On Monday, January 20, Gerald Anderson returns with his first primetime teleserye in five years, A Solder’s Heart, which focuses on the lives of dedicated soldiers drawn into battle in Mindanao. The military-themed drama also stars Carlo Aquino, Jerome Ponce, Vin Abrenica, Yves Flores, Nash Aguas, and Elmo Magalona. Produced by RCD Narratives, A Soldier’s Heart is directed by Richard V. Somes.
This is Gerald’s first drama since the daytime series Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin in 2017 and primetime appearance since Nathaniel in 2015. As we delve into Gerald’s new challenging portrayal, as the aspiring soldier Alex, let us look back at his notable performances in teleseryes through the years.
Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition (2006)
In the initial teen edition of Pinoy Big Brother, Gerald emerged as among the most prominent housemates, ending his journey as the Third Big Placer. But what really made him remarkable was the birth of his love team with eventual Big Winner Kim Chiu that became the country’s hottest young pair, spawning several blockbuster films and top-rating teleseryes. Gerald also turned out to be one of the industry’s top actors, with several acting awards and achievements.
Sana Maulit Muli (2007)
In 2007, Gerald played the role of Travis “Bokbok” Johnson in his first ever primetime series, Sana Maulit Muli. Travis was a young man who was given a second chance to reunite with his first love, Jasmin “Poknat” Sta. Maria, after her untimely death. The series also starred Jake Cuenca, Erich Gonzales, Gloria Diaz, Mickey Ferriols, Glydel Mercado, and Michael de Mesa. It was directed by Jerome Pobocan and Claudio “Tots” Sanchez-Mariscal IV.
My Girl (2008)
In 2008, he portrayed Julian Abueva in the Filipino adaptation of the South Korean romantic-comedy series My Girl. Julian was a hardworking young man who always tried to please his family. He hired Jasmine (Kim Chiu) to pretend as his long-lost cousin but eventually, he also fell in love with her. The series also starred Enchong Dee, Niña Jose, Alex Gonzaga, Bing Loyzaga and Ronaldo Valdez. It was directed by Erick Salud and Jerome Pobocan.
Tayong Dalawa (2009)
In 2009, he played the role of David “JR” Garcia Jr. in the primetime action-drama series Tayong Dalawa. JR was a young man in love with Audrey King (Kim Chiu) and the rival of his half-brother, David “Dave” Garcia Jr. (Jake Cuenca). The series also starred Coco Martin, Alessandra de Rossi, Cherry Pie Picache, Agot Isidro, Gina Pareño, Spanky Manikan and Helen Gamboa. It was directed by Trina Dayrit and Ruel Bayani.
Agimat: Tiagong Akyat (2009)
In this 2009 TV adaptation of Ramon Revilla’s award-winning Huhulihin si Tiagong Akyat, Gerald played the role of the unconventional hero Santiago Ronquillo. The street-wise orphan Tiago, would acquire the amulet Pangil ng Kidlat and gain superhuman strength. He would use these powers to steal from the corrupt and help the poor. The weekly mini-series, directed by Dondon Santos, also starred Erich Gonzales, Jason Abalos, Maxene Eigenmann, Ryan Eigenmann, and Jayson Gainza.
Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo (2010)
In 2010, he portrayed Robbie Castillo in the primetime action-drama series Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo. Robbie was an orphan who was saved and raised by Steve (Gabby Concepcion) and became an NBI agent like his adoptive father. He married Gwen (Kim Chiu) and was determined to do everything for her. The series also starred Kris Aquino, Albert Martinez, Coco Martin, Maricar Reyes, Gina Pareño, Jaclyn Jose and Ms. Gloria Romero. It was directed by Erick Salud, Trina Dayrit and Dondon Santos.
Budoy (2011-2012)
In 2011, he played the role of Benjamin Maniego in the primetime family drama series Budoy Budoy was a young man who was mentally challenged, suffering from Angelman syndrome. He was in love with his childhood best friend Jackie (Jessy Mendiola). The series also starred Enrique Gil, Janice de Belen, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Christian Vasquez, Mylene Dizon, Barbara Perez and Tirso Cruz III. It was directed by Ruel Bayani and Claudio "Tots" Sanchez-Mariscal IV.
Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin (2013)
In 2013, he portrayed Miguel Dizon in the primetime legal drama series Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin. Miguel was an innocent man accused as one of the suspects in a rape case. He was the son of Zenaida (Dawn Zulueta). The series also starred Cristine Reyes, Diana Zubiri, Rayver Cruz, Tonton Gutierrez and Dina Bonnevie. It was directed by Trina Dayrit and Jerome Pobocan.
Mars Ravelo's Dyesebel (2014)
In 2014, he played the role of Fredo Montilla in the primetime fantasy drama series Dyesebel. Fredo was a mortal man who fell in love with a beautiful mermaid named Dyesebel (Anne Curtis). The series also starred Sam Milby, Andi Eigenmann, Dawn Zulueta, Eula Valdez, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gabby Concepcion and Gina Pareño. It was directed by Don Cuaresma, Francis Pasion Darnel Joy Villaflor and Jon Villarin.
Nathaniel (2015)
In 2015, he portrayed Paul Laxamana in the fantasy family drama series Nathaniel. Paul was the ex-husband of Rachel (Shaina Magdayao) and the biological father of Nathaniel (Marco Masa), a young angel sent down to Earth from Heaven to restore goodness in the world and man’s faith in God. The series also starred Isabelle Daza, Pokwang, Sharlene San Pedro, Jairus Aquino, Jayson Gainza and Ms. Coney Reyes. It was directed by Darnel Joy Villaflor and Francis Pasion.
Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin (2017)
Two years later, Gerald played the triathlete Gabriel, whose love for childhood friend Bianca (Kim Chiu), a fellow triathlete, overcame unspeakable challenges from the jealousy of top triathlete Carlos (Jake Cuenca), who also fell in love with Bianca, and the evil schemes of Isabel (Coleen Garcia), Carlos’ ex-girlfriend. But their love would be most threatened by a family secret so great, it would ruin the lives of all concerned. The series also starred Michael de Mesa, Daniel Fernando, Gina Pareno, Dante Rivero, Andrea Brilliantes and Grae Fernandez.
Considered as one of the most challenging roles he has ever done, given the grueling military training the cast underwent to portray their characters, Gerald will surely impress everyone as Alex in A Soldier’s Heart, premiering Monday, January 20 on Primetime Bida.