Xian Lim
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Alexander Xian Lim (born July 12, 1989) is a Filipino actor, model, singer, host, blogger, filmmaker and professional basketball player. 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 ''Bride for Rent'' is a 2014 Filipino romantic comedy film directed by Mae Czarina Cruz starring Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. It is produced by Star Cinema as its opening salvo for the year. The film achieved numerous milestones: it became the secon ...
'' (2014), '' The Story of Us'' (2016) and ''
Everything About Her ''Everything About Her'' is a 2016 Filipino comedy-drama film directed by Joyce E. Bernal, starring Vilma Santos, Xian Lim and Ms. Angel Locsin. It was released on 27 January 2016 under Star Cinema. The film earned on its first day of release. ...
'' (2016). Lim was a contract artist of
Star Magic ABS-CBN Center for Communication Arts, Inc., doing business as Star Magic (formerly known as ABS-CBN Talent Center), is the talent agency owned by ABS-CBN Corporation based in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines that was founded in 1992. ...
from 2008 to 2017, until signing a contract with Viva Artists Agency in January 2018 and he officially moved to
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
in 2022.Since 2012, Lim has notably hosted for many major televised events, particularly
Binibining Pilipinas Binibining Pilipinas (abbreviated as Bb. Pilipinas; ) is a national beauty pageant in the Philippines that selects Filipina representatives to compete in one of the Big Four international beauty pageants: Miss International and selects two ot ...
(Miss Philippines) annually, as well as Miss Grand International in Vietnam in 2017.


Early life

Born in
San Francisco San Francisco (; Spanish for " Saint Francis"), officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. The city proper is the fourth most populous in California and 17t ...
,
California California is a state in the Western United States, located along the Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the most populous U.S. state and the 3rd largest by area. It is also the m ...
, Lim and his family moved back to
Manila Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populated ...
, Philippines six months after his birth. Following his parents' separation, he (age 10) and his mother relocated to
Daly City, California Daly City () is the second most populous city in San Mateo County, California, United States, with population of 104,901 according to the 2020 census. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and immediately south of San Francisco (sharing ...
. Raised by his mother, a former model turned piano teacher, resulted in Lim learning various musical instruments including piano, trombone, saxophone and guitar. He later joined a symphonic band before graduating high school at age 18. He briefly studied psychology at
Skyline College Skyline College is a public community college A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can have different meanings in different countries: many community colleges have an "open enrollment" for students who have gr ...
in
San Bruno, California San Bruno ( Spanish for " St. Bruno") is a city in San Mateo County, California, United States, incorporated in 1914. The population was 43,908 at the 2020 United States Census. The city is between South San Francisco and Millbrae, adjacent to S ...
, until moving to the Philippines to attend college as a basketball varsity scholar at the
University of the East The University of the East ( fil, Pamantasan ng Silangan), also known as UE, is a leading private university located in Manila, Philippines. Founded in 1946, business tycoon Lucio Tan acquired the university in 1990. UE was once labeled as the ...
in Manila. Before attaining a degree, he became involved with modeling, and eventually, acting.


