Gerald Anderson: 'Life is a marathon'

MANILA, Philippines — “A Love to Last” star Bea Alonzo keeps the photos of her exes  — and her boyfriend, actor Gerald Anderson, does not mind.

RELATED: Bea Alonzo keeps ex-boyfriends' photos

“Part ng buhay ng isang tao ‘yan e, something na ‘di natin mabubura,” he told Philstar.com in a recent interview following his successful finish at the Skechers LA Marathon.

He does not feel jealous, even now that Bea is seen in romantic scenes with actor Ian Veneracion in “A Love to Last.”

“Ako naman ‘yung tipo ng tao na ine-enjoy ko ‘yung moment. Kung anong nangyayari sa buhay ko ngayon, ‘yun ang focus ko, hindi ‘yung past,” added Gerald, who is also working with his ex-girlfriend, Kim Chiu, for another ABS-CBN soap opera. He and Kim are even in a sexy magazine cover shoot lately.

He assured that he and Bea have a high level of trust. “Kasi hindi ako nag-dwe-dwell sa past,” he said.

Last Holy Week, Bea and Gerald had a beach vacation in Davao together with their families.

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When the actor celebrated his birthday last March 7, Bea’s gift for him was “support and time.” He also got his wish of “wisdom, strength and motivation.”

Shortly after his birthday, Gerald finished the 42k Los Angeles marathon. Bea was so happy when he crossed the finish line and called him right away to congratulate. Will he be running with Bea in the next marathon?

“She joins runs. Kaya n’ya (mag-marathon). Kaya ng kahit sinong may gusto, basta paghihirapan,” he assured. “It’s one thing I want people to experience, kahit hindi ‘yung 42k, kahit ‘yung mga half-marathon man lang. Kasi ‘yun ang gusto kong maranasan ng mga tao, ‘yung fulfillment.”

Crossing the finish line has its own joy and offers a different feeling altogether that Gerald cannot compare it to the happiness he felt during his birthday, Christmas, or first kiss with Bea.

“The fulfillment, the emotions, do not compare with anything…Kasi alam mo na pinaghirapan mo s’ya, ‘yung emotions at fulfillment na binibigay sa’yo na isang marathon or isang race, iba s’ya.”

He was at the brink of giving up at 20 to 35 kilometers. But what kept him going were cheers from fellow Filipinos saying, “Malapit na!”

“It was very challenging, especially the last part,” he recalled. “My entire body aches, especially the legs. I saw people fainting along the way…Kasi pinu-push mo sarili mo, pinu-push mo katawan mo to a point na ‘di pa nararating ng katawan mo. That’s why nung kinakabit na ‘yung medal, iba na ‘yung pakiramdam… The cheers really gave me a boost of energy. Inisip ko ‘yung mga taong naghintay sa’kin sa dulo. Inisip ko ‘yung pinaghirapan ko para sa event na ‘to.”

After the marathon, his Skechers shoes are still in good condition and can still be used for several marathons more. He did not use a new pair and even used an old pair, which he plans to auction for charity.

“Kung hindi dahil sa shoes na ginamit ko, for sure, mas mabagal ‘yung oras ko at for sure, mas masakit ‘yung katawan ko…Kung ‘di ‘yun ‘yung suot ko, baka hindi ako nakarating (sa finish line).”

He is still thinking if he would do a repeat of his 42k feat, depending on his showbiz schedule, because preparing for a marathon is time-consuming. He, however, disclosed that he will be joining more races every weekend, which is why he trains non-stop.

He lost weight and got darker from the LA Marathon, but more than anything, he built his endurance, distance, and mileage. He learned about his limits and how to handle challenges.

“Ang dami kong natutunan. Ang sabi ko nga, ‘yung marathon, parang buhay ‘yan e. Maraming challenges na darating sa buhay, but we have to get to the finish line kahit na anong mangyari…Kapag gusto mo talaga, ‘pag may problema ka, kaya mong lagpasan ‘yan. Just stay positive!”

Gerald Anderson in Skechers' lifestyle collection.