Gerald heroic deeds ‘worries’ Julia
ACTOR Gerald Anderson was recently lauded by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for his “meritorious accomplishment and invaluable service provided” in relation to the conduct of search and rescue operation.
His heroic deeds that went viral online were appreciated during the massive flooding incident affecting the different areas of Metro Manila for Super Typhoon Carina.
Gerald’s exemplary performance under extreme pressure and unwavering dedication for the welfare of others, demonstrate the core values of the Philippine Coast Guard auxiliary.
His actions not only provided immediate relief, but also exemplified the spirit of compassion and heroism.
Gerald received an auxiliary medal for search and rescue. “I’m thankful to the Coast Guard for recognizing my efforts,” said Gerald. “I share this award with other rescuers and other volunteers.
Lahat ng nag-donate para makatulong sa iba.
“Like what I said, I hope that my actions, lahat ng nakita nila sa Facebook, will inspire others to also help. But they don’t have to necessarily do that. Ako, bata pa lang, nagsi swimming na ako.
“I’ve undergone MOSAR (Mountain Search and Rescue) training, water search and rescue. It’s not something I’m encouraging other people to do. There are lots of others ways to help.”
Gerald was in the garage of their house when the first day of Typhoon Carina happened. The gate was open since they were transferring their motorbikes.
“Dumaan ‘yung isang kapitbahay ko dala ang inflatable pool. May kasama siya, may bitbit siya na ni-rescue niya. Then he told me, Sir, marami pang na-stranded sa dulo ng kalsada.
“I don’t know. Hindi ko naman pwedeng sabihin, ‘Okay sir, good luck na lang.’ It’s something that maybe inside of me, others really need help. I’m still young and strong. Hangga’t kaya, pwede naman tumulong lagi.
“At that moment, you wouldn’t think of health precautions. But after, even si Julia (Barretto), they were advising me to go to the hospital and gets the shots. You would really think of those things after.”
After the rescue incident, a number of people messaged Gerald advising him to drink certain medicines to be safe.
“I never got the chance to tell Julia (Barretto, his girlfriend) what I would do,” said Gerald. “Biglaan lahat. Ang bilis umangat ng tubig. Pero hindi ko hawak ang cellphone ko. I know Julia was very worried, but she was very supportive.”
Gerald wants to assemble a search and rescue team who will be ready anytime. “For the next emergency, I want to bring our celebrity friends who are also willing to help and be part of our squadron.
“My playmates in the Star Magic Basketball, they are very willing to help. I have a group there and whenever I need help, they are all willing to help.
“We want to do a permanent situation for a search and rescue team. I will make those who want to volunteer to do the MOSAR training.
“When you are a celebrity, you have more opportunities to help. But normal civilians can join our group and offer different kinds of opportunities.”
“Pag gusto, laging may paraan to prevent this from happening because I believe we can always help. I hope there will be a concrete plan to prevent this. More readiness for search and rescue teams.”
His girlfriend, Julia, admitted what Gerald did during the typhoon was a hero moment for him and for her, as well.
“I was really, really worried, of course,” said Julia. “By nature that’s who he is as a person ever since. I just really hope that he would be safe while doing that for others. Grabe ang kaba ko noon. But that’s his heart. That’s the real him.”
Gerald recently finished filming for Buy-Bust, but the production is waiting for the availability of Anne Curtis to shoot her scenes.
After talking to director Lauren Dyogi, Gerald will also start taping another show this year, for ABS-CBN in partnership with Netflix, where he will play a character similar to being a coast guard.
And he is excited about the project.
