Gerald’s No.1 goal: To have longest relationship with Maja

MANILA, Philippines - “My goal is to have the longest relationship, sana hanggang marriage.”

Thus said Gerald Anderson about his relationship with Maja Salvador during the press conference of the upcoming ABS-CBN show “The Gift of Life” on Tuesday.

The statement came about when Gerald and Maja, who both star in the daytime mini-series, were asked by members of the press on how they have matured in their current relationship.

The 25-year-old actor, who stars with Maja in The Gift of Love, said he learned from his past relationships to turn “my promises into goals na lang.” 

Gerald was previously in a relationship with fellow ABS-CBN actress Kim Chiu. 

He further explained: “Does it make me less of a man na hindi ko na kaya mag-promise? Of course not. It’s just, my goal is to have the longest relationship, sana hanggang marriage, hanggang sa mamatay ako. That’s my goal. And I promise that I’d do my best. But that’s my goal, that’s my number one goal."

Prodded on when he realized that he wanted his relationship with Maja to be his “longest relationship,” the ABS-CBN star said: “Ang problema, dati ko pang sinasabi iyon and I made promises.. But that’s life. Minsan may mga bagay na hindi nangyayari.”

He’s not making any promises, Gerald reiterated. “I’m just making that my number one goal in life, na to have that very long relationship na to stay with the feelings that you have for that person sa simula pa lang. That’s very hard.” 

“Alam natin lahat na napakahirap niyan but iyan po ang goal ko. It’s not a promise, it’s a goal. I just pray to God na sana it works hard,” he added. 

Gerald and Maja have been together for over a year.

“The Gift of Life,” part of ABS-CBN’s “Give Love on Christmas” TV special, marks the first time Gerald and Maja will be working together on television.

The actor admits feeling hesistant to work with Maja at first. But Gerald said he later on felt comfortable working with his girlfriend. 

“Syempre, gusto kong protektahan kung ano 'yung meron kami,” Gerald said. “Hindi po biro yung mga pinagdaanan namin together. It was hard enough behind the camera tapos ilalagay ko pa siya sa harapan ng camera. But I find it a blessing. Ang daming kong natutunan sa kanya.”

Maja added: “Ang liit lang ng mundo ng show business, di ba? Magkakatrabaho’t magkakatrabaho din kami. Kahit anong gawin namin, hindi kami makakatakas sa mundong ito.”

“The Gift of Life” airs on Monday, December 22.