Xian Lim says gf Kim Chiu ‘supportive’ of his decisions, like doing GMA series

Xian (right) and Kim Chiu

When it comes to their respective careers, Xian Lim said he and Kim Chiu don’t meddle in each other’s decisions. So, when the actor agreed to do a drama series with GMA 7, his girlfriend offered nothing but full support. “We’re very supportive of each other’s projects, whether they be movies or television shows, or whether they require us to work with other actors. Or in this case working for a different network … We’re supportive of each other’s moves,” he said in a virtual conference, announcing his role in “Love. Die. Repeat.,” his upcoming primetime series with Jennylyn Mercado.

The show biz couple, who have spent almost their entire careers with ABS-CBN, never felt the need to ask permission from one another. “We don’t say, ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that.’ We’re just happy to be working and to have opportunities. We didn’t feel we had to ask for permission, even at the beginning of our relationship,” said Xian, who’s now managed by Viva Artists Agency.

Freelancer

Because Xian is now a network freelancer (his deal with GMA 7 is on a per-project basis) and Kim is still with ABS-CBN, some fans couldn’t help but worry about the future of the “KimXi” love team. “The tandem will always be there,” he assured. “Love will be there on- and off-cam. And I think it’s only a matter of time before we work together again.”

Meanwhile, Xian declined to discuss the supposed challenges Kim is facing right now. Fans recently expressed concern over the actress’ unusual lack of energy and enthusiasm in “It’s Showtime.” She also posted on Instagram Stories a cryptic quote about “being taken for granted.” Some people speculate that it seems to be work-related. “I don’t think I’m in the position to talk about what she’s going through. But whatever that is, we talk about it,” Xian said. “As a couple, of course, that’s something we do—we talk to each other about our feelings, or if we have any grievances.”

Three years since announcing their relationship, Xian feels that he and Kim have grown not just as a couple, but as individuals. Is marriage something that has already crossed their minds?

“Not anytime soon,” the 32-year-old actor said. “We still have a lot of things we want to do. We have yet to really talk about it … basta na lang darating ‘yun… And we have this understanding that we have to take our opportunities to do the things we want before jumping onto anything big,” he said. “We have grown to a point where we really trust each other.”

Xian Lim

‘New chapter’

Xian described his upcoming soap with GMA 7 as “a new chapter” in his life.

“Being considered for a project here is something I’m thankful for. I guess I’m just so passionate about work. As an artist, I love taking on projects that are different. I want to do something that will excite me and the audience,” he said, adding that, though he can’t reveal much about his new show yet, they will do something “that hasn’t been done in a teleserye setting.”

“Abangan na lang nila. It’s going to be really nice,” said Xian, who’s excited to work with Jennylyn and director Irene Villamor. “I was a bit nervous because I would be working with people I don’t usually work with. But when I heard that Direk Irene will be in charge, I got immediately onboard.”

“I’m also a fan of Jennylyn; I have seen her movies. I only got to see her for our recent swab tests before we went into quarantine. We got to chat for a bit. We do get to have workshops online so we can build rapport with each other and the rest of the cast,” said Xian, who also hopes to work with Lovi Poe, Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista. “I’m excited more than anything.”

Despite the challenges the entertainment industry is facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xian counts himself blessed to be working. “It’s difficult to get projects and venues to express yourself. So it’s also up to us to find ways to create and grow,” he said.