What is most wonderful about Andrew Gan is the fact that as he walks the road of Philippine Tinseltown, he remains grounded, fueled by his dreams and passion and committed to his craft of being an actor and not just a star.
“When I decided to join showbiz, I knew that it was one big gamble. You know, in the entertainment industry, para kang palagi nasa isang mahabang pila na walang kasiguraduhan – kailan ka tatawagin, kung kailan darating ang opportunities (It’s as if you are in a long line where there is no certainty when your turn will come up, when an opportunity will arise),” said Gan.
“This is my choice, and for all the roles that I have given life to, I am grateful. Eto ang pinili kong gawin. Kaya (This is what I have chosen to do. That is why) as long as I am here, and people trust me to give life to characters, maliit man or pang lead (whether small or in a leading role), I say, bring it on! Laban palagi (Fight on always) so that there will be no what ifs and since I love what I am doing, reaching for the stars continues.”
Gan added: “To be honest, as far as my acting career is concerned, the drive, hunger, thirst and passion never cease. Lalo akong ginaganahan kaya nga lalo kong gingalingan (This is what inspires me so I always give my best).”
Gan’s fans and supporters can expect to see him in Naked Truth and Dango. The two films for online showing are directed by Catherine Camarillo.
Gan now serves as the brand ambassador of EcoEnergy. He teams up with Yik Yeung Chan, David Dai, Alvin Lam and Yohann Ortiz. Their friendship started when they high school students of the Philippine Cultural Highschool.
On friendship and becoming his friend, Gan said: “I don’t know how I do it but I can immediately sense if the person reaching out and wants to be my friend is genuine or just faking it.”
“You know, the friends I have right now, proven and tested,” Gan carries on. “Yes, the circle of friends are smaller now but it has withstood the test of time and strengthened by our experiences. Itong friends ko sa EcoEnergy are my friends from high school. And dami naming pinagdaanan na and masasabi kong talagang pangmatagalan ang friendship natin (We have gone through a lot. And I can say that these friendships are built to last). These guys are topnotch, quality people in my life na talagang nag-stay, hindi lang pang-good times, more so when the going gets rough and tough (friends who have stayed not just for the good times but more when the going gets tough).”
Gan also does not subscribe to the common perception that mixing business and friendship is not a good deal. He said: “I trust these guys.”
This is Gan’s second business venture, his first being a spa. “I want to achieve other things aside from being in show business. And I also want to be some sort of inspiration for other people. It’s not about the money or fame eh. Gusto ko maka-inspire ng tao specially sa mga taong malapit na sumuko sa dreams nila. Kasi, minsan din akong nakaramdam ng ganoon I want to be able to inspire people especially those who are almost about to give up on their dreams. Because I have been through the same thing at some point). But then again, I don’t give up. I don’t quit because I know God has given me my talent, good people. Winners never quit especially when you have God in every battle and challenge.”
Gan’s instantaneous guffaw made him more adorable! It was his reaction when asked of a possible intrigue that the gas station was a gift from an affluent benefactor.
“Nakakatawa naman iyan (That’s funny),” Gan said. “I am amazed and amused that some people would think that way. Of course, I am facing it head-on. Not true. Mga kababata ko ang partners ko sa business venture na ito (My business partners are childhood friends).”
“Hindi kasi ako yung lalaki (I am not the type of guy) who will peddle himself para lang makatanggap ng mga bagay (just to get something) or whatever material things,” the businessman added. “I have been in showbiz for quite some time and pag may ganiyan na alam mo naman na imbentong issue (when something like that, a made-up issue comes up), I do not dignify it.”
More places are being eyed by Gan and his partners as new areas for their gas station. For now, their locations are the newly opened branch which is at Fernando Poe Avenue (near the Fisher’s Mall in Quezon City), Caloocan City and Pulilan, Bulacan.
In God’s perfect time, Gan’s second business dream has become a reality.
Aside from the online shows, Andrew Gan looks forward to be a special guest star in Incognito where he appeared recently and the upcoming films he has for VIVA, where he is a contract artist.