Wikipedia

Xian Lim

Alexander Xian Cruz Lim-Uy[fn 1] (Tagalog: [ˈsijɐn lim]; born July 12, 1989) is a Filipino actor. He is currently an exclusive actor of GMA Network.

Xian Lim
Lim in 2018
Born
Alexander Xian Cruz Lim-Uy[fn 1][1]

(1989-07-12) July 12, 1989 (age 35)
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • model
  • singer
  • host
  • blogger
  • filmmaker
  • basketball player
  • director
Years active2008–present
Agent(s)Star Magic
(2008–2018)
Viva Artists Agency
(2018–present)
TV5
(2021)
GMA Network
(2021–present) [2]
PartnerKim Chiu (2011-2023)
Basketball career
Personal information
Listed height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Career information
High schoolWestmoor (Daly City, California)
CollegeUE
Playing career2018–2019
Number2
Career history
2018–2019Mandaluyong 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.[2] 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

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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.[3] He later joined a symphonic band before graduating high school at age 18.[4] 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.[5] However, he never played in the UAAP as he had to undergo two years of residency.[6]

Before attaining a degree, he became involved with modeling, and eventually, acting.[7]

Career

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Acting

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Lim was cast in a few minor roles before landing a supporting role in Katorse in 2009.[8]

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.[9][10] In 2011, after a special participation in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin portraying the young Joaquin del Tierro,[11] 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[12] 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.[13] 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.[14]

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).[15][16][17][18]

After Lim signed a contract with Viva Artists Agency months after his contract with Star Magic expired in mid-2017. He signed an exclusive contract with GMA Network in 2021.[19][20]

Directing

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Lim's directorial debut was Tabon, which premiered at the Cinemalaya 2019.[21] In 2022, Xian Lim directed an episode of Wish Ko Lang.[22] In 2023, he released his first commercial film Hello, Universe!.[23]

Personal life

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Lim actively promotes living a healthy lifestyle and his interests include filmmaking, traveling and sports.[24] He is a self-professed health-buff, enjoys activities like running and exercises, with further intentions to someday joining a triathlon.[25]

In 2011, Xian began courting fellow Star Magic artist and leading lady Kim Chiu.[26] Lim and Chiu began dating in 2012, which was confirmed in a 2013 episode of Kris TV.[27][28]

On November 15, 2018, Kim Chiu confirmed her relationship with Lim in an interview on Tonight with Boy Abunda.[29] On December 23, 2023, both Chiu and Lim confirmed their break up.[30][31]

In a May 2 Esquire Magazine cover interview, Lim confirmed that he is in a relationship with partner, Iris Lee. As surfer (b. June 1, 1991), Lee is a Chinese Filipino Senior Associate Producer at Viva Communications since October 2018, who was part of Hello, Universe! directed by Lim. Her siblings include Peidi, Liane Shaira and Celine Arian.[32]

Activism

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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[33] 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.[34]

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.[35]

Basketball career

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Lim played for the Mandaluyong El Tigre for the 2018–2019 season of MPBL.[36]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes Production
2010 Mamarazzi Oscar Supporting role Regal Films
Two Funerals[37] 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
Always Lino
2023 Hello Universe Director
2024 Playtime[38] GMA Pictures and Viva Films
Kuman Thong[39] Director Viva Films and Studio Viva

Television

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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
2009–2010 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[40] 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
2011–2012 My Binondo Girl Andrew "Andy" Wu Lead role
2012–2014 Ina, Kapatid, Anak William "Liam" Lagdameo
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[41] Edward Dela Guardia Lead role GMA Network
2022; 2023 All-Out Sundays Himself Guest Performer
2023 Hearts on Ice Lawrence "Enzo" Razon Main role
2024 Love. Die. Repeat. Bernardo "Bernard" Yuzon

Digital

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Year Title Role Notes Production
2021 Parang Kayo Pero Hindi Joaquin Escribo Lead role Viva Films

Discography

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Studio albums

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Album Year Label Status
So It's You 2012 Star Music Platinum
XL2 2014
Key of X 2017

Singles

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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

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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 Concert March 30, 2022 [42]

Awards, nominations and recognitions

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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

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  1. ^ a b Xian Lim was born in Daly City, California. He attended the Westmoor High School. Thus, he does not possess his mother's maiden name which is Cruz.

