Gerald Anderson Topbills New Teleserye Budoy

Young actor Gerald Anderson is elated to have been chosen as the lead star of "Budoy," the newest TV series to join the prime time line-up of ABS-CBN.

"I am at a loss for words. Overwhelmed ako sa kuwento, sa casting. Mayroon pa akong bagong leading lady. Kasama ko sina Ms. Zsa Zsa, Mylene. Sobrang excited kaming mag-start," said Anderson.

He noted that the characters have a different kind of depth and the story is filled with a lot of twists.

Aside from this, Anderson revealed that he is hoping the kids would pick up important values from the new soap, such as the importance of education given the declining rate of literacy among Filipinos at present.

The actor said he is looking forward to working with actress Jessy Mendiola as his newest leading lady.

"Sobra siyang beautiful. Excited akong makatrabaho siya kahit magkasama na kami sa isa pang soap ('Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo')," he said.

Anderson also acknowledged that the upcoming soap will test his chemistry with Mendiola.

Meanwhile, he also took time to answer a question about his relationship with his former partner, actress Kim Chiu.

"Sanay na kami. Si Kim may project na hindi din ako kasama. Labas na po ako [regarding sa] mga manliligaw ni Kim. Sobrang tagal na po niyan," he said.

He also told the media that he is always open to dating.

On the other hand, Mendiola is still amazed at the opportunity to work with a brilliant cast.

"Hindi lang balik prime time ako, pero sobrang bigatin pa. Mga beteranong aktor at sikat [ang kasama ko]. Sana magustuhan ng mga tao ang tambalan namin ni Gerald at mabigyan namin ng justice ang bawat character," she said.

Mendiola also said she is open to people criticizing her over the "Kimerald" issue and acknowledged it as part of her job.

"'Yong role ko mas mature. Hindi siya sultry or seductive pero mas mature in a way sa pag-iisip at pagsasalita. Pati 'yong soap 'di naman nagfo-focus sa love team kundi more on family," she said.

Anderson and Mendiola will be working along Zsa Zsa Padilla, Janice de Belen and Mylene Dizon in the series.

Budoy is an "advocacy-serye" about mentally-challenged people.