For many artists, success in one field is enough. For Gian Bernardino, lead singer of one of the country's biggest pop act, Cup of Joe, it's just the beginning of something bigger.

Gian has officially entered a new chapter in his career after signing a management contract with Viva Artists Agency (VAA) and a movie contract with Viva Films.

The move formalizes his transition into acting, a longtime ambition that predates his rise as a musician.

"It feels like the perfect timing kasi I believe we've achieved great lengths na in terms of music and I want to expand my artistry by entering film din," Gian said.

The announcement comes as Cup of Joe continues to enjoy strong momentum, making his expansion into film a notable development not only for fans but also for industry observers watching the next generation of multi-hyphenate Filipino entertainers.

His bandmates have embraced the move wholeheartedly.

"Full support naman silang lahat," Gian maintained.

"Ever since nung nag-start kami, they've always seen me as that full-rounder performer. Nung pandemic pa lang, nag-try na akong sumali sa mga indie film and series. Nung sinabi ko sa kanila, full support naman sila, and I am really thankful for that."

While many may know him primarily as a singer, Gian, 24, has quietly been building acting credentials over the years. He appeared in the digital series "Quaranthings: The Series" in 2021 and later starred in the short films "Kubli" and "Microplastics."

His interest in storytelling extends beyond acting.

Apparently, film was his first artistic love.

"To be completely honest, first love ko talaga ang film in its essence," he said.

Growing up in Qatar as the child of an overseas Filipino worker, television became both a comfort and a source of inspiration.

"Kasi nung lumalaki ako, I think it's every child's dream na makita ang sarili nila sa TV. Bilang isang anak ng OFW na lumaki sa Qatar, ang nagiging escape ko lang during those times na nag-a-adjust kami, nanonood ako ng TV."

He even dreamed of becoming part of the long-running children's show "Goin' Bulilit."

"Meron akong pangarap noon na makasali sa 'Goin' Bulilit.' So even before I discovered na gusto ko rin maging performer, gusto ko munang maging artista. It's definitely one of my plans, entering the industry."

For Gian, acting is not a side project but part of a larger artistic mission.

"Ever since, ang pinakaprinsipyo ko as a person, I wanna live for the arts. So, ito yung gusto kong gawin hanggang sa pagtanda ko," he explained.

"I won't treat it as a distraction. I will treat it as something that would make me a better artist. Kumbaga, kung na-start ko yung childhood ko as a performer, I want it to be fully realized ngayon na abot-kamay ko na yung mga ganyang opportunities. It would definitely be challenging, pero I won't let it be a distraction sa music."

As he begins his journey with Viva, Gian already has a wish list of collaborators.

"I would like to work with fellow Viva artists ko, Anne Curtis and Sarah G."

Said he of Sarah: "Isa po siya sa pinaka-inspiration ko. Kasi nag-start din siya as a singer and then she explored her artistry by exploring film and TV."