References

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  1. ^ "The Birth of Alexander Lim". Californiabirthindex.org. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Xian Lim officially signs a contract with GMA-7 as his new network; VIVA remains his manager". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
  3. ^ "Xian Lim channels Boys Over Flowers for Cosmo.ph". Philippine Entertainment Portal. November 17, 2009.
  4. ^ Cruz, Marinel (April 22, 2002). "Xian Lim speaks on stardom and Kim Chiu". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  5. ^ Godinez, Bong (June 14, 2009). "Katorse's Xian Lim recalls childhood bonding with his dad". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  6. ^ "Before entering showbiz, Xian Lim planned to pursue basketball dream in the Philippines". GMA News Online. June 10, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  7. ^ Salut, EJ (November 15, 2014). "Xian Lim: The Handsome Guy Next Door". PUSH. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  8. ^ de Calma, Archie (May 23, 2009). "Xian Lim makes his bid for leading man status in Katorse". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  9. ^ "The devil's whisper in Midnight DJ". Philstar.com. August 20, 2010. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  10. ^ Bardinas, Mary Ann (February 8, 2020). "Xian Lim's notable rise as a seasoned actor as seen in Kapamilya teleserye stints". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  11. ^ "Episodes cast for 'Minsan lang kita iibigin'". IMDb.
  12. ^ Franco, Bernie (July 1, 2012). "Xian Lim signs a three-picture contract, including one with Kim Chiu". ABS-CBN.
  13. ^ Siazon, Rachelle (November 1, 2012). "Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Enrique Gil, and Kean Cipriano gear up for Star Cinema's 'The Reunion'". ABS-CBN.
  14. ^ Jose, Noel (September 17, 2012). "Xian Lim's "So It's You" is now certified gold!". Blogspot.
  15. ^ "WATCH: Paddington Movie Trailer with our very own Xian Lim as the Voice of Paddington, opens on February 11". ABS-CBN Entertainment. January 1, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  16. ^ "'All You Need is Pagibig' review: Love Overdose". RAPPLER. December 30, 2015. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  17. ^ Cruz, Oggs (January 29, 2016). "'Everything About Her' Review: Heartfelt where it counts". RAPPLER. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  18. ^ Glorioso, Bot (February 15, 2018). "Xian drops wholesome image in Sin Island". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  19. ^ "GMA-7 officially joins GMA Network as added roller costers of talent this 2022". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
  20. ^ "Xian Lim now officially a Kapuso". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
  21. ^ "Xian Lim will direct his first movie for Cinemalaya 2019". Rappler. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  22. ^ "GMA-7 actor Xian Lim to make TV directing debut on GMA Network". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
  23. ^ Pagulong, Charmie (August 11, 2022). "Janno Gibbs Anjo Yllana adapt to modern brand of comedy". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  24. ^ "Xian Lim promotes healthy lifestyle | Sun.Star". SunStar. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  25. ^ De Leon, Angela. "Xian Lim on having it all, health and Superman". Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  26. ^ Buan-Deveza, Reyma (September 26, 2012). "Kim tells Xian: 'Konting effort pa'". ABS-CBN News.
  27. ^ "Kim Chiu and Xian Lim Admit They Are Exclusively Dating". Female Network. July 31, 2013.
  28. ^ Pumaloy, Rey (August 29, 2013). "Kim Chiu promises to be open about her next relationship". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  29. ^ ABS-CBN News (November 15, 2018). "WATCH: Kim Chiu finally confirms relationship with Xian Lim".
  30. ^ "'End of a love story': Kim Chiu confirms breakup with Xian Lim". December 23, 2023.
  31. ^ "'No goodbyes, I'll see you around,' Xian Lim tells Kim Chiu in emotional letter". December 23, 2023.
  32. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (May 3, 2024). "Meet Iris Lee, the new woman in Xian Lim's life". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  33. ^ "Star Magic basketball team plays for a cause in Iloilo". The Philippine Star. March 1, 2012.
  34. ^ Siazon, Rachelle (August 12, 2012). "Kim Chiu and Xian Lim join forces in packing and distributing relief goods". ABS-CBN.
  35. ^ "Celebrities call for Mali's transfer". Yahoo. May 28, 2013.
  36. ^ Terrado, Reuben (July 5, 2018). "Dream come true as Xian Lim makes MPBL debut". Spin.ph. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
  37. ^ Zulueta, Lito. "Gil Portes' bizarrely funny 'Two Funerals' shows fact is stranger than fiction". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on September 9, 2010. Retrieved November 24, 2012.
  38. ^ "Playtime | Cinemalaya". Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  39. ^ Gonzales, Joseph Peter R. (April 1, 2024). "Xian Lim directs horror film 'Kuman Thong' in Thailand". Manila Standard. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  40. ^ "Xian Lim and Jessy Mendiola's characters get 'married' in MMK". Philippine Entertainment Portal. October 6, 2010.
  41. ^ Ramos, Jansen. "First teaser of Glaiza De Castro and Xian Lim-starrer 'False Positive' intrigues fans". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved January 13, 2022.
  42. ^ "GMA-7 actor Xian Lim joins GMA Pinoy TV concert at Expo Dubai". PEP.ph. May 25, 2022.
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