MANILA, Philippines – An emotional Xian Lim, who faced some tough moments in 2015, expressed his thanks after movie co-stars Batangas Governor Vilma Santos and Angel Locsin praised his work ethic and skills during the press conference for the movie Everything About Her on Sunday, January 17.

During the press conference, Xian was asked by radio host and writer Ogie Diaz what he felt after the Star for All Seasons and Angel praised him and defended him from all the criticism he’s received in 2015. 

“Nagpapasalamat ako lang ako ulit. Nagpapasalamat lang po ako sa Star Cinema for giving me the chance to give everything I got. And nagpapasalamat din po ako kay Direk Joyce (Bernal) for giving me trust kasi hindi po lahat naniniwala sa akin. Aaminin ko naman po,marami kayong naririnig…

(I want to say thank you once again. I want to thank Star Cinema for giving me the chance to give everything I got. And I am very thankful to Direk Joyce (Bernal) for giving me trust because I know a lot of people do not believe in me. I will admit, you heard so much about me…) 

“And to everyone po, sa lahat po ng mga (to all of the) press, nagpapasalamat ako dahil sa inyo ako humuhugot ng lakas (I want to say thank you because I get my strength from all of you), and it’s part of learning tulad nung sabi ni Tita (As what Tita said.). It’s part of learning and once you stop learning, I think that’s the time you die. Everything is a learning process,” he said.

“Sa inyo pong lahat, bigyan n’yo ako ng (To all of you, if you give me a ) bad write up, good write up, I am very thankful for everything,” he added. 

After the press conference, Xian was asked further about his feelings about what Vilma and Angel said about him.

“Ang sarap ng pakiramdam na sabihin harap-harapan sa’yo lalo ng isang Ms. Vilma Santos, magsabi sa’yo ng mga ganung kagagandang salita lalo na si Angel, sina Direk (Joyce Bernal). Napagpasalamat din po ako sa Star Cinema na binigyan po ako ng ganitong pagkakataon and gusto ko lang po iparamdam sa kanila grateful ako,” Xian said.

(It feels good to hear them say that in front of you epsecially someone like Ms. Vilma Santos, to say those kind words especially from Angel, Direk [Joyce Bernal]. I want to thank Star Cinema for giving me this chance, and I want them to feel that I am grateful.)

Xian admitted that he was very hurt by all the criticism against him, but continues to learn from it.

“S’yempre nasasaktan. Hindi na ako magpapaligoy-ligoy pa. Nasasaktan kasi nababasa mo diretso na tungkol sa ‘yo. Gagawin ko ang best ko, ibubuhos ko ang lahat pero lahat ng tao may sinasabi…. pero I still appreciate lahat ng sinasabi tungkol sa akin,” he said.

(Of course I get hurt. I will not deny that. I get hurt because you read about yourself. I will do my best, I give it my all but people still have something to say…but I still appreciate everything what they say about me.)

Last February, Xian found himself in the midst of controversy after Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that Xian was arrogant and impolite to the people of Albay for not accepting the gifts given to him, including a t-shirt with the words “I Love Albay” during an event he attended. Xian issued an apology, which was accepted by the Albay governor. (READ: Salceda to Xian Lim on t-shirt controversy)

Xian is currently promoting Everything About Her, the movie he’s starring in with Vilma and Angel. In the movie, Xian plays Albert, Vilma’s son who comes home from the United States but has difficult relationship with her. 

Directed by Joyce Bernal, Everything About Her opens on January 27. – Rappler.com