Xian Lim

Alexander Xian Cruz Lim-Uy[fn 1] (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈzijɐn lɪm], born July 12, 1989)[1] is an American-Filipino actor, filmmaker, model, singer, host, and professional basketball player.

Xian Lim
Xian Lim by Jopet Sy, January 2018
Born
Alexander Xian Cruz Lim-Uy[1][fn 1]

(1989-07-12) July 12, 1989
San Francisco, California, United States
NationalityAmerican-Filipino
Alma materUniversity of the East
OccupationActor, model, Singer, blogger, Beauty Pageant Intl Host, Painter, director, Professional Basketball Player
Years active2008–present
AgentABS-CBN Entertainment
(2008–present)
Star Magic
(2008–2018)
Viva Artists Agency
(2018–present)
Height1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Partner(s)Kim Chiu (2012-present)

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. 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 parent's 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.[2] He later joined a symphonic band before graduating high school at age 18.[3] He briefly studied Psychology in 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.[4]

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

Early life and career

Lim was cast in a few minor roles before landing a supporting role in Katorse in 2009.[5]

In 2010, he was a 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 2009

In 2011, after a special participation in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin portraying the young Joaquin del Tierro,[6] 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[7] 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.[8] 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.[9]

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 confirmed his directorial debut in his film Tabon, which premiered at the Cinemalaya 2019.[10]

Personal life

Lim actively promotes living a healthy lifestyle and his interests include filmmaking, traveling and sports.[11] He is a self-professed health-buff, enjoys activities like running and exercises, with further intentions to someday joining a triathlon.[12]

In 2011, Xian began courting fellow Star Magic artist and leading lady Kim Chiu.[13] Lim and Chiu began dating in 2012, which was confirmed in a 2013 episode of Kris TV.[14][15]

On November 15, 2018, Kim Chiu finally confirms her relationship with Xian Lim on her interview on Tonight With Boy Abunda.

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[16] 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.[17]

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.[18]

Basketball career

Xian Lim
Mandaluyong El Tigre
LeagueMPBL
Personal information
Born (1989-07-12) July 12, 1989
San Francisco, California, United States
NationalityFilipino
Listed height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Career information
High schoolWestmoor High School
CollegeUniversity of the East
Playing career2018–present
Career history
2018–presentMandaluyong El Tigre

Lim will play for the Mandaluyong El Tigre for the 2018–2019 season of MPBL.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes Production
2010 Mamarazzi Oscar Supporting role Regal Films
Two Funerals[19] 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 Lead role
Corpus Delicti Mark Mondejar Star Cinema & CineBro Films
Paddington 2 Paddington Bear (voice) Xian 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 Lead Role
2020 Love the Way U Lie Nathan Lead Role

Television

YearTitleRoleNotesNetwork
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 Episode: Makinig Ka, Puso GMA Network
Lance "Hunky and Virile" episode
Rubi Luis Navarro / Luis N. Ferrer Extended role ABS-CBN
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[20] 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
2008–present ASAP Himself Host / Performer
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

Discography

Studio albums

Artist Album Tracks Year Label Status
Xian Lim So It's You 1. So It's You

2. Reaching Out
3. Oh Babe
4. Puso 'kong Hibang
5. Ako'y Sa'yo Lamang

2012 Star Music Platinum Record
Xian Lim XL2 1. Kung 'Di Sa Iyo

2. Iibigin
3. Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?
4. Pag May Time
5. Ikaw Na
6. Si Aida o Si Lorna o Si Fe
7. Alay 'ko Sayo
8. 'Di Bale
8. Keep in Mind (K.I.M.)

2014
Xian Lim Key of X 1. Getting to Know Each Other Too Well

2. Download
3. Honey My Love So Sweet
4. Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig
5. Manhid

2017

Singles

Artist Album Tracks Year Label
Xian Lim 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

