Why 'Sins of the Father' Is a Great Comeback Project for Gerald Anderson and Jessy Mendiola
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Why 'Sins of the Father' Is a Great Comeback Project for Gerald Anderson and Jessy Mendiola
Grace Diez
Published Jun 28, 2025 06:00 PM PHT
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Updated Jun 28, 2025 06:21 PM PHT
Gerald Anderson and Jessy Mendiola, as photographed by Dix Perez
Gerald Anderson and Jessy Mendiola, as photographed by Dix PerezThe scene stealers are back, and they have a new mission in the industry.
The scene stealers are back, and they have a new mission in the industry.
ABS-CBN's Sins of the Father tackles the life of Samuel Trinidad (Gerald Anderson), a successful and respected banker, who distanced himself from his criminal father (John Arcilla) because the latter made a living out of scamming people. In a dark turn of events, a dangerous conspiracy links him to his father’s misdeeds and questionable activities. Falsely implicated in his father’s crimes, Samuel faces a perilous journey of proving his innocence before he loses everything important in his life.
ABS-CBN's Sins of the Father tackles the life of Samuel Trinidad (Gerald Anderson), a successful and respected banker, who distanced himself from his criminal father (John Arcilla) because the latter made a living out of scamming people. In a dark turn of events, a dangerous conspiracy links him to his father’s misdeeds and questionable activities. Falsely implicated in his father’s crimes, Samuel faces a perilous journey of proving his innocence before he loses everything important in his life.
Adding to the intensity of the series are the talented and exceptional cast members, which include Jessy Mendiola, Shaina Magdayao, JC de Vera, RK Bagatsing, Seth Fedelin, Francine Diaz, Soliman Cruz, Nico Antonio, Jerald Napoles, LA Santos, Joko Diaz, Lotlot de Leon, and Tirso Cruz III. The drama is written by Dindo Perez and directed by FM Reyes and Bjoy Balagtas under JRB Creative Productions.
Adding to the intensity of the series are the talented and exceptional cast members, which include Jessy Mendiola, Shaina Magdayao, JC de Vera, RK Bagatsing, Seth Fedelin, Francine Diaz, Soliman Cruz, Nico Antonio, Jerald Napoles, LA Santos, Joko Diaz, Lotlot de Leon, and Tirso Cruz III. The drama is written by Dindo Perez and directed by FM Reyes and Bjoy Balagtas under JRB Creative Productions.
Interestingly, before the show became Sins of the Father, it was a police drama titled Nobody that was first pitched to Gerald. It has since undergone a massive creative transformation.
Interestingly, before the show became Sins of the Father, it was a police drama titled Nobody that was first pitched to Gerald. It has since undergone a massive creative transformation.
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On Jessy: Tartan dress by Austeen Soriano | On Gerald: Ensemble by Franz Javier
On Jessy: Tartan dress by Austeen Soriano | On Gerald: Ensemble by Franz JavierGerald’s newfound purpose
In an era where content creators and shows fiercely compete for audience’s attention and interest, Gerald welcomed the revamp the show faced to elevate its quality.
In an era where content creators and shows fiercely compete for audience’s attention and interest, Gerald welcomed the revamp the show faced to elevate its quality.
“Binago talaga and enhanced. Sobrang ganda ng Sins of the Father at sobrang happy ako nu'ng pinitch sa akin iyong revamped na story. It made more sense and timely siya sa nangyayari sa bansa natin. Alam kong mas maraming makaka-relate, and mas malakas ang family storyline. It’s a crime, suspense, drama, thriller, action—lahat ng elements nandito na. When it was pitched to me, I was super excited na mag-start kami,” Gerald begins, his enthusiasm evident.
“Binago talaga and enhanced. Sobrang ganda ng Sins of the Father at sobrang happy ako nu'ng pinitch sa akin iyong revamped na story. It made more sense and timely siya sa nangyayari sa bansa natin. Alam kong mas maraming makaka-relate, and mas malakas ang family storyline. It’s a crime, suspense, drama, thriller, action—lahat ng elements nandito na. When it was pitched to me, I was super excited na mag-start kami,” Gerald begins, his enthusiasm evident.
