Xian Lim
Alexander Xian Lim[fn 1] (born July 12, 1989) is a Filipino actor, model, singer, host, blogger, filmmaker and professional basketball player.
Xian Lim | |
|---|---|
Lim in 2018 | |
| Born | July 12, 1989 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Agent(s) | Star Magic (2008–2018) Viva Artists Agency (2018–present) GMA Network (2021–present) [2] |
| Partner | Kim Chiu (2012-present) |
| Basketball career | |
| Personal information | |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Westmoor High School |
| College | University of the East |
| Playing career | 2018–2019 |
| Number | 2 |
| Career history | |
| 2018–2019 | Mandaluyong El Tigre |
He is best known for his roles in My Binondo Girl (2011), The Reunion (2012), Ina, Kapatid, Anak (2012–13), Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo? (2013), Bride for Rent (2014), The Story of Us (2016) and Everything About Her (2016).
Lim was a contract artist of Star Magic from 2008 to 2017, until signing a contract with Viva Artists Agency in January 2018 and he officially moved to GMA Network in 2022.[3]Since 2012, Lim has notably hosted for many major televised events, particularly Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) annually, as well as Miss Grand International in Vietnam in 2017.
Early life
Born in San Francisco, California, Lim and his family moved back to Manila, Philippines six months after his birth. Following his parents' separation, he (age 10) and his mother relocated to Daly City, California. Raised by his mother, a former model turned piano teacher, resulted in Lim learning various musical instruments including piano, trombone, saxophone and guitar.[4] He later joined a symphonic band before graduating high school at age 18.[5] He briefly studied psychology at Skyline College in San Bruno, California, until moving to the Philippines to attend college as a basketball varsity scholar at the University of the East in Manila.[6]
Before attaining a degree, he became involved with modeling, and eventually, acting.[citation needed]
Career
Lim was cast in a few minor roles before landing a supporting role in Katorse in 2009.[7]
In 2010, he was part of the cast in the drama Rubi as Luis Navarro. Then, he guest starred in 100 Days to Heaven as Jojo Villanueva. He was a guest judge on Showtime and had one-episode appearances for Midnight DJ, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Wansapanataym and Your Song Presents: Andi.[citation needed]
In 2011, after a special participation in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin portraying the young Joaquin del Tierro,[8] he landed his first major lead role in My Binondo Girl top-billed by Kim Chiu. The romantic-comedy television drama was a nationwide success, garnering an average household TV rating of 28.2% provided by Kantar Media/TNS.
In early 2012, Lim signed a three-picture contract with Star Cinema[9] and appeared in the film, My Cactus Heart. In the same year, he starred in a youth-oriented movie with Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil and Kean Cipriano, entitled The Reunion.[10] He was also back in primetime through the teleserye drama Ina, Kapatid, Anak with Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador and Enchong Dee. He also released his debut studio album So It's You under Star Records which reached a Gold Record status.[11]
In 2013, his film Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? with his onscreen and offscreen partner Kim Chiu earned Php 10.5 million in the first day of film showing alone, consequentially surpassing the P100 million mark at the box office for the year 2013 in three weeks time. From the outstanding box office sales, the pair obtained the nickname as the newest blockbuster royalties of their generation.[citation needed]
In 2014, his second movie with Kim Chiu entitled Bride for Rent earned a whopping Php 21.2M on its first day and Php 100M in just 4 days. The movie eventually grossed Php 326,958,423 during its whole run in theaters which validated the KimXi tandem's box office draw.[citation needed]
From 2015 to 2017, he has starred in a succession of roles, starting with his voice over for the Filipino release of Paddington, as well as leading and supporting film credits in All You Need Is Pag-ibig (2015), Everything About Her (2016) and Sin Island (2018).[citation needed]
After Lim signed a contract with Viva Artists Agency months after his contract with Star Magic expired in mid-2017, he confirmed his directorial debut in his film Tabon, which premiered at the Cinemalaya 2019.[12] He transferred to GMA Network after seen in Maynila episodes in 2010.
