Gerald Anderson has spent 20 years in show business, but 2025 is proving to be one of the most defining chapters of his career. From managing several businesses to recently wrapping up the drama series Sins of the Father, the actor has added another major milestone to his already full plate: making his debut as a film producer.

On December 1, Gerald officially kicked off the promotional run of his Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry Rekonek—a film that marks not only his return to the Christmas festival but also his first time wearing both the actor and producer hats.

“Naniniwala ako sa proyekto”—Why He Took the Leap Into Producing

During the film’s press conference in Makati City, Gerald revealed the reason behind this new venture.

“Ba’t ko naisip? Kasi naniniwala ako sa proyekto. Ang pinaka-importante sa akin is yung storya. You can have a beautiful cast like this but kung hindi maganda yung story mo o hindi malinaw, hindi talaga mag-wo-work. So yan yung number one ko na priority para sa akin.”

He also shared how the film aligns with a genre long missed by Filipino audiences.

“And ang favorite season ko is the Christmas season. Matagal na tayong walang Christmas movie sa MMFF and I think this year, tayo lang, Rekoneklang ang nag-iisang Christmas movie. So alam ko yung mga Pinoy, na-mi-miss din nila yung Christmas feels yung mapapanuod nila. Rekonek is the only Christmas movie. But then again, ginagamit ko rin siya as a learning experience. Kung ano matutunan ko para sa mga susunod na proyekto na gusto ko i-produce.”

Behind the Camera: A Crash Course in Producing

Balancing acting and producing pushed Gerald into unfamiliar but rewarding territory. He shared how deeply involved he was throughout the production—from schedules to logistics to handling the needs of an ensemble cast.

“You can see how beautiful the cast is. This is my first venture as a producer so more than just acting, it was an amazing learning experience para sa akin. Ngayon lang kami nagkita kita ulit. But behind the scenes, inaayos yung schedule ng bawat artista, yung promo, it was a great, stressful experience but you know, I’m always up for a challenge. 20 years na ako sa industriya. I’m always looking for something new.”

More than its heartwarming holiday theme, Rekonek poses a relevant what-if scenario that speaks directly to today’s digital generation.

“But again, maraming emotions ang mararamdaman ng audience through this movie. It’s a very relevant movie because it’s about anong mangyayari sa ating lahat pag nawalan tayo ng internet ten days before Christmas? Di ba alam natin gaano kahalaga ang internet ngayon sa buhay natin, ang wifi,” he shared.

Overcoming Challenges and Reaching the MMFF Stage

Gerald admitted that bringing Rekonek to life took perseverance, teamwork, and faith in the project.

“Madaming challenges. Finance, schedule ng artista, yung shoot mismo, MMFF, kung makakapasok kami. I think out of 50 entries, walo lang ang pipiliin. We were announced top four. So dun pa lang, malaking press na yan and malaking opportunity. So nung na-announce kami, sabi namin, ‘Tara! 100% ituloy na natin ito,’” he recalled.

A Story Told From Different Perspectives

The film features intertwining narratives from various characters affected by a sudden nationwide internet shutdown. Gerald’s storyline pairs him with actress Charlie Dizon, with whom he shares the perspective of a couple navigating a looming breakup.

“Sa totoo lang kasi, iba ibang perspectives siya. Isang buong kuwento naman siya pero from different perspectives. Ang kasama ko talaga si Charlie, kaming dalawa. Nakasama ko si Charlie before sa A Soldier’s Heart pero may love team. Sa totoo lang, kahit ngayon lang kami nagkita kita ulit kaming lahat, hindi ko talaga sila nakatrabaho. But si Charlie yung kasama ko sa perspective namin dun sa kuwento,” he explained.

A Christmas Movie With Heart, Humor, and a Timely Message

Rekonek is one of the most anticipated entries in the 2025 MMFF, offering both festive warmth and modern-day reflection. The film brings together a powerhouse cast featuring Carmina Villarroel, Bela Padilla, Andrea Brillantes, Charlie Dizon, Zoren Legaspi, Cassy Legaspi, Mavy Legaspi, and Gloria Diaz.

Directed by Jade Castro and produced by Reality MM Studios and The Th3rd Floor Studios, Rekonek hits cinemas nationwide starting December 25.

With this project, Gerald Anderson doesn’t just star—he evolves. And in doing so, he reconnects with audiences in a way only a Christmas story can deliver.