The actor, whose last series was 2022's A Family Affair, disclosed that he has always preferred to work on projects that will raise social awareness.
The actor, whose last series was 2022's A Family Affair, disclosed that he has always preferred to work on projects that will raise social awareness.
“Mas motivated ako at may request talaga ako na kapag may show ako, sana may social awareness at relevance sa times, sa mga nagaganap sa bansa natin. It motivates me even more kasi alam namin na may mapupulot ‘yung audience natin. Hindi lang siya tipong love story lang or hindi siya action lang para masabi na may ginagawa na action. There's always a deeper meaning so mas motivated ako to bring out the best,” he explains.
“Mas motivated ako at may request talaga ako na kapag may show ako, sana may social awareness at relevance sa times, sa mga nagaganap sa bansa natin. It motivates me even more kasi alam namin na may mapupulot ‘yung audience natin. Hindi lang siya tipong love story lang or hindi siya action lang para masabi na may ginagawa na action. There's always a deeper meaning so mas motivated ako to bring out the best,” he explains.
Gerald has valid reasons to be excited about the project. In his nearly two decades in the industry, he is stepping into one of the most complex and socially relevant roles he has ever played. After all, it’s a drama that fearlessly dives into the world of scams, like crypto fraud, catfishing, and networking based on pyramid schemes, mirroring real-life issues that many Filipinos continue to experience.
Gerald has valid reasons to be excited about the project. In his nearly two decades in the industry, he is stepping into one of the most complex and socially relevant roles he has ever played. After all, it’s a drama that fearlessly dives into the world of scams, like crypto fraud, catfishing, and networking based on pyramid schemes, mirroring real-life issues that many Filipinos continue to experience.
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“Before, iyong mga shows natin were very formulaic. You have the clean-cut, straight arrow na lead,“ he says—not that anything is wrong with that, but as times have changed, Gerald is glad that there is a conscious effort to reassess the goals and the approach to these shows.
“Before, iyong mga shows natin were very formulaic. You have the clean-cut, straight arrow na lead,“ he says—not that anything is wrong with that, but as times have changed, Gerald is glad that there is a conscious effort to reassess the goals and the approach to these shows.
“Ngayon, iyong character ko is also great pero hindi siya perpektong tao. Hindi siya galing sa perpektong pamilya. Maybe iyong proseso niya para makatulong sa mga na-scam or maprotektahan ‘yung pamilya niya is not always the right decision para sa iba. He's a very flawed person. So, ‘yun ang maganda—totoong tao siya. Kapag bida kasi parang perfect character [pero] wala namang ganoon sa totoong buhay. So I'm very happy na ganito ‘yung character ko,” he shares, zeroing in on his character’s moral complexity.
“Ngayon, iyong character ko is also great pero hindi siya perpektong tao. Hindi siya galing sa perpektong pamilya. Maybe iyong proseso niya para makatulong sa mga na-scam or maprotektahan ‘yung pamilya niya is not always the right decision para sa iba. He's a very flawed person. So, ‘yun ang maganda—totoong tao siya. Kapag bida kasi parang perfect character [pero] wala namang ganoon sa totoong buhay. So I'm very happy na ganito ‘yung character ko,” he shares, zeroing in on his character’s moral complexity.
“[The show] mirrors realities. We protect our family at all costs and sometimes, gagawa tayo nang hindi tama para maprotektahan ang pamilya natin or para makatulong sa iba,” the actor adds.
“[The show] mirrors realities. We protect our family at all costs and sometimes, gagawa tayo nang hindi tama para maprotektahan ang pamilya natin or para makatulong sa iba,” the actor adds.
Unknown to many, Gerald is actually more involved in the production behind the cameras. Working closely with JRB Creative Productions, the actor has been part of the show’s creative process, dutifully attending meetings and contributing ideas.
Unknown to many, Gerald is actually more involved in the production behind the cameras. Working closely with JRB Creative Productions, the actor has been part of the show’s creative process, dutifully attending meetings and contributing ideas.