As of 2022, Kapuso actor Xian Lim made his directorial debut in GMA Network's movie Wish Ko Lang. Xian shared the exciting news with his followers on Instagram on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, as he shared some of the behind-the-scenes snaps from a shoot.[13] His recent career is now managed by Viva Artist Agency (talent agency) since 2017 and has a television network contract with GMA (network) since April 2020.[14][15]
Personal life
Lim actively promotes living a healthy lifestyle and his interests include filmmaking, traveling and sports.[16] He is a self-professed health-buff, enjoys activities like running and exercises, with further intentions to someday joining a triathlon.[17]
In 2011, Xian began courting fellow Star Magic artist and leading lady Kim Chiu.[18] Lim and Chiu began dating in 2012, which was confirmed in a 2013 episode of Kris TV.[19][20]
On November 15, 2018, Kim Chiu confirmed her relationship with Lim in an interview on Tonight with Boy Abunda.[citation needed]
Activism
Lim has participated in various charity games including annual birthday events at local missions foundations, performing at benefit concerts, an event in Iloilo under Star Magic[21] and San Juan City for the victims of Typhoon Sendong. In August 2012, he and Kim Chiu spearheaded a relief operation in Marikina for the city's flood-affected victims.[22]
During 2013, Lim joined the PETA Free Mali campaign along with Kim Chiu. Lim made a video plea for Mali asking that she be moved to a sanctuary for the sake of her well-being.[23]
Basketball career
Lim played for the Mandaluyong El Tigre for the 2018–2019 season of MPBL.[citation needed]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Mamarazzi | Oscar | Supporting role | Regal Films |
| Two Funerals[24] | Gerry | Lead role | Indie film | |
| 2012 | My Cactus Heart | Bene | Star Cinema and Skylight Films | |
| The Reunion | Joaquin "Joax" Perez | Star Cinema | ||
| 2013 | Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? | Francisco Alejandro "Alex" Prieto | ||
| 2014 | Bride for Rent | Roderico "Rocco" Espiritu Jr. | ||
| Past Tense | Bobby "Babs" Razon | |||
| 2015 | Paddington | Paddington Bear (voice) | Lim replaced Ben Whishaw as the voice actor for the Philippine release | StudioCanal and Heyday Films |
| Must Date the Playboy | Zachary "Zach" Andres | Lead role (mobile series) | Star Flix | |
| All You Need Is Pag-Ibig | Dino | Lead role | Star Cinema | |
| 2016 | Everything About Her | Albert Mitra | ||
| 2017 | Dear Other Self | Henry | ||
| 2018 | Sin Island | David Santiago | ||
| Corpus Delicti | Mark Mondejar | Star Cinema and CineBro Films | ||
| Paddington 2 | Paddington Bear (voice) | Lim replaced Ben Whishaw as the voice actor for the Philippine release | StudioCanal and Heyday Films | |
| Miss Granny | Lorenz | Main Role | Viva Films | |
| 2019 | Hanggang Kailan? | Donnie | Lead role | |
| 2020 | Untrue | Joaquim | ||
| Love the Way U Lie | Nathan | |||
| 2022 | Yorme: The Isko Domagoso Story | Adult Francisco "Scott/Isko/Yorme" Moreno Domagoso | Main Role | |
| Bahay na Pula | Main Role | |||
| Always | Lino | Main Role |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | My Girl | Photographer | Cameo appearance | ABS-CBN |
| 2008–2009 | Your Song Presents: My Only Hope | Enrico "Rick" Alejandro | Supporting role | |
| 2009 | Katorse | Albert Arcangel | Lead role | |
| 2010 | Midnight DJ | Luis | "JS Prom Nightmare" episode | TV5 |
| Maynila | Marc | "Makinig Ka, Puso" episode | GMA Network | |
| Lance | "Hunky and Virile" episode | |||
| 2010–2021 | ASAP | Himself | Co-host / performer | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Rubi | Luis Navarro / Luis N. Ferrer | Extended role | |
| Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla: Elias Paniki | Gabriel | Supporting role | ||
| Midnight DJ | Jake | "Bulong ng Demonyo" episode | TV5 | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Mark | "Marriage Contract" episode[25] | ABS-CBN | |
| Wansapanataym | Aris | "Bandanang Itim" episode | ||
| Your Song Presents: Andi | Ralph | "Tell Me" episode | ||
| 2011 | Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin | Young Joaquin Del Tierro | Special participation | |
| Yamaha Yey | Himself | Co-host | Studio 23 | |
| 100 Days to Heaven | Jojo Villanueva | Guest role | ABS-CBN | |
| My Binondo Girl | Andrew "Andy" Wu | Lead role | ||
| 2012–2014 | Ina, Kapatid, Anak | William "Liam" Lagdameo | Lead role | |
| I-Shine Talent Camp TV Seasons 1, 2 and 3 | Himself | Host | ||
| 2014 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Maynard | "Gitara" episode | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Johnny Medrano | "Saklay" episode | ||
| 2015 | Ryan Ryan Musikahan: Piyano at Gitara | Himself | Guest performer | Jeepney TV |
