Singer-actress Geraldine Jennings, born in Laoag and raised in the United Kingdom, brings a unique blend of cultures to her debut film, “Isla Babuyan.”
Geraldine plays Anastasia, an 18-year-old who reunites with her Filipina mother, played by award-winning actress Lotlot de Leon. “’Yung mga dramatic scenes na dapat ako umiyak.
Mahirap ‘yun. Kasi ‘yung co-star ko si Lotlot de Leon, she is really good. Na feel ko ‘yung character nya so it got easier,” she recalls.
Working alongside Jameson Blake, who plays her leading man, Geraldine found the experience rewarding. “It was an honestly amazing experience,” she said, “He is a very, very good actor. He was super helpful with me. I was really surprised how willing he was to help. Also he is very mabait and easy naman to talk to, so very comfortable ako.”
Geraldine also faced physical challenges during filming. “Mas mahirap ‘yung physical challenges, kasi sa ocean ako at may mga rock at spiky plants,” she said.
Director Jose Abdel Langit’s patient and creative approach left a lasting impression on Geraldine. “He is really patient, very patient director. He’s the first director I get to work with. He takes his time and doesn’t get angry. If hindi nya nakuha ‘yung gusto nya, he’s very patient talaga, mabait and very creative. Kasi ‘yung script minsan, you don’t follow the exact script you know, you have to change it. So he changed it a lot and added his own ideas, so he has the initiative to do that. He is very creative,” she added.
Geraldine couldn’t be happier with how Isla Babuyan turned out. “I watched it. Maganda talaga,” she enthused. “Maraming genres. There is rom-com, there are dramatic scenes, there is funny. Maganda talaga.”
She explained that “Isla Babuyan” is inspired by the tragi-comedy Jamon Jamon (1992), which launched Penelope Cruz’s career. “It will make sense when you watch it,” she said.
While waiting for the movie’s release, Geraldine juggles music recording, training, and her Business Management course at the University of London. “May music projects ako sa Star Music kasi na finalize ko na ang kontrata,” she related, “Silq ang nag-distribute ng music ko. May isa akong kanta, an Ogie Alcasid song, ‘If I Ever Love Again.’ They are going to distribute that. I have upcoming Viktoria songs. She gave me ‘Don’t Go’ and I will remix it to update it for my generation.”
Standing at 5’8″ and resembling British actress Emily Blunt, Geraldine is eyeing a future in pageantry, starting with Miss World. She has undergone Q and A preparation and pasarela training under Ian Lorenz Mendajar, known for coaching Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss Universe Philippines bets Rabiya Mateo and Michelle Dee.
Besides acting, music, and pageantry, Geraldine is a trained equestrian and fashion enthusiast. She loves traveling and Filipino food and culture. “I would say Pinoy ako sa puso. I’m half but still have Filipino values. I still love the culture and the people that’s why I want to make it here,” she said.
Geraldine admires Filipino actors, especially Kathryn Bernardo’s portrayal in Hello, Love, Goodbye. “I love her so much. She’s really good. She seems like a good person as well. A good actress,” she gushed. She also expressed interest in working with international actress Lovi Poe, who is also under Leo V. Dominguez (LVD) management, where Geraldine is contracted. “She’s a very versatile and classy woman.”
Geraldine is keen to work with fellow actor Anthony Jennings, who shares her surname and has a British father. “Gusto ko mag work with Anthony Jennings kasi parehas surname, Jennings. Sa tingin ko pwede kami brother-sister,” she said.
“Isla Babuyan,” produced by Solid Gold Entertainment, also stars James Blanco, Dave Borneo, Paolo Gumabao, and Samantha Da Roza. — (GFCT)