“Super happy ako sa JRB Creative Productions because they’re very collaborative. Moving forward, I want to do projects and I want to tell stories na hindi pa naikukuwento so I really want to be a part of the [production and creative] team,” he confesses.
“Super happy ako sa JRB Creative Productions because they’re very collaborative. Moving forward, I want to do projects and I want to tell stories na hindi pa naikukuwento so I really want to be a part of the [production and creative] team,” he confesses.
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Asked to describe what the energy was like on set, Gerald couldn’t help but rave about the working chemistry of the whole team.
Asked to describe what the energy was like on set, Gerald couldn’t help but rave about the working chemistry of the whole team.
“Ganda ng energy! From the directors to the cast to the crew—ang ganda ng energy ng lahat. We love what we are doing. Enjoy lang kami kahit mahirap,” he says.
“Ganda ng energy! From the directors to the cast to the crew—ang ganda ng energy ng lahat. We love what we are doing. Enjoy lang kami kahit mahirap,” he says.
The show can get pretty demanding, with Gerald sometimes having to deal with many sequences in a shooting day, but he remains energized, partly thanks to caffeine but mainly due to passion and the infectious energy of the director and the team.
The show can get pretty demanding, with Gerald sometimes having to deal with many sequences in a shooting day, but he remains energized, partly thanks to caffeine but mainly due to passion and the infectious energy of the director and the team.
“27 sequences—kasama ako halos lahat! Pero okay lang kasi nai-enjoy ko iyong ginagawa ko, and we know that we have a good product and a good show. Bawal sa amin iyong ‘pwede na ‘yan!’ And even me, I bring that culture na galingan natin because meron kaming bigger picture at bigger purpose for the show,” Gerald narrates.
“27 sequences—kasama ako halos lahat! Pero okay lang kasi nai-enjoy ko iyong ginagawa ko, and we know that we have a good product and a good show. Bawal sa amin iyong ‘pwede na ‘yan!’ And even me, I bring that culture na galingan natin because meron kaming bigger picture at bigger purpose for the show,” Gerald narrates.
On Jessy: Brown coat by Patty Ang and brown dress by Beyond PH | On Gerald: Ensemble by Franz Javier
On Jessy: Brown coat by Patty Ang and brown dress by Beyond PH | On Gerald: Ensemble by Franz JavierSins of the Father reunites Gerald with Jessy (Budoy), Shaina (Nathaniel), and JC (Halik sa Hangin), and another appeal of the show is that it allowed the actor to work with legendary actors John Arcilla, Lotlot de Leon, and Tirso Cruz III.
Sins of the Father reunites Gerald with Jessy (Budoy), Shaina (Nathaniel), and JC (Halik sa Hangin), and another appeal of the show is that it allowed the actor to work with legendary actors John Arcilla, Lotlot de Leon, and Tirso Cruz III.
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“This cast—they make me look good,” he smiles.
“This cast—they make me look good,” he smiles.
Gerald also noted the changes he experienced in working with female lead Jessy again.
Gerald also noted the changes he experienced in working with female lead Jessy again.
“Iba iyong maturity ni Jessy as a person and as an actress. Iyong makikita mo na she’s giving her best talaga. She has every reason not to be there—may asawa at anak na siya—but for her to be there 100% and ginagawa iyong best niya is very inspiring,” the actor beams.
“Iba iyong maturity ni Jessy as a person and as an actress. Iyong makikita mo na she’s giving her best talaga. She has every reason not to be there—may asawa at anak na siya—but for her to be there 100% and ginagawa iyong best niya is very inspiring,” the actor beams.
More than anything, Gerald has high hopes for the show and how viewers perceive his portrayal. “Sana hindi ako iyong nakikita nila. As an actor, I hope na makita nila iyong growth or iyong energy, intensity, and passion ko to bring characters to life and to make this story as real as possible,” he pensively remarks.
More than anything, Gerald has high hopes for the show and how viewers perceive his portrayal. “Sana hindi ako iyong nakikita nila. As an actor, I hope na makita nila iyong growth or iyong energy, intensity, and passion ko to bring characters to life and to make this story as real as possible,” he pensively remarks.
