Already making her mark in Philippine entertainment is Geraldine Jennings. The Fil-Brit stunner is promoting her debut film, “Isla Babuyan,” and her single, “If I Will Ever Love Again,” composed by OPM icon, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and it’s clear that she’s more than just a fresh face as her focus, training and drive are on full display as she navigates both acting and music with the ease and poise of someone far more seasoned.
In “Isla Babuyan,” directed by Abdel Langit and written by Jessie Vilabrille, Geraldine plays the lead role of Anastasia. Produced by Solid Gold Entertainment and LVD Talent Management, the film also stars Jameson Blake, Dave Bornea, Paolo Gumabao, and Lotlot de Leon.
“Honestly, I was really surprised because they’re all very helpful, even though they’re big names in showbiz. They’re very experienced and natural to work with,” Geraldine said of her co-stars.
For a first-timer, Geraldine’s ability to learn quickly and training – her acting workshop in the US and under four months of acting coach with Jo Macasa – were especially evident in her emotional scenes with Lotlot de Leon, who plays her on-screen mother.
“Kasi may mga eksenang dramatic. Initially, nahirapan ako umiyak at maraming tao sa backstage, pero nakuha ko kasi si Miss Lotlot ang co-actor ko, at na-feel ko emotions niya,” she shared.
Lotlot also offered advice that Geraldine immediately embraced. “Miss Lotlot told me to treat the script like it’s real and pretend that what’s happening to your character is actually happening to you,” recalled Geraldine.
As much as Geraldine is excited about the film’s release, it’s also a bittersweet moment. Her manager, the late Leo V. Dominguez, passed away in May, months before the project came into fruition. “It was his passion project. I’m happy but also sad and a bit nostalgic,” she admitted.
Dominguez, who had guided the careers of showbiz’ brightest stars like Ogie Alcasid, Janine Gutierrez and Lovi Poe, played a major role in Geraldine’s early steps in the industry.
While acting is a big part of her career, Geraldine’s first love remains music. Her single, “If I Will Ever Love Again,” produced under Star Records, has already caught listeners’ attention. At her press conference last Friday, she performed the song live, showcasing not just her vocal skills but her comfort on stage.
“I like both [singing and acting]. I like it all, pero talagang singer ako. When I was younger, that was my first love–singing. I joined singing competitions sa London sa UK,” she said.
On top of her entertainment career, Geraldine is also pursuing a business management degree with a focus on economics and accounting at the University of London.
“I am quite good at balancing things. I’m a very well rounded person. Mataas naman ‘yung grades ko. I’m able to focus on acting and singing career on the side.”
Looking to the future, Geraldine would love to work with some of the biggest names in Philippine entertainment – like Kathryn Bernardo and Janine Gutierrez in acting projects and pop icon Sarah Geronimo in recording.
With the upcoming release of “Isla Babuyan” and her single making waves, Geraldine Jennings is just getting started. Whether she’s in front of the camera or performing on stage, her combination of talent, intelligence, and heart shows she’s truly at home in both worlds.
