All’s well between Kim & Gerald

MANILA, Philippines - Kim Chiu never denied that there were awkward moments when she and Gerald Anderson started working together again years after their love team Kimerald was torn apart and their rumored real-life romance fizzled out. The two are reunited in the ABS-CBN new daytime soap Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin to air weekdays beginning May 1 before It’s Showtime.

“We felt awkward at first because we’re not that super friends,” said Kim during the soap’s grand launch. “Hi and hello lang talaga kami sa ASAP or sometimes kamustahan lang and after many years, we agreed to do this (to be together again). People know what happened to us was not that pleasant because we were young then. At least, we learned from that experience. We’ve become professional.”

For his part, Gerald said everything took a smooth, gradual turn. That’s why, he is grateful for the opportunity to work with Kim again in front of the camera.

Now that everything is fine between them, Kim is visibly at peace with herself. “One important lesson that I’ve learned is you can never be truly happy if you do not know how to forgive (the one that caused the pain). Hindi yung tao ang kalaban mo kundi ang sarili mo din because you’ll grow tired avoiding and hating the person so why not just forgive and go on with your life? It will make you happier, look at us (laughs), okay kami kaya happy kami.”

In fact, Gerald can attest to Kim’s high level of energy, rubbing it off on their co-stars during tapings. “Grabe ang energy n’ya sometimes I need to distance myself to be able to concentrate. But it’s great to know that whatever happened (to us in the past), she remained passionate with her work.”

Another thing that amazes Gerald no end is her determination to achieve her goal. “It’s really admirable. Imagine from the set, lacking sleep, she headed straight to the 21K marathon. Mahirap po ‘yun.”

Kim explained, “Probably it’s because I no longer want to be just confined in my comfort zone. I want to do more and enjoy the moment so I am now grabbing every opportunity while I’m young.”

When asked about the changes in Gerald, Kim said, “He’s just quiet sitting in a corner and when the time that everyone gets noisier, he will hibernate in his car. Perhaps, sign of aging (laughs). Nasa actor’s cue s’ya lagi kahit nakakatawa ‘yung eksena.”

But that doesn’t mean Kim is not taking her character in Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin seriously. Strenuous preparations, she said, are essential in order to effectively breathe life into the role which is both physically and emotionally draining. Aside from the heavy drama acting scenes, Kim is also required to show a certain level of endurance. Good thing, Kim is into duathlon therefore, she exactly fits the role as the athletic Bianca.

“My body seems weak and fragile but actually I am strong; I have the strength to run kaya ginawa ko except swimming,” said Kim, who also proudly announced that she was able to finish the 10, 16 and 20k marathon.

In the story, Kim is Bianca who aspires to become a triathlete just like her childhood friend Gabriel (Gerald) to be able to provide a better life for their loved ones. As they reach for their dreams, they also experience love for the first time.

Unfortunately, Bianca leaves the province to save her father’s life from illness and there is no choice but to be separated from Gabriel. But fate has a way for their paths to cross. They see each other in a triathlon event headed by Carlos (Jake Cuenca), the guy who will be smitten by Bianca’s beauty.

Gerald expressed delight about portraying a character who is into triathlon which coincidentally the sport that is of interest to him. “I am already into it even before they offered me this project. We do trainings during taping breaks.” Their set location is the Marikina Sports Complex.

Does he miss working again with Kim?

“’I’m more grateful to have the chance to work with her again. We started together since we came out of the PBB house… she was there by my side — teamwork kami. Kumbaga sa bahay yung career ko, si Kim ang foundation ko. I’m not the vocal type and I don’t express my emotion but I know how and where I started,” Gerald replied.

(A Dreamscape production, Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin also stars Dante Rivero, Michael de Mesa, Bing Loyzaga, Gina Pareño, Ayen Laurel, Daniel Fernando, Coleen Garcia, Jake Cuenca, Andrea Brillantes, Grae Fernandez, Nicco Manalo and Ivan Carapiet. It is directed by Dan Villegas and Onat Diaz.)