Jessy embraces the spotlight again
Jessy, on the other hand, reflects on the progress and maturity that both she and Gerald now bring to the set of their reunion project.
Jessy, on the other hand, reflects on the progress and maturity that both she and Gerald now bring to the set of their reunion project.
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“We have both matured in so many ways,” she says. “I’m just really happy to be working with him again. Si Gerald, isa sa pinakamabait na celebrity males na makikilala mo. He’s so kind and generous. Talagang kapag may scenes kami together, maalaga siya. Tutok siya sa action scenes and sa aming lahat—bawat character even with mine,” Jessy continues.
“We have both matured in so many ways,” she says. “I’m just really happy to be working with him again. Si Gerald, isa sa pinakamabait na celebrity males na makikilala mo. He’s so kind and generous. Talagang kapag may scenes kami together, maalaga siya. Tutok siya sa action scenes and sa aming lahat—bawat character even with mine,” Jessy continues.
The actress is equally excited to be a part of Sins of the Father, choosing this as her comeback project after a hiatus to focus on motherhood and family. Her last small screen projects were 2018's FPJ's Ang Probinsyano and 2019's Sandugo. The series marks a significant chapter in Jessy’s career as it blends suspense, action, and thriller—something that the actress has not done before.
The actress is equally excited to be a part of Sins of the Father, choosing this as her comeback project after a hiatus to focus on motherhood and family. Her last small screen projects were 2018's FPJ's Ang Probinsyano and 2019's Sandugo. The series marks a significant chapter in Jessy’s career as it blends suspense, action, and thriller—something that the actress has not done before.
“I said yes naman kasi basta ABS-CBN talaga, you know na pinag-isipan, pinaghirapan, at saka talagang bawat character, bibigyan ka ng moment to shine. So aside from the storyline, I really like the role. The role is very mysterious,” she shares, offering some insights into her character.
“I said yes naman kasi basta ABS-CBN talaga, you know na pinag-isipan, pinaghirapan, at saka talagang bawat character, bibigyan ka ng moment to shine. So aside from the storyline, I really like the role. The role is very mysterious,” she shares, offering some insights into her character.
“My name sa show is Agnes Policarpio. At first, you'll see her na, ‘Oh wow, she's so innocent and so pretty’ but ang dami niyang mysteries and secrets. I think that's why I said yes. I've never done this kind of role before,” the actress shares.
“My name sa show is Agnes Policarpio. At first, you'll see her na, ‘Oh wow, she's so innocent and so pretty’ but ang dami niyang mysteries and secrets. I think that's why I said yes. I've never done this kind of role before,” the actress shares.
Asked what she finds the most challenging aspect of her role, Jessy couldn’t help but exclaim, “My gosh, the action scenes!”
Asked what she finds the most challenging aspect of her role, Jessy couldn’t help but exclaim, “My gosh, the action scenes!”
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“Talagang hindi ko in-expect. Sabi ko, ‘Kaya ko ba ito?’ Ang tagal ko nang walang training. When we did our first action scene, the next day, sumakit katawan ko, but really, I’m enjoying a lot,” Jessy laughs, showing fondness for her role.
“Talagang hindi ko in-expect. Sabi ko, ‘Kaya ko ba ito?’ Ang tagal ko nang walang training. When we did our first action scene, the next day, sumakit katawan ko, but really, I’m enjoying a lot,” Jessy laughs, showing fondness for her role.
Jessy describes this phase of her life as a “rebirth,” exploring new opportunities while remaining grounded in her personal values.
Jessy describes this phase of her life as a “rebirth,” exploring new opportunities while remaining grounded in her personal values.
“I used to say no to projects because I thought I was done. Kumbaga tanggap ko na na my life is here with my family. At this point, I’m just really open to see what God has in store for me. But this show came at the right time. I guess God has other plans. I call it seasons of life. So my season now is to be visible again and to work hard,” she reflects, trying to make sense of how everything came into place.