Awards, nominations and recognitions

Awards and Nomination
YearAward Giving BodyCategoryNominated WorkResult
201127th PMPC Star Awards for MoviesNew Movie Actor of the YearTwo FuneralsNominated
2012Yahoo! OMG! Philippines AwardsBreakthrough Actor of the YearMy Binondo GirlWon
Love team of the Year
(shared with Kim Chiu)
Won
43rd GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment AwardsMost Promising Actor of the YearNominated
ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice AwardsPop Pin-up BoyN/AWon
ASAP 7th 24K Gold Awards24K Male Gold AwardeeSo Its YouWon
26th PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Talent Search Program Host
(shared with Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli)
Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent CampNominated
201361st FAMAS AwardsGerman Moreno Youth Achievement AwardN/AWon
8th Myx Music AwardsFavorite Myx Celebrity VJN/ANominated
Yahoo! OMG! Philippines AwardLove Team of the Year
(shared with Kim Chiu)
Ina Kapatid AnakWon
Yes! Magazine100 Most Beautiful Stars (Primetime Category)N/AIncluded
5th PMPC Star Awards for MusicNew Male Recording Artist of the YearSo It's YouNominated
27th PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Talent Search Program Host
(shared with Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli)
Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent CampNominated
ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice AwardsPop Love Team
(shared with Kim Chiu)
Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?Won
201462nd FAMAS AwardsBest ActorNominated
1st PEP List AwardsFab Star (Male)N/AWon
Celebrity Pair of the Year
(shared with Kim Chiu)
Bride for RentWon
Yes! Magazine100 Most Beautiful Stars (Blockbuster King category)Won
6th PMPC Star Awards for MusicMale Pop Artist of the YearXL2Nominated
4th EdukCircle AwardsMost Influential Film ActorBride for RentWon
28th PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Talent Search Program Host
(shared with Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli)
Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent CampNominated
27th Aliw AwardsBest Emcee (Male)N/ANominated
10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice AwardsPop Male ArtistXL2Won
Pop AlbumNominated
Pop SongPag May TimeNominated
Pop CoverboyN/AWon
Pop SelfieN/ANominated
Pop InstagrammerN/AWon
Pop InstavideoN/ANominated
Pop Screen Kiss
(shared with Kim Chiu)
Bride for RentWon
Pop Loveteam
(shared with Kim Chiu)
Nominated
Pop Movie
(shared with Kim Chiu)
Won
201510th Myx Music AwardsFavorite Myx Celebrity VJN/ANominated
46th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards 2015Prince of Philippine Movies & TVBride for RentWon
2nd PEP List AwardsFab Star of the Year (Male)N/AWon
Celebrity Pair of the Year
(shared with Kim Chiu)
N/AWon
20166th EdukCircle AwardsBest Drama ActorThe Story of UsWon
30th PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Drama ActorNominated
German Moreno Power Tandem (with Kim Chiu)N/AWon
20171st GEMS (Guild of Educators, Mentors and Students) AwardsBest Supporting ActorEverything About HerWon
15th Gawad TanglawWon
1st EDDYS Entertainment Editors AwardsNominated
33rd Star Awards for MoviesMovie Supporting Actor of the YearWon
31st PMPC Star Awards for TVBest Single Performance by an ActorMaalaala Mo Kaya: "Kwek-Kwek" EpisodeNominated
Aliw Awards 2017Best Major Concert (Male)Songs in the Key of XNominated
201834th Star Awards for MoviesMovie Supporting Actor of the YearDear Other SelfNominated
Male Star of the NightWon

Notes

  1. Xian Lim was born in the United States. Thus, he does not possess his mother's maiden name which is Cruz.

References

  1. "The Birth of Alexander Lim". Californiabirthindex.org. Retrieved August 25, 2015.
  2. "Xian Lim channels Boys Over Flowers for Cosmo.ph". Philippine Entertainment Portal. November 17, 2009.
  3. Cruz, Marinel (April 22, 2002). "Xian Lim speaks on stardom and Kim Chiu". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  4. Godinez, Bong (June 14, 2009). "Katorse's Xian Lim recalls childhood bonding with his dad". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  5. de Calma, Archie (May 23, 2009). "Xian Lim makes his bid for leading man status in Katorse". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  6. "Episodes cast for 'Minsan lang kita iibigin'". IMDb.
  7. Franco, Bernie (July 1, 2012). "Xian Lim signs a three-picture contract, including one with Kim Chiu". ABS-CBN.
  8. Siazon, Rachelle (November 1, 2012). "Enchong Dee, Xian Lim, Enrique Gil, and Kean Cipriano gear up for Star Cinema's 'The Reunion'". ABS-CBN.
  9. Jose, Noel (September 17, 2012). "Xian Lim's "So It's You" is now certified gold!". Blogspot.
  10. "Xian Lim will direct his first movie for Cinemalaya 2019". Rappler. Retrieved September 1, 2018.
  11. "Archived copy". SunStar. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. De Leon, Angela. "Xian Lim on having it all, health and Superman". Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  13. Buan-Deveza, Reyma (September 26, 2012). "Kim tells Xian: 'Konting effort pa'". ABS-CBN News.
  14. "Kim Chiu and Xian Lim Admit They Are Exclusively Dating". Female Network. July 31, 2013.
  15. Pumaloy, Rey (August 29, 2013). "Kim Chiu promises to be open about her next relationship". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  16. "Star Magic basketball team plays for a cause in Iloilo". The Philippine Star. March 1, 2012.
  17. Siazon, Rachelle (August 12, 2012). "Kim Chiu and Xian Lim join forces in packing and distributing relief goods". ABS-CBN.
  18. "Celebrities call for Mali's transfer". Yahoo. May 28, 2013.
  19. 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.
  20. "Xian Lim and Jessy Mendiola's characters get 'married' in MMK". Philippine Entertainment Portal. October 6, 2010.
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