ONLY ON OMG! - Gerald Santos takes a crack at theater

People who know Gerald Santos only as a singer are in for a surprise. The champion of “Pinoy Pop Superstar” Season Two is venturing into acting on stage. He is playing the national hero in Gantimpala Theater’s musical, “Sino Ka Ba Jose Rizal,” set on Dec. 28 at the Meralco Theater.

It takes some adjustment, of course. Sure, Gerald has tried acting, but on TV. He played himself in the defunct “Magpakailanman” and portrayed Jolina Magdangal’s brother in “I Luv New York.”

On stage, Gerald has to get used to the more exaggerated movements theater work entails.  He must also get used to acting and singing at the same time.

“Lahat ng kilos mo choreographed. Dapat malaki ang gestures mo.  Hindi ako sanay sa gano’n. Pero sa umpisa lang. Sa pangalawa, pangatlo, nakuha ko na. Relax na,” says Gerald.

No ordinary role

The Meralco show is the fourth staging of the Jose Rizal musical.  The first three were held at Clark Expo Pampanga, Ynares Gym in Antipolo and AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo.

Gerald’s motivation goes beyond just spreading his wings as a performer.  After all, his is no ordinary role.  Gerald is playing a man who has inspired not only a country—but the world—for more than a century.

“Na-inspire ako kay Dr. Jose Rizal,” says Gerald. “Pinaglaban niya ang ating karapatan. Hopefully, maiparating ko ang husay at kagalingan ng ating national hero sa mga kabataan.”

Gerald  re-acquainted himself with Rizal and got fascinated all over.

“Sobra kang magiging proud bilang Pilipino pag nalaman mo ang buhay ni Rizal,” Gerald gushes.

Handpicked to play Rizal

He knows stepping into the shoes of Ogie Alcasid, who played the same role in 1997 is not easy.   Besides, it’s a role Gerald did not ask for.  He just learned one day that the musical’s director, Tony Espejo himself handpicked him for the lead role.

“Perfect  daw sa `kin yung role dahil straight musical ito. Talagang kantahan. Pati daw yung height and looks hindi nagkakalayo,”   reveals Gerald.

The balladeer has no regrets he ventured into a hitherto unknown field.

“Sobrang nag-grow ako as a performer,” he reports. “Magandang training ito.  Nagbibigay ng disiplina.  Kailangan paglabas mo ng stage in character ka, dapat spontaneous ka.  Marami din akong natutunan sa acting.”

All these will come in handy when Gerald takes the next step in his career in 2012. 

“Mas maraming makikita ang mga tao sa akin next year.  Mas marami akong papasukin, mas marami akong gagawin,”  he vows.

Third album and a major concert in 2012

Aside from looking forward to acting assignments, Gerald is bent on living up to his title as this year’s Male Pop Artist of the Year (Star Awards) and Best Male Concert Performer (Aliw Awards).

“My opening salvo for 2012 is my third album under the indie label Prinstar Music Philippines.  I will also have a major concert in April – the follow-up to a successful one I had last June 18.”

Looks like Gerald will start the new year the way he will end 2011: with a bang.