Jerald on Kim, his YouTube channel and ABS-CBN shutdown

Jerald Napoles and Kim Molina

The “Kimerald” (Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson) loveteam has gone kaput. But the “KimJe” (Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles) tandem is for keeps. The real-life lovers released a short film in collaboration with Viva Films, “Social Distance Relationship” (SDR), on their hit YouTube Channel.

The couple has bottomless creative juices, which they’re putting to good use even amid the pandemic. They love their work and work on their love at the same time. That’s the magic of their on and off-cam partnership.

“Kim and I decided to spend quarantine together so it would be easier for us to produce content for our YT channel,” Je points out. “‘Di kami live-in ever since. Mula lang nang nag-ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) kami nag ‘bahay-bahayan.’ But when the situation improves, separate house kami uli kasi strict ang parents namin (laughs) or bahala na sa pakiramdam namin.”

Watching the duo’s antics makes us forget about our Covid-19 blues even momentarily. KimJe’s incurable positivity is highly contagious. And Its definitely worth catching.

Here’s my chat with Jerald:

Tell us a bit about “SDR.”

In the midst of ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) to maximize our time together, Kim and I thought of producing a Zoom conference type of rom-com movie for our YouTube channel.

Our concept is about two strangers who flirt online during ECQ out of boredom. Then, it leads to a romantic connection. It just took a while to shoot because we got busy with our trending “Bagsakan” cover videos on FB.

What made “APKH” (Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap) click on Netflix?

People want to laugh to forget about the crisis. And perhaps out of curiosity, people wanted to know why it was not allowed to be shown in some theaters during its release in 2018.

Does a fun couple like you and Kim have LQs (lovers’ quarrels)?

We have “tampuhan” sometimes. It’s unavoidable since we’re slowly adjusting to each other’s personal space. There are moments when we both want some “me time.”

Do you have marriage plans already? Any clues about how you will propose to her?

Bawal ang clue (laughs). But honestly, Kim and I have the same outlook in life. We take everything one step at a time. What’s important at this point is that Kim and I survive this crisis together na may madudukot sa bulsa (laughs).

In what way is Kim better than you and vice-versa?

Kim is more of a writer and I’m better at executing concept. And since we’re a team, we are each other’s assistant. We complement each other.

When do you and Kim turn serious?

We turn serious when we talk about politics and work. We’re both passionate so when there are emotions involved, we focus so our emotions won’t be all over the place during discussions.

What are some things that not too many people know about you and Kim?

Writing is one of Kim’s hidden passions. It’s her lifelong dream to learn how to play the cello. She chats with a world-renowned cellist online because she’s serious about pursuing her dream. Her other dream is to be a doctor.

As for me, dancing is my first love. I started dancing in barangay contests when I was 4. I got into theater because a production needed an ensemble of dancers. I’m a chemical engineering undergraduate.

How do you and Kim handle artistic differences?

We talk about them with an open mind and listen to each other’s opinion.

What are your sentiments about the ABS-CBN shutdown?

I am not under contract with any network, so my opinion on the issue is based on my personal belief. It is not the right time to shut down a company that serves to inform and entertain people during the pandemic.

The worst part is that thousands of people suddenly lost their jobs. Galing ako sa hirap, so I know how it feels to have no means to eat. Covid-19 is the enemy, I don’t understand why people are fighting each other.

Social media has become the therapy of people during this crisis. It’s where they vent their anger. And that is why Kim and I create funny content to calm people down. We make sure that aside from a laugh trip, ang mga kuwento namin ay may kwenta.

If your love story with Kim would be made into a movie, what will the title be and who do you want to portray the two of you?

“Kilig Me Softly,” starring Angel Locsin and Jericho Rosales.