| 2016 | The Story of Us | Ferdinand "Macoy" Sandoval | Lead role | ABS-CBN |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Raymond | "DJ" episode | ||
| Doowee Hooper Beat Band Competition Season 3 | Himself | Host | S+A | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Gabby | "Medical Result" episode | ABS-CBN | |
| 2017 | A Love to Last | Sebastian "Totoy" Cruz | Special participation | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Randy | "Kwek-kwek" episode | ||
| 2019 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Bill Felisan | "Youth Citizen" episode | |
| 2020 | Love Thy Woman | David Chao | Main role | ABS-CBN / Kapamilya Channel |
| 2021 | 1000 Heartbeats: Pintig Pinoy | Himself | Host | TV5 |
| 2022 | False Positive[26] | Edward Dela Guardia | Lead role | GMA Network |
| All-Out Sundays | Himself | Guest | ||
| 2023 | Hearts On Ice | Enzo | Main role | |
| Love. Die. Repeat | TBA |
Digital
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Parang Kayo Pero Hindi | Joaquin Escribo | Lead role | Viva Films |
Discography
Studio albums
| Album | Year | Label | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| So It's You | 2012 | Star Music | Platinum |
| XL2 | 2014 | ||
| Key of X | 2017 |
Singles
| TV series | Song | Year | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Binondo Girl theme song | "Ako'y Sayo Lamang" | 2011 | Star Music |
| Aryana theme song | "Iibigin Kita" | 2012 | |
| Ina, Kapatid, Anak soundtrack | "Kung Di Sa 'Iyo" (Liam and Celyn theme song) | ||
| "Alay Ko Sayo" (Liam and Celyn theme song) |
Concerts
| Title | Date |
|---|---|
| A Date with Xian | July 9, 2016 |
| Songs in the Key of X | July 15, 2017 |
| Stronger Together: GMA Pinoy TV @ Expo Dubai 2020 Concetrt | March 30, 2022 [27] |
Awards, nominations and recognitions
| Awards and Nomination | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Award Giving Body | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
| 2011 | 27th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | New Movie Actor of the Year | Two Funerals | Nominated |
| 2012 | Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards | Breakthrough Actor of the Year | My Binondo Girl | Won |
| Love team of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu) | Won | |||
| 43rd GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Most Promising Actor of the Year | Nominated | ||
| ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Pin-up Boy | — | Won | |
| ASAP 7th 24K Gold Awards | 24K Male Gold Awardee | So Its You | Won | |
| 26th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Talent Search Program Host (shared with Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli) | Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent Camp | Nominated | |
| 2013 | 61st FAMAS Awards | German Moreno Youth Achievement Award | — | Won |
| 8th Myx Music Awards | Favorite Myx Celebrity VJ | — | Nominated | |
| Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Award | Love Team of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu) | Ina Kapatid Anak | Won | |
| Yes! Magazine | 100 Most Beautiful Stars (Primetime Category) | — | Included | |
| 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music | New Male Recording Artist of the Year | So It's You | Nominated | |
| 27th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Talent Search Program Host (shared with Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli) | Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent Camp | Nominated | |
| ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Love Team (shared with Kim Chiu) | Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? | Won | |
| 2014 | 62nd FAMAS Awards | Best Actor | Nominated | |
| 1st PEP List Awards | Fab Star (Male) | — | Won | |
| Celebrity Pair of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu) | Bride for Rent | Won | ||
| Yes! Magazine | 100 Most Beautiful Stars (Blockbuster King category) | Won | ||
| 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music | Male Pop Artist of the Year | XL2 | Nominated | |
| 4th EdukCircle Awards | Most Influential Film Actor | Bride for Rent | Won | |
| 28th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Talent Search Program Host (shared with Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli) | Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent Camp | Nominated | |
| 27th Aliw Awards | Best Emcee (Male) | — | Nominated | |
| 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Male Artist | XL2 | Won | |
| Pop Album | Nominated | |||
| Pop Song | Pag May Time | Nominated | ||
| Pop Coverboy | — | Won | ||
| Pop Selfie | — | Nominated | ||
| Pop Instagrammer | — | Won | ||
| Pop Instavideo | — | Nominated | ||
