Singer-actor Gerald Santos opened up about a missed opportunity to reinvent his music career with ABS-CBN’s Star Music, a plan derailed by the network’s franchise shutdown in 2020.
In our interview, Gerald shared his disappointment about the unrealized project. “There had been songs with a similar theme like ‘Hubad’ at that time,” he said. “They gave me new songs. Unfortunately, the deal with Star Music did not push through. Maybe that was not meant to be at that time.”
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Despite the setback, Gerald has found a new path. His upcoming solo concert, ‘Courage’, scheduled for January 24 at the SM North EDSA Sky Dome, marks a bold step in his career.
The ‘Courage’ concert, named after Gerald’s resilience, highlights a fresh repertoire of songs, including ‘Hubad’, which explores themes of vulnerability and reinvention. Co-written with Cebu-based songwriter Feb Cabahug, the single represents a departure from his traditional sound.
“I wanted to offer something new to my fans,” Gerald explained. “Hubad is a beautifully written song that isn’t offensive but rather meaningful and introspective. It’s part of my effort to reinvent myself musically.”
The concert will feature guest performances from Erik Santos, Sheryn Regis, and rising talents like Aster and Elish, ensuring a dynamic and diverse show.
Gerald has tied the release of ‘Hubad’ to the launch of the ‘Courage Movement’, an advocacy initiative supporting victims of sexual abuse and harassment. The movement is deeply personal, as Gerald recently revealed his own experience of abuse nearly two decades ago.
“This is my way of helping others find their voice,” Gerald said. “It’s about using my platform to create a safe space for healing and awareness.”
Gerald rose to prominence after winning ‘Pinoy Pop Superstar’ in 2005 and later gained international acclaim as Thuy in the UK production of ‘Miss Saigon’. Despite his success abroad, Gerald has chosen to focus on local projects.
“It’s fulfilling to perform internationally, but I missed being home,” he said. “I’m excited to reconnect with Filipino audiences through my music and advocacy.”
Gerald maintains a long-distance relationship with his New York-based girlfriend, Grace, which he describes as “strong and supportive.” Over the holidays, he visited Grace in New York, balancing personal commitments with his growing career.
Looking ahead, Gerald will showcase his acting prowess in the upcoming film ‘Ayaw Matulog ng Gabi’, directed by Ronald Sanchez.
