Photos: Filipino actor Gerald Anderson on a Dubai holiday with his mother

After several years, Filipino actor Gerald Anderson, returned to Dubai, to play basketball and entertain Filipinos in the Emirate. The Filipino-American actor visited the UAE with his mother Evangeline Opsima.

In Dubai, Anderson (real name: Gerald Randolph Opsima Anderson Jr.,) was seen enjoying the city’s best-known tourist destinations with his mum and playing basketball with fellow Filipinos. They shared showing the major Dubai landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab Hotel in the background.

The Filipino-American actor is an accomplished basketball player, commands the spotlight in the Philippine entertainment industry. Under the management of Star Magic, ABS-CBN's premier talent agency, Anderson has earned acclaim as the "Action-Drama Prince," emerging as one of the most sought-after leading men of his generation.

Anderson’s basketball gig in the UAE is part of the the Shukran Festival 2023 celebration held at Horizon International School, Al Wasl, Dubai on December 9, 2023. "It's good to be back. I love Dubai because there are many Filipinos, we did a show here, we did basketball with MPBL, now another TFC event,” Anderson told ABS-CBN News.

Born on March 7, 1989, in Subic, Zambales, Philippines, to an American father and a Filipina businesswoman mother, Anderson's multicultural background enriches his oral fluency in English, Tagalog, and Cebuano. His family's journey from the United States to the Philippines and back, fostering a diverse upbringing, adds depth to his narrative.

Discovered by Joross Gamboa in 2006 during Gamboa's performance in Anderson's hometown, Gerald's entry into the limelight was swift. Introduced to manager Jhun Reyes, he embarked on a transformative journey, entering the Pinoy Big Brother house in April 2006 and emerging as the Teen Third Big Placer after 42 days.

Teaming up with actress Kim Chiu, Anderson's career soared as they featured in various ABS-CBN shows and films. Notable projects include "Sana Maulit Muli," "My Girl," and the critically acclaimed "On the Job" at the Cannes Film Festival.

Beyond his acting prowess, Anderson pursues his basketball career, having joined teams such as the Marikina Shoemasters, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3, Imus Bandera, and GenSan Warriors, he has showcased his athletic prowess on the court.

Anderson's career is punctuated by numerous accolades, including recognitions from Chalk Magazine, Yes! Magazine, Candy Magazine, Meg Magazine, Star Studio Magazine, Cosmo Men Magazine, Inside Showbiz, and Metro Magazine, solidifying his status as a multifaceted and influential figure in Philippine showbiz.