Xian Lim
Introduction '''Alexander Xian Lim''' (; born July 12, 1989) is an American-Filipino actor, model, singer, host, blogger, filmmaker and professional basketball player. He is currently an exclusive actor of GMA Network.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.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. He later joined a symphonic band before graduating high school at age 18.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.Before attaining a degree, he became involved with modeling, and eventually, acting.
Career ===Acting===Lim was cast in a few minor roles before landing a supporting role in ''Katorse'' in 2009.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''.Xian Lim at the Star Magic Concert Tour in Ontario, Canada, June 2009In 2011, after a special participation in ''Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin'' portraying the young Joaquin del Tierro, 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 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''. 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.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.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.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).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.===Directing===Lim's directorial debut was ''Tabon'', which premiered at the Cinemalaya 2019.In 2022, Xian Lim directed an episode of ''Wish Ko Lang''. In 2023, he released his first commercial film ''Hello, Universe! ''.
Personal life Lim actively promotes living a healthy lifestyle and his interests include filmmaking, traveling and sports. He is a self-professed health-buff, enjoys activities like running and exercises, with further intentions to someday joining a triathlon.In 2011, Xian began courting fellow Star Magic artist and leading lady Kim Chiu. Lim and Chiu began dating in 2012, which was confirmed in a 2013 episode of ''Kris TV''.On November 15, 2018, Kim Chiu confirmed her relationship with Lim in an interview on ''Tonight with Boy Abunda''. On December 23, 2023, both Chiu and Lim confirmed their break up.===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 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.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.
Basketball career Lim played for the Mandaluyong El Tigre for the 2018–2019 season of MPBL.
Filmography ===Film=== Year Title Role Notes Production2010 ''Mamarazzi'' Oscar Supporting role Regal Films ''Two Funerals'' GerryLead role Indie film2012 ''My Cactus Heart'' Bene Star Cinema and Skylight Films ''The Reunion'' Joaquin "Joax" PerezStar Cinema 2013 ''Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?'' Francisco Alejandro "Alex" Prieto2014 ''Bride for Rent'' Roderico "Rocco" Espiritu Jr.  ''Past Tense'' Bobby "Babs" Razon2015 ''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'' DinoLead roleStar Cinema  2016 ''Everything About Her'' Albert Mitra 2017 ''Dear Other Self'' Henry2018 ''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 RoleViva Films 2019 ''Hanggang Kailan?'' DonnieLead role2020 ''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===Television=== Year  Title  Role  Notes  Network 2008 ''My Girl'' Photographer  Cameo appearanceABS-CBN 2008–2009 ''Your Song Presents: My Only Hope'' Enrico "Rick" Alejandro Supporting role 2009–2010 ''Katorse'' Albert Arcangel Lead role2010 ''Midnight DJ'' Luis "JS Prom Nightmare" episode TV5''Maynila'' Marc "Makinig Ka, Puso" episodeGMA Network Lance "Hunky and Virile" episode 2010–2021 ''ASAP'' Himself Co-host / performerABS-CBN2010 ''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" episodeABS-CBN ''Wansapanataym'' Aris "Bandanang Itim" episode ''Your Song Presents: Andi'' Ralph "Tell Me" episode2011 ''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 Host2014 ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' Maynard "Gitara" episode ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' Johnny Medrano "Saklay" episode 2015  ''Ryan Ryan Musikahan: Piyano at Gitara'' Himself Guest performer Jeepney TV2016  ''The Story of Us''  Ferdinand "Macoy" Sandoval  Lead roleABS-CBN ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' Raymond  "DJ" episode  ''Doowee Hooper Beat Band Competition Season 3'' Himself Host S+A ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' Gabby "Medical Result" episodeABS-CBN2017  ''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 Channel2021 ''1000 Heartbeats: Pintig Pinoy'' Himself Host TV52022''False Positive''Edward Dela GuardiaLead roleGMA Network2022; 2023 ''All-Out Sundays'' Himself Guest Performer 2023 ''Hearts on Ice'' Lawrence "Enzo" Razon Main role 2024 ''Love. Die. Repeat.'' Bernardo "Bernard" Yuzon===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'' 2012Star 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
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''   '''2012''' Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards  Breakthrough Actor of the Year ''My Binondo Girl''   Love team of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu)   43rd GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards  Most Promising Actor of the Year   ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards  Pop Pin-up Boy     ASAP 7th 24K Gold Awards  24K Male Gold Awardee  So Its You   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''   '''2013'''  61st FAMAS Awards  German Moreno Youth Achievement Award      8th Myx Music Awards  Favorite Myx Celebrity VJ     Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Award  Love Team of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu)  ''Ina Kapatid Anak''   Yes! Magazine  100 Most Beautiful Stars (Primetime Category)     5th PMPC Star Awards for Music  New Male Recording Artist of the Year  So It's You   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''   ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards  Pop Love Team (shared with Kim Chiu) ''Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?'' '''2014'''  62nd FAMAS Awards  Best Actor  1st PEP List Awards  Fab Star (Male)     Celebrity Pair of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu) ''Bride for Rent''   Yes! Magazine  100 Most Beautiful Stars (Blockbuster King category)   6th PMPC Star Awards for Music  Male Pop Artist of the Year  XL2   4th EdukCircle Awards  Most Influential Film Actor  ''Bride for Rent''   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''   27th Aliw Awards  Best Emcee (Male)    10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards  Pop Male Artist XL2   Pop Album   Pop Song  Pag May Time   Pop Coverboy     Pop Selfie     Pop Instagrammer     Pop Instavideo     Pop Screen Kiss (shared with Kim Chiu) Bride for Rent   Pop Loveteam (shared with Kim Chiu)   Pop Movie (shared with Kim Chiu)   '''2015'''  10th Myx Music Awards  Favorite Myx Celebrity VJ     46th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards 2015  Prince of Philippine Movies & TV  Bride for Rent  2nd PEP List Awards  Fab Star of the Year (Male)     Celebrity Pair of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu)     '''2016'''  6th EdukCircle Awards  Best Drama Actor  The Story of Us  30th PMPC Star Awards for TV  Best Drama Actor   German Moreno Power Tandem (with Kim Chiu)  N/A   '''2017'''  1st GEMS (Guild of Educators, Mentors and Students) Awards  Best Supporting Actor  Everything About Her   15th Gawad Tanglaw  1st EDDYS Entertainment Editors Awards   33rd Star Awards for Movies  Movie Supporting Actor of the Year  31st PMPC Star Awards for TV  Best Single Performance by an Actor  Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Kwek-Kwek" Episode   Aliw Awards 2017  Best Major Concert (Male)  Songs in the Key of X   '''2018''' 34th Star Awards for Movies  Movie Supporting Actor of the Year Dear Other Self  Male Star of the Night  '''2020'''  2nd VP Choice Awards  TV Actor of the Year  ''Love Thy Woman''
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