Time and again it’s proven that excelling abroad is a major step towards recognition back here home.
Singer and thespian Gerald Santos took that cue and scored his big break by landing the role of Thuy in the highly acclaimed Miss Saigon musical. Since last year he has been making a buzz as part of the play’s UK/Ireland Tour of Cameron Mackintosh.
For sure Gerald’s takeaways from this have altered him—for the better. He shared, “It changed my perspective in many ways and it gave me an even bigger boost in my confidence. Now I know I can face whatever challenge placed in front of me.”
Prior to being chosen among hundreds who have auditioned to play Thuy, Gerald was relatively a theater newbie. He, however, did lead roles for Gantimpala Theater Foundation’s Sino Ka Ba Jose Rizal? and Redlife Entertainment’s San Pedro Calungsod The Musical.
Observers may have thought that going theater was Gerald’s mere diversion while waiting to score hit songs as a singer. Besides, he all began after being named grand champion of Pinoy Pop Superstar in 2006 which earned him the moniker “The Prince of Ballad.”
But the message was clear. He was bound to excel in musicals.
“The most challenging part of playing Thuy will always be the vocal aspect because Thuy has such high songs to sing. I had to combine that with the character’s madness and emotional load,” he informed.
Having spent several months working in England doing what he loves, for sure there is that feeling of triumph going inside Gerald’s core.
Being the professional that he is, he cherishes more the process than the performance proper. Asked about his fondest memories yet, he pinpointed, “It will have to be the rehearsal days in London. The thrills are just out of this world: getting to know your co-actors, learning the whole production process, feeling the excitement and nervousness coming into the rehearsals, performing in front of the producers and creative team, and being mentored by legends.”
In light of Miss Saigon, he signed a recording contract with Star Music and released a single called “I Am Yours,” composed by Francis Salazar. The track is released in digital format, with an official music video uploaded on YouTube.
I myself have been blessed to have Gerald sing my composition “Ibulong Mo Na Sa Akin,” which is scheduled for release in the coming months.
Being grateful is second nature to Gerald. He expressed, “I will always be thankful to all those who believed and supported me all these years, through thick and thin! Thank you for the unwavering support.”
Now he’s in every way ready for whatever destiny brings on: “If there will be more opportunities for me after my Saigon stint here in the UK, I would gladly grab them. I would love to do more musicals here and tackle my dream roles. One thing is certain I’ll always be a proud Pinoy waving our flag wherever I may be.”
