Gerald Anderson will soon topbill Budoy, ABS-CBN's "advocacy-serye" about mentally-challenged people.

The actor is reportedly studying the character of Tom Hanks in the movie Forrest Gump (1994) to serve as his peg for this project.

"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 [Padilla], Mylene [Dizon]. Sobrang excited kaming mag-start," Gerald told ABS-CBN News in an interview recently.

Janice de Belen, who recently signed up with the Kapamilya Network, is also said to be part of this project.


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Gerald hopes that kids would learn important values from Budoy, especially the importance of education.

He will be paired with Jessy Mendiola in this upcoming teleserye. He says about his new leading lady: "Sobra siyang beautiful. Excited akong makatrabaho siya kahit magkasama na kami sa isa pang soap (referring to Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo).

Jessy was quoted as saying: "Hindi lang balik prime time ako, pero sobrang bigatin pa. Mga beteranong aktor at sikat [ang co-stars ko]. Sana magustuhan ng mga tao ang tambalan namin ni Gerald at mabigyan namin ng justice ang bawat character."

She also added: "'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."