| Pop Screen Kiss (shared with Kim Chiu) | Bride for Rent | Won | ||
| Pop Loveteam (shared with Kim Chiu) | Nominated | |||
| Pop Movie (shared with Kim Chiu) | Won | |||
| 2015 | 10th Myx Music Awards | Favorite Myx Celebrity VJ | — | Nominated |
| 46th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards 2015 | Prince of Philippine Movies & TV | Bride for Rent | Won | |
| 2nd PEP List Awards | Fab Star of the Year (Male) | — | Won | |
| Celebrity Pair of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu) | — | Won | ||
| 2016 | 6th EdukCircle Awards | Best Drama Actor | The Story of Us | Won |
| 30th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Drama Actor | Nominated | ||
| German Moreno Power Tandem (with Kim Chiu) | N/A | Won | ||
| 2017 | 1st GEMS (Guild of Educators, Mentors and Students) Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Everything About Her | Won |
| 15th Gawad Tanglaw | Won | |||
| 1st EDDYS Entertainment Editors Awards | Nominated | |||
| 33rd Star Awards for Movies | Movie Supporting Actor of the Year | Won | ||
| 31st PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Single Performance by an Actor | Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Kwek-Kwek" Episode | Nominated | |
| Aliw Awards 2017 | Best Major Concert (Male) | Songs in the Key of X | Nominated | |
| 2018 | 34th Star Awards for Movies | Movie Supporting Actor of the Year | Dear Other Self | Nominated |
| Male Star of the Night | Won | |||
| 2020 | 2nd VP Choice Awards | TV Actor of the Year | Love Thy Woman | Won |
Notes
References
- ^ "The Birth of Alexander Lim". Californiabirthindex.org. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
- ^ "Xian Lim officially signs a contract with GMA-7 as his new network; VIVA remains his manager". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
- ^ "Xian Lim officially signs a contract with GMA-7 as his new network; VIVA remains his manager". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
- ^ "Xian Lim channels Boys Over Flowers for Cosmo.ph". Philippine Entertainment Portal. November 17, 2009.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel (April 22, 2002). "Xian Lim speaks on stardom and Kim Chiu". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
- ^ Godinez, Bong (June 14, 2009). "Katorse's Xian Lim recalls childhood bonding with his dad". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
- ^ de Calma, Archie (May 23, 2009). "Xian Lim makes his bid for leading man status in Katorse". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
- ^ "Episodes cast for 'Minsan lang kita iibigin'". IMDb.
- ^ Franco, Bernie (July 1, 2012). "Xian Lim signs a three-picture contract, including one with Kim Chiu". ABS-CBN.
- ^ Siazon, Rachelle (November 1, 2012). "Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Enrique Gil, and Kean Cipriano gear up for Star Cinema's 'The Reunion'". ABS-CBN.
- ^ Jose, Noel (September 17, 2012). "Xian Lim's "So It's You" is now certified gold!". Blogspot.
- ^ "Xian Lim will direct his first movie for Cinemalaya 2019". Rappler. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
- ^ "GMA-7 actor Xian Lim to make TV directing debut on GMA Network". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
- ^ "GMA-7 officially joins GMA Network as added roller costers of talent this 2022". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
- ^ "Xian Lim now officially a Kapuso". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
- ^ . SunStar. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ De Leon, Angela. . Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
- ^ Buan-Deveza, Reyma (September 26, 2012). "Kim tells Xian: 'Konting effort pa'". ABS-CBN News.
- ^ "Kim Chiu and Xian Lim Admit They Are Exclusively Dating". Female Network. July 31, 2013.
- ^ Pumaloy, Rey (August 29, 2013). "Kim Chiu promises to be open about her next relationship". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
- ^ "Star Magic basketball team plays for a cause in Iloilo". The Philippine Star. March 1, 2012.
- ^ Siazon, Rachelle (August 12, 2012). "Kim Chiu and Xian Lim join forces in packing and distributing relief goods". ABS-CBN.
- ^ "Celebrities call for Mali's transfer". Yahoo. May 28, 2013.
- ^ Zulueta, Lito. . Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on September 9, 2010. Retrieved November 24, 2012.
- ^ "Xian Lim and Jessy Mendiola's characters get 'married' in MMK". Philippine Entertainment Portal. October 6, 2010.
- ^ Ramos, Jansen. "First teaser of Glaiza De Castro and Xian Lim-starrer 'False Positive' intrigues fans". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
- ^ "GMA-7 actor Xian Lim joins GMA Pinoy TV concert at Expo Dubai". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.