Gerald Santos back as Calungsod
When Gerald Santos was shown all buffed up and half-naked in a poster for a recent concert, many thought that was the end of his good boy image.
Well, not quite. Apparently, the 23-year- old has been tapped to reprise the titular role in “San Pedro Calungsod: The Musical” staged by Redlife Entertainment Productions, Inc. It is the same role he’s done for PETA in 2012.
Gerald feels he can bring more to the table this time around, having done intensive research on the character.
Apart from having similar features with the 17-year- old Filipino saint when compared to some portraits that have come out, the young singer says they have the same values.
“Parehas kami ( ni Calungsod) na playful. Mukha lang akong seryoso, pero playful ako,” he says. “Of course, mabait ( ako), palaging nasa puso si God, lagi nagpe- pray at hindi inaalis sa pang-araw-araw na buhay si Lord.”
Furthermore, he welcomes the role’s positive effect in his life. “Mas pinalapit niya ako kay Lord. Every night talaga, grabe ’ yung character niya, kahit parang after ng rehearsal ng show, parang nasa akin pa rin ’ yung character niya eh. Magiging napakagandang epekto pekto ito para sa ’kin... hindi ko Siya makakalimutan na laging pasalamatan,” n,” he says.
While doing theater eater roles is a far cry from his usual performances as singer, the “Prince of Ballad” knows this helps him become a more well-rounded person.
“Sobrang nae- enjoy ko dahil iba ’ yung fulfillment eh, ibaa ’ yung pakiramdam sa theaterheater na instant ’ yung reaction ction ng mga tao and ako rin, in, as a performer, grabe rinn ’ yung naidadagdag sa experixperience ko. Maganda ’ yung training sa theater,” r,” he says.
On the challengesges of the job, he shares, “Napakahirap po, especially lly sa boses dahil sanay ako na a kumakanta lang. Ito kasi may lines nes tapos may mga sigawan, may mga sayawan, may takbuhan. Sobrang obrang hirap, may mga pagkakataong ataong magkakasakit ka.”
Gerald hopes to o inspire many Filipinos with the endeavor even without having to show his welltoned abs.
“San Pedro Calungsod: The Musical” had a successful premiere at the Skydome, SM City North Esda recently and will commence in December for a planned national tour.