It's only January 2025, yet the Philippines' "Prince of Ballad," Gerald Santos, is off to a remarkable start. Last Jan. 10, he released his latest single, "Hubad." Then, on Jan. 24, he will stage his first concert for the year at the SM North Edsa Skydome. The occasion will also mark the launch of his "Courage Movement."

The Jan. 24 concert will showcase Gerald's artistic evolution - from being grand champion of GMA's "Pinoy Pop Superstar"  to his role as Thuy in Miss Saigon in Europe and now, as a powerful voice in Pinoy pop ready to face the world.

His concert is entitled "Courage" and Gerald intimated that he will also be "courageous" with his repertoire. "I'll be singing songs people don't usually hear from me. It was very challenging." He said he will get support from his special guests like power belter Sheryn Regis, Erik Santos, Aliw Awards' 2024 Best New Female Artist Elish, and P-Pop group ASTER.

The 33-year-old balladeer has a lot of stories about his newest song, "Hubad," which the composer, Feb Cabahug, wanted him to sing. 

"Feb has been looking for a mainstream artist to sing what she composed. She messaged me on Facebook and introduced herself.  She told me that she could imagine me singing her song and that she wanted me to sing it," Gerald recalled.

"So I listened to the song and said, 'Wow. Ang song na ito ay maganda is very catchy.' I said yes to Feb, and she even told me she would pay me to sing her song. I told her no, hindi na kailangan. So ayan, nag-collaborate na lang kami," he revealed.

Gerald said he's happy with how "Hubad" turned out to be, and it's now streaming on music platforms like Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and others. He said the theme is about "going all out" regarding love.

"Sexy lang yung title, but if you hear the song, napakaganda nung lyrics. Hindi sya bastos," he added.

As for the "Courage Movement," Gerald said it's a personal advocacy of his passion project. The public knows that he faced the challenge of being sexually abused by his mentor in the past. He's now stepping up to help others and let other victims know they're not alone and can get support when needed.

He pointed out that when his bad experience happened in 2005 and he lodged his complaint in 2010, being a victim of abuse carried with it a "stigma" of some kind.

"But now times are different," Gerald noted. "People are now more open-minded and they won't judge you easily. I always tell others that if you are abused or receive unwanted advances from someone, don't be afraid to speak up."

"Kakampi din natin ang social media ngayon, kaya hindi tayo dapat manahimik. (Social media is our ally, that's why we shouldn't keep quiet)," he further remarked.

Fans and supporters alike can expect a year filled with compelling performances and soul-stirring music from Gerald, embracing 2025 with a heart and purpose. For tickets to his Jan. 24 concert, visit smtickets.com