Gerald Anderson sees Julia Barretto as ‘The One,’ but won’t marry yet

(From left) Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto. Images: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net, Instagram/@juliabarretto

While Gerald Anderson sees his girlfriend Julia Barretto as the right person for him, wedding bells will not ring yet for the two as he wants her to enjoy her single life first.

Anderson briefly spoke about his relationship with Barretto on the sidelines of a launch for his new drama “Nobody,” when asked if he sees the actress as the “right somebody” for him.

“Of course. Five years na kami. But itong moment na ‘to, ‘yung moment niya ngayon, let her enjoy. Huwag nating madaliin (We’ve been together for five years. But her moment right now, let her enjoy. Let’s not rush things),” he said in response. “She’s very special to me. Hindi naman magbabago ‘yan (That will never change).”

The actor was referring to Barretto’s success in her recent film “Un/Happy For You,” a reunion project with her ex-boyfriend, actor Joshua Garcia. The movie has since earned P320 million in worldwide gross sales, per an ABS-CBN News report last Aug. 28.

Anderson reiterated that Barretto’s acting prowess deserves recognition, and she has still a lot more to show to the public.

“I’m so proud of her. Pinaghirapan niya ‘yun. I haven’t seen it, but sobrang galing niya… It’s her moment, it’s long overdue. For me, she’s one of the best — if not the best — sa generation niya na mas maraming maipapakita,” he said.

(I’m so proud of her. She worked hard for it. I haven’t seen it, but she was so good. It’s her moment. It’s long overdue. For me, she’s one of the best actresses — if not the best actress — in her generation and she has a lot more to show.)

When asked what made Anderson see the actress as “the one” for him, he said the latter is a “deep” person and a fighter.

“‘Yung personality niya, ‘yung pagiging fighter niya. Malambing niya. [Iisipin ng ibang tao] na pretty face lang siya, pero very malalim siyang tao (Her personality, her being a fighter. She’s loving. Others may think she’s just a pretty face, but she’s a deep person). She’s very beautiful inside and out,” he said.

In October 2023, the actor reiterated that he wants to keep his relationship with Barretto private, but said they will take their romance to the next level at the right time.

Anderson was earlier announced as the star in the upcoming drama “Nobody” which is directed by Benedict Mique. Details on his castmates, storyline, and premiere date are yet to be announced, but it is said to focus on his character’s “journey.”