o paghawi ng buhok niya or paghawak sa balikat niya, dapat iba kung paano ko nagawa sa iba."

He also shared that the actors had to learn how to wrestle with cows, as their characters live in the countryside. "Kailangan naming aralin paano makipag-wrestling sa mga baka. 'Di sya biro, nakakapagod talaga."

Gerald shared how it's been working with her on-screen partner, Ivana, "One of the boys is Ivana, parang character din n'ya si Cherry Red. Galing ng Star Creatives mag-assemble ng cast."

When asked how does he feel about Ivana's feedback saying he's professional to work with, Gerald said, "Mahirap at stressful ang ginagawa namin. At the end of the day, dapat comfortable and relaxed ang mga kasama mo. Sige gusto natin sabihin nila na ginawa mo best mo sa trabaho mo. Mas masarap pakinggan kapag sinabi na maayos ka kasama."

RELATED: 'Very professional': Ivana Alawi describes leading men in 'A Family Affair'