Gerald Anderson today is a far cry from the boyish teen heartthrob of his Pinoy Big Brother days. With a rugged vibe reminiscent of Tom Hardy, Gerald has been killing it onscreen in romantic-comedy fare and gritty action blockbusters.
Most recently, he’s busy filming an upcoming military-themed series inspired by the lives of soldiers in conflict. “I enjoy a challenge,” he tells Esquire Philippines of his diverse roles.
Suit by Burton Menswear; shirt by G2000; Matrixx Barsin sneakers (P3,995) by Skechers
It’s not just acting though. Gerald, one of the most in-demand actors today, is also quite the multi-tasker who lives a pretty active lifestyle. Alongside a grueling showbiz schedule, he’s gone semi-pro when he joined the Marikina Shoemasters basketball team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) earlier this year.
Esquire caught up with the actor, sportsman, and Skechers footwear ambassador to learn more about his double life and how his style has evolved over the years.
He’s having fun proving himself in basketball
It’s great. Kakaiba siya, kasi noong sumali ako sa MPBL naramdaman ko ulit yung parang baguhan ako, yung nag-start ako sa show business. It’s another challenge in my life, and mahilig naman ako sa challenges. Hindi ako nabo-bore, and it’s another way of proving myself again on a different kind of platform.
He trains hard despite his busy schedule
Mahirap, pero lagi ko sinasabi pag gusto merong paraan, pag ayaw merong dahilan. There’s always a way. Kapag meron akong two hours or three hours sa schedule ko, and sakto sa oras ng practice namin, magpra-practice ako. So, if tomorrow we have a game, and kung may taping daw kami, i-re-release ako for dinner break and I’ll go and play.
He turns to sports to relax
Basketball is something that really takes me away from anything. Kapag nasa court ako, I just focus on the game and I get to relax. I’m really a chill guy. When I’m at home, nanonood lang ako ng movies or I go to the beach.
Leather jacket by Muller & Bros at Signet; turtleneck by Uniqlo
He brainstorms at the gym
Since bata pa lang ako, I’ve always been active, and it’s also been a big factor sa success ko. Kapag stressed ako, I go to the gym and I get to relax. Doon din ako nagbra-brainstorm while I work out—iniisip ko yung pwede ko pang gawin as an actor or as a person. Sobrang key siya sa buhay ko.
He knows showbiz isn’t forever
Iba pa rin yung industry natin dito sa Pilipinas. The younger you are, the better. And I’ve been there. Noong bagong pasok ako dito sa showbiz, I was the young guy. But I’ve seen other actors like sina Echo, sina Piolo… it’s a journey. And you see these guys na medyo mas may edad sa akin but they still give their best in every performance. And that’s something I’m looking forward to.
He's cooking up other projects
Nandoon na rin ako. Iniisip ko kung ano yung ibang passions ko that I can turn into businesses na I can inspire other people but also make money from it. Alam ko naman na hindi forever ang show business. There’s something na iniisip ko na pinaplano ko pa lang. Niluluto pa lang namin ang mga plano, but it’s happening very soon.
Sport coat and trousers by G2000; turtleneck by Uniqlo; Skech-Air Supreme sneakers (P5,395) by Skechers
His personal style requires staying in shape
Siguro sumabay siya sa maturity ko. Noong bata ako, medyo hip-hop ako noon eh, sumasabay pa ako sa uso noon. And noong nagshowbiz ako, kung ano yung trend. After a while, just kung saan ako kumportable, kung ano yung gusto ko. Ang mindset ko naman is as long as I look presentable and malinis, okay na yun. I like wearing nice fitted shirts, and because I like wearing them, I have to be a fit person. I like clothes that show off your body.
skechers.com.ph
