What Budoy taught Gerald

Gerald Anderson shed weight, grew his hair and wore brow extensions and false teeth for his role in ABS-CBN’s “Budoy,” winding up soon. Gerald, 22, says he discovered things about himself while playing Budoy.

“That God put me here to help others, for one thing,” he said during the launch of his new endorsement, Jollibee’s burger steak meal, in SM Megamall. “I hope to launch a big charity event this year.”

What did this role teach you about special children?

Not to pity them. They’re just different, and we should appreciate that.

Did you ever make fun of people like Budoy?

Never.

Have you tried to help special children?

I recently gave a cash donation to a school in Montalban, Rizal, where I did my immersion for the role.

Have you always empathized with the disabled?

I always wanted to help but didn’t know how. Now I do.