Xian Lim: “When I started working with GMA, parang hindi naman ako nababakante”
Xian Lim has already got the feel of being a Kapuso. It was in late 2021 when Lim signed up with GMA Network on a per-project basis for TV projects. But his is under the management of VIVA Artists Agency since 2018.
Lim was a talent of ABS-CBN and Star Magic since 2008. When he transferred to VIVA, Lim still did one show with the Kapamilya network, which was “Love Thy Woman” in 2020.
In an interview with FreebieMNL and other entertainment reporters during the press conference of “Hearts On Ice” on March 3, Lim shares how GMA Network welcomed him with open arms.
He tells reporters, “Nag-sink in na sa akin because everyone’s so nice and very open sa pagdating ko. I didn’t really feel any coldness especially sa mga staff, sa mga artista. I was thinking na parang sasabihin nila, ‘Bago lang yan dito.’ But, no, everyone’s parang very open arms na ‘welcome, welcome.’”
READ: GMA Network Reveals Offerings for 2023
Xian Lim is never jobless
One thing that makes Lim happy with his stay in GMA-7 is that he is never jobless.
He says, “I think lagi lang nila akong inaalala when it comes to work. Kumbaga, when I started working with GMA, parang hindi naman ako nababakante. I think that’s the most important part, lagi lang nabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang isang artista to create.”
Prior to “Hearts On Ice,” Lim was part of the mini-series “False Positive,” where he was paired with Glaiza de Castro. Lim has also taped his supposed first Kapuso series, “Love. Die. Repeat.” However, the project had to be temporarily shelved when lead actress Jennylyn Mercado got pregnant.
Aside from always having work, Lim also finds it good that he always experiences new co-stars and directors in every show he does for GMA.
When FreebieMNL brought this up, he answers, “Which is a wonderful thing kasi para sa akin, ako, gusto ko lang naman po magtrabaho. An actor—I feel—without canvas is useless kung hindi siya makakaarte at hindi siya mabibigyan ng platform to be able to show his art and his direction. How he understands a character, so, I appreciate na lagi akong binibigyan.”
The opportunities for Lim in GMA Network does not end in acting as he is also given a chance to direct.
“Actually, a couple of months ago, nabigyan nila ako ng pagkakataon sa isang epiosode ng ‘Wish Ko Lang!’ But I do express my interest sa programa nila. I remember it was Miss Annette’s birthday tapos sabi ko, ‘Baka naman may opening diyan?’ I really do express my interest.”
Miss Annette is Annette Gozon-Valdes, an executive of the network.
Kilig with Ashley Ortega
In “Hearts On Ice,” Lim plays the love interest of the lead actress, Ashley Ortega. They have shot several kilig scenes for the serye.
Of course, in real life, Lim is in a relationship with Kapamilya actress-TV host Kim Chiu. But despite this, does Lim still feel any kilig with his pairing with Ortega in their show?
Lim answers, “I think dapat. As an actor, we’re vessels. Yun po kasi paniniwala ko, e. So, it’s disabling na hindi dapat ako kiligin. Dapat, open ka lang sa mga nararamdaman mo and ako, yes, dapat kiligin ako especially when we’re working. Kasi, katulad nga ng sinabi ni Direk Dom (Zapata) kanina, e, there has to be some sort of love. Love for the craft, bakit mo siya ginagawa, bakit mo gustong maging isang artista. So, yes, definitely may kilig pa to make the love story work.”
Laughing, Lim says, “Kung walang kilig, it’s not a love story, baka action ito or horror!”
READ: Xian Lim Speaks Up On Alleged Sightings With “Hearts On Ice” Leading Lady Ashley Ortega
“Hearts On Ice” started airing on Monday, March 13, on GMA Telebabad.
Banner Image Dani Sison
