Being one of the most good-looking and talented heartthrobs of this generation, Gerald Anderson is undoubtedly one of the well-loved actors in the local entertainment scene. But aside from being a television and movie personality, he is also admired for being one the benevolent celebrities in the country. 

 Attesting to that were his heroic and generous acts over the past years, including his invaluable rescue efforts during the onslaught of Typhoon Kristine last October, which were recently recognized by his Star Magic and Philippine Coast Guard Auxilary families. Last November 24, he received the first-ever Star Magic Valor Award during the Star Magical Christmas 2024. And prior to that, he attended the donning and oathtaking ceremony of the PCGA for his promotion to the rank of Auxiliary Captain, in which seasoned broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano-Aguinaldo was among the attendees.

 In her latest vlog, the “TV Patrol” news anchor didn’t only give viewers a glimpse of the ceremony held aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) docked at Port Area in Manila City last November 13, but also had the chance to speak with Gerald himself and some of the important people in his life who were there to witness this new milestone. 

Being the lowkey guy that he is, Gerald couldn’t help but feel shy about the immense attention that he got following his valiant deed, yet he wants to take this as an opportunity to set an example and serve as an inspiration to other people, especially to his fellow celebrities. 

 According to the star of the upcoming ABS-CBN Studios series “Nobody,” the heart and desire to serve and help others run in their family. His father, Gerald Anderson Sr., used to serve in the US Navy for 30 years and was designated at Subic, Zambales, where he met his mother, Evangeline. On her part, his mom used to go above and beyond in order to extend help to those who were in need, even though they lacked financially as well. Besides, he is not the only one who’s involved in the Navy at present, but also his younger brother Ken and their half-sister. 

 “Siguro, naturally, nakuha ko lang ‘yon sa kanila. That’s why I can’t take credit for everything or ‘yong mga acts because it’s things that I’ve learned, it’s things na nakuha ko sa mga magulang ko, the way kung paano ako lumaki,” he said and went on to recount a bit of his childhood to Bernadette. 

 He was born and raised in Subic until his parents decided for them to relocate to the US when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991 and the naval base was shut down. They came back to the Philippines when he was between 12 and 13 years old and lived in his mom’s hometown in General Santos City, where he learned to and became fluent with Bisaya. He then joined “Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 1” in 2006, when he was 16. 

 During his interview with Bernadette, Gerald Sr. said that his son was expected to enlist in the Navy before partaking in the reality show. The elder Gerald simply let his child pursue his chosen career path after witnessing how Gerald Jr. was doing great as an actor and loving his life in show business. Nonetheless, he is pleased and proud of all that his son has accomplished outside of the entertainment industry.

 Unbeknown to many, his parents have been separated already. He actually joined PBB for this purpose, believing it could be an effective way for him to prevent them from ending things altogether.

 When asked by Bernadette what made him think that way, the 35-year-old actor confessed, “Maybe success? Maybe makilala ako? There [were] two reasons kung bakit ako sumali sa PBB. One is, maybe somehow, it would keep them together. Although alam ko kasi na papunta na talaga do’n, maghihiwalay na. And looking back, that’s also the best decision because everybody is at peace.” 

 He continued, “The other one is para lang makabili ako ng bahay para sa nanay ko. Sa awa ng Diyos, 18 [or] 19 years later nandito pa rin tayo. I think, it just shows kapag mahal mo ‘yong ginagawa mo or you have respect for the craft and professionalism and just love for it, even on the days na sobrang hirap, you will last.”

 And after years of hardwork, Gerald finally fulfilled his promise to his mom of providing her with a house as big as the ones they used to see on the outskirts of their neighborhood back in the US. Thus, he quips in his recent interviews that he can now indulge himself with everything that he pleases.

 This interview with Bernadette is actually the first time he has had tackled his valiant deed during Typhoon Kristine, for which videos and photos of him went viral on the internet. When asked why, he told the journalist that he simply believed that there were more worthy individuals and groups than himself who should also receive recognition and honor.

 “Kasi [I think] ang daming mas deserving. I think, there’s a lot of rescuers and volunteers na nandoon din. Siyempre, nagkataon na celebrity ako, na-picturan, na-post. It took me time to realize na bakit hindi ko na lang ‘to gamitin to highlight ‘yong ibang rescuers and volunteers, and even ‘yong mga nagdo-donate, to say also thank you to them,” he said.

 His beloved girlfriend, Julia Barretto, on the other hand, divulged that she actually didn’t have the idea what Gerald was doing at the time. In fact, she initially thought that the videos showing him rescuing people trapped inside their houses due to severe flooding in their area were taken from many years ago, until his companions and Gerald himself confirmed what just he did. “I can’t believe all the things he does,” she commented.

 And speaking of Julia, Bernadette also quizzed Gerald regarding his relationship with her, which is now in its fifth year. He might have refused to answer the question about marriage since it’s something that they should talk about between them, yet the Kapamilya actor confidently said that Julia possesses the qualities that he’s looking for in a wife.

 “Five years na kami together and we’re still learning about each other. I think nonstop naman ‘yon eh,” he related and proceeded on replying to the journo’s question on why Julia is “the one” for him. “Dahil nagagawa ko lahat ng kailangan kong gawin—from my work in the industry, business, basketball, Coastguard duties. Nagagawa ko lahat ‘yan because of the support na binibigay niya sa akin. Undying support. Doon palang eh. If you love someone, you’re willing to adjust and support. ‘Yon ang nagagawa namin sa isa’t isa.”

 When asked for the top 3 most important persons in his life right now, Gerald said that it’s definitely his mom, dad, and Julia, although he values his other support system, too, which includes his closest friends. However, he refused to choose who among them he is going to save just in case the time comes that he has to rescue them, uttering that he rather makes the sacrifice trying to save them all.

 *Photo credit to Gerald Anderson IG