Julia Barretto joined boyfriend Gerald Anderson in celebrating a significant milestone as he was promoted to auxiliary captain in the Philippine Coast Guard, showing her support at a ceremony held on Wednesday.
The event, which marked Gerald’s transition from auxiliary commander to captain, saw support from close family and colleagues, including Julia, her mother Marjorie Barretto, Gerald’s father Gerald Randolph Anderson Sr., and ABS-CBN COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes. Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan and Senator Robin Padilla led the donning and oath-taking ceremony.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, Gerald expressed his gratitude and excitement, saying, “More than the rank, it’s just being here with amazing people. Na-recognize tayo ng idol natin sa ganitong sitwasyon and circumstances, ’di ba? Si Senator Robin Padilla pa ’yung nag-pass ng resolution for this to happen.”
During the event, Gerald also shared his vision of forming a Coast Guard squadron equipped for search-and-rescue missions during calamities. “That’s the goal. To have a search and rescue na mas equipped and ready. Kumbaga, kung nakita niyo nu’n sa video nu’ng Typhoon Carina, gamit ko is inflatable pool kasi ‘yun lang meron kami nu’ng time na ‘yon,” he said, adding that he hopes to recruit friends from the entertainment industry to join and undergo Water Search and Rescue training.
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Julia, who proudly stood by his side, shared her excitement for Gerald’s achievements. “More than anything, I’m very proud to have been part of the celebration, to witness this milestone for him. I am so proud of him because he really does his duties and really goes out there. Love to help,” she said.
Julia added, “I’m just really happy. I’m really happy to be by his side and grateful that I get to be a part of this. At the end of the day, I really am just his partner who will always have his back.”
When asked about marriage plans, Julia explained that they are enjoying their journey together. “We’re just taking it day by day, being present and enjoying this time together. I love watching him achieve a lot more things and watch him live his dreams. There’s so much dreams that is outside industry that we’re in order already. In the right time. In God’s time,” she shared.