“I used to say no to projects because I thought I was done. Kumbaga tanggap ko na na my life is here with my family. At this point, I’m just really open to see what God has in store for me. But this show came at the right time. I guess God has other plans. I call it seasons of life. So my season now is to be visible again and to work hard,” she reflects, trying to make sense of how everything came into place.
“I almost said no kasi nahihiya ako na matagalan iyong start ng show. But I guess it was a blessing in disguise na binago iyong script kaya nahintay nila ako,” Jessy continues, referring to the period she had to help in the political campaign of her husband, Luis Manzano.
“I almost said no kasi nahihiya ako na matagalan iyong start ng show. But I guess it was a blessing in disguise na binago iyong script kaya nahintay nila ako,” Jessy continues, referring to the period she had to help in the political campaign of her husband, Luis Manzano.
She hopes Sins of the Father will resonate with audiences, especially given its timely themes.
She hopes Sins of the Father will resonate with audiences, especially given its timely themes.
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“My character, Agnes, is all about the pureness of her heart. Sana makita ng mga tao and lumabas iyon sa screen at makarating sa mga viewers,” she said, hopeful to connect with the audience again.
“My character, Agnes, is all about the pureness of her heart. Sana makita ng mga tao and lumabas iyon sa screen at makarating sa mga viewers,” she said, hopeful to connect with the audience again.
“It’s a very different show. It’s very relevant right now—about scamming, deception, and the sins we inherit or commit. Everyone can relate to it in some way. Tatak Kapamilya siya. This show—pinag-isipan, pinaghirapan, and alam mo na iyong directors and writers namin talagang ibinuhos iyong pagmamahal sa bawat character, and I’m really so excited for people to see this,” the glowing actress-mom concludes.
“It’s a very different show. It’s very relevant right now—about scamming, deception, and the sins we inherit or commit. Everyone can relate to it in some way. Tatak Kapamilya siya. This show—pinag-isipan, pinaghirapan, and alam mo na iyong directors and writers namin talagang ibinuhos iyong pagmamahal sa bawat character, and I’m really so excited for people to see this,” the glowing actress-mom concludes.
With Sins of the Father, the production team isn’t just telling a compelling story—it’s delivering a statement to confront real-life issues. With the way the show has debuted with high viewership, Sins of the Father is shaping up to make a mark not only in the entertainment scene but also in today’s society.
With Sins of the Father, the production team isn’t just telling a compelling story—it’s delivering a statement to confront real-life issues. With the way the show has debuted with high viewership, Sins of the Father is shaping up to make a mark not only in the entertainment scene but also in today’s society.
Sins of the Father is airing on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, TV5, iWant, and TFC on weeknights at 9.30 pm.
Photographer: Dix Perez
Photographer: Dix Perez
Sittings editors: Grace Libero-Cruz and Kate Paras-Santiago
Sittings editors: Grace Libero-Cruz and Kate Paras-Santiago
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Creative director: Chookie Cruz
Creative director: Chookie Cruz
Fashion associate: Carla Buyo
Fashion associate: Carla Buyo
Stylists: Ivor Jullian (Gerald) and Patty Yap, assisted by Len Abrillo and Luigi Bravo (Jessy)
Stylists: Ivor Jullian (Gerald) and Patty Yap, assisted by Len Abrillo and Luigi Bravo (Jessy)
Makeup and hair: Kusie Ho and Bianca Vergara (Jessy), Dexter Gonzalgo (Gerald)
Makeup and hair: Kusie Ho and Bianca Vergara (Jessy), Dexter Gonzalgo (Gerald)
Interviewer: Grace Libero-Cruz
Interviewer: Grace Libero-Cruz
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Videographer: Pat Buenaobra, assisted by Gimo Besinga
Videographer: Pat Buenaobra, assisted by Gimo Besinga
Shoot coordinator: Iya Baring
Shoot coordinator: Iya Baring
Special thanks to Star Magic, PJ Calingo, Julie Anne R. Benitez, and JRB Creative Production
Special thanks to Star Magic, PJ Calingo, Julie Anne R. Benitez, and JRB Creative Production
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