Manila, Philippines – In a surprising turn of events that has rocked the local entertainment industry, actor Gerald Anderson has finally confirmed the long-standing rumors: he has a child with actress and former co-star Arci Muñoz.

In an exclusive interview aired last night, Anderson candidly admitted to fathering a child with Muñoz, whom he worked with in several projects over the past decade. The revelation sent shockwaves through social media, especially among fans who believed he was still in a committed relationship with actress Julia Barretto.

“I’m not hiding anything anymore. It’s time I take full responsibility. Yes, I have a child with Arci,” Anderson stated during the televised interview. “The truth is, it happened during a complicated time in my life. I made mistakes, and now I’m trying to make things right.”

The actor emphasized that his primary concern is now the welfare of the child and that he wants to co-parent responsibly with Muñoz. “It’s not about the past anymore. It’s about giving my child a secure and loving future,” he added.

Social media exploded with reactions, with “Gerald,” “Arci,” and “Julia” quickly trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Fans and critics alike expressed disbelief, admiration for his honesty, and concern for Julia Barretto, who has remained silent—until now.

Sources close to Barretto say the young actress was blindsided by the confession. According to a friend, Julia had no idea about Gerald’s child with Arci and learned about it at the same time as the public.

“She’s devastated,” said the insider. “Julia loved Gerald deeply and trusted him completely. This news broke her heart.”

While neither Barretto nor Muñoz has officially spoken out, Julia’s management has released a brief statement asking for privacy: “Julia is going through a very personal time right now. We kindly ask the media and the public to respect her space.”

Netizens were quick to rally behind Julia, flooding her social media pages with messages of support and encouragement. Many also expressed disappointment in Anderson for not being honest earlier in the relationship.

Meanwhile, Arci Muñoz, who has kept a relatively low profile in recent months, was spotted entering a private clinic in Quezon City earlier this week with a young child in tow. It’s still unclear whether she will issue a statement, but insiders suggest she has no interest in escalating the issue.

“It was never her intention to disrupt Gerald’s relationship with Julia,” one insider claimed. “She’s focused on being a mother and raising her child.”

Entertainment columnists speculate that the revelation could have career repercussions for Anderson, who has several ongoing endorsement deals and upcoming projects. However, some industry veterans believe the actor’s transparency could help redeem his public image.

In a separate interview, a well-known talent manager commented, “Celebrities are human. They make mistakes. What’s important is accountability—and Gerald showing up now might just be his saving grace.”

Despite the controversy, Anderson’s fan base remains divided. Some applaud his bravery in telling the truth, while others are calling for him to apologize publicly to Barretto.

As of this writing, Julia has reportedly taken a break from all work commitments and is spending time with her family.

What lies ahead for this complicated love triangle remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the Philippine entertainment world won’t be forgetting this revelation anytime soon.