An Interview with Kim & Gerald Continued
Despite the assurances of their fans’ unwavering devotion, Gerald continues to make sure he is worthy. “I try to watch my own performances as much as possible. If I missed a certain episode, I try to catch it on YouTube or sometimes I ask someone at home to record it for me.” Kim of course, does the same. “I’m very conscious of how I look on TV so I always make sure that my nanny tapes my shows and performances so I can check where to improve.” Apart from TV, Kim and Gerald are set to come out in a movie with Angelica Panganiban and Mr. Gabby Concepcion under Star Cinema. This movie is a Metro Manila Film Fest entry, set to shoot in mid-October.
Just like any other person out of the limelight, Kim and Gerald take the time to indulge in personal activities. Gerald unsurprisingly prefers watching drama and action movies. Kim on the other hand likes “feel good movies. I don’t watch horror films, they give me goosebumps!” How else do they spend their rare free moments? “I treat my family to dinner out…or play basketball with my friends. If I have a long vacation, we go on a road trip,” shares Gerald. Kim sticks to the basics and it is apparent that even during downtime, her work is topmost on her mind. “I go to the gym, to gain weight…” she explains. For a little more fun, “I shop for my clothing requirements.” Their biggest indulgence? Gerald’s is to “sleep” while Kim cherishes bonding time. “My family usually visits me…because they reside in Cebu. With friends, I go malling or just stay home and bake.” Surely even then, fans follow her and clamor for her attention. And that’s just in the Philippines.
If New Jersey is anything to go by, Kim and Gerald have a lot more to be thankful for elsewhere in America. Ever humble, Kim is surprised. “I didn’t expect myself to reach where I am now. When I’m in a foreign country and people approach me and tell good things about me or Gerald, they inspire me to do better in my craft.” Gerald agrees, just being recognized is a big deal.
Their recognition abroad is in part due to another entertainment industry staple – the celebrity endorsement deal. Unlike those fulfilled by their contemporaries in the Philippines, Kim and Gerald have enjoyed widespread exposure in America not just for their program Tayong Dalawa airing on TFC, but also as endorsers for DIRECTV. The opportunity was a welcome one for Gerald who claims, “I was so amused, because in the States, we subscribe to DIRECTV at home…I never imagined that I’d be part of this and that they’d choose us to be their endorsers. Now, we are not just seen in the Philippines but in the US as well!” Kim recognizes her responsibility in elevating Filipino talent to a global level when she says, “I felt proud that they trusted us to endorse them. It’s like we’re representing all the Filipinos abroad.” But more importantly, she appreciates what this means to her fans. “I really hope that we make them happy and feel like they’re home even for the short time.”
Looking at Gerald and Kim, it is apparent that their words are not just practiced for the benefit of their love team or any current soap opera. It is their sincerity that shines through from reel to real life.