Career

Lim was cast in a few minor roles before landing a supporting role in ''
Katorse ''Katorse'' (International title: ''Fourteen (14)'') is a television primetime series that aired on ABS-CBN from August 24, 2009 to January 8, 2010, replacing ''Boys Over Flowers''. It tells the story of a simple small-town girl who fell in love w ...
'' in 2009. In 2010, he was part of the cast in the drama '' Rubi'' as Luis Navarro. Then, he guest starred in ''
100 Days to Heaven ''100 Days to Heaven'' is a 2011 Philippine fantasy comedy drama television series directed by Malu L. Sevilla, Jojo A. Saguin, and Don M. Cuaresma. The series stars Coney Reyes and Xyriel Manabat as Anna Manalastas, and Jodi Sta. Maria as Sophi ...
'' as Jojo Villanueva. He was a guest judge on '' Showtime'' and had one-episode appearances for ''
Midnight DJ ''Midnight DJ'' is a Filipino reality drama- horror- action-thriller television series about DJ who works at night and at the same time, together with his team, they work to find solutions to the paranormal problems of his listeners. The series d ...
'', ''
Maalaala Mo Kaya ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' (; formerly written as ''Maala-ala Mo Kaya...''; abbreviated as ''MMK''), also known as ''Memories'', is a Philippine television drama anthology show broadcast by Kapamilya Channel under ABS-CBN Entertainment. Hosted by C ...
'', ''
Wansapanataym ''Wansapanataym'' ( Filipinization of the English phrase "'' once upon a time''") was a Philippine fantasy anthology television series produced and broadcast by ABS-CBN. It airs every Sunday night. The series was aired from June 22, 1997, to Fe ...
'' and '' Your Song Presents: Andi''. In 2011, after a special participation in ''
Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin ''Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin'' (International title: ''One Great Love'' / ) is a Philippine family military drama series that aired on ABS-CBN featuring an ensemble cast. The show aired from March 7, 2011, to August 19, 2011. It is the second P ...
'' portraying the young Joaquin del Tierro, he landed his first major lead role in '' My Binondo Girl'' top-billed by
Kim Chiu Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (; born April 19, 1990), professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress, model, host, singer, dancer, and vlogger. She is currently managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN's home-based talent agency. Recognized as one o ...
. 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 ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. (doing business as Star Cinema or ABS-CBN Films) is a Filipino film studio and film and television production company and film distributor headquartered in Quezon City. It is one of the major film studios in t ...
and appeared in the film, ''
My Cactus Heart ''My Cactus Heart'' (stylized as ''#MyCactusHeart'') is a 2012 Filipino romantic comedy film directed by Enrico Santos, starring Maja Salvador, Matteo Guidicelli, and introducing Xian Lim. It is the first independent film produced by Skylight Fi ...
''. In the same year, he starred in a youth-oriented movie with
Enchong Dee Ernest Lorenzo Velasquez Dee (, born November 5, 1988), professionally known as Enchong Dee, is a Filipino actor, model, and swimmer. Dee is a contract artist of ABS-CBN's Star Magic. He came to prominence after starring in his first major TV ...
,
Enrique Gil Enrique Mari Bacay Gil V (; born March 30, 1992) is a Filipino actor, dancer, and commercial model. Gil has appeared in various films and television shows such as ''Mula Sa Puso'', ''Budoy'', ''Princess and I'', '' Muling Buksan Ang Puso'' an ...
and
Kean Cipriano Kean Edward Uson Cipriano (born June 11, 1987 in Pasig City) is a Filipino singer, composer, actor, music video director, and musician. He is well known as the former vocalist of pop-rock band Callalily, and the founder of his own record label O ...
, entitled '' The Reunion''. He was also back in primetime through the teleserye drama '' Ina, Kapatid, Anak'' with
Kim Chiu Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (; born April 19, 1990), professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress, model, host, singer, dancer, and vlogger. She is currently managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN's home-based talent agency. Recognized as one o ...
,
Maja Salvador Maja Ross Andres Salvador-Ortega (; born October 5, 1988) is a Filipino actress, performer, television host, occasional producer, and talent manager. Referred to as the “Majestic Superstar”and the "''Queen of Revenge Drama''", Salvador ...
and
Enchong Dee Ernest Lorenzo Velasquez Dee (, born November 5, 1988), professionally known as Enchong Dee, is a Filipino actor, model, and swimmer. Dee is a contract artist of ABS-CBN's Star Magic. He came to prominence after starring in his first major TV ...
. He also released his debut studio album ''So It's You'' under Star Records which reached a Gold Record status. In 2013, his film '' Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?'' with his onscreen and offscreen partner
Kim Chiu Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (; born April 19, 1990), professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress, model, host, singer, dancer, and vlogger. She is currently managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN's home-based talent agency. Recognized as one o ...
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 Blockbuster or Block Buster may refer to: *Blockbuster (entertainment) a term coined for an extremely successful movie, from which most other uses are derived. Corporations * Blockbuster (retailer), a defunct video and game rental chain ** Bl ...
royalties of their generation. In 2014, his second movie with
Kim Chiu Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (; born April 19, 1990), professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress, model, host, singer, dancer, and vlogger. She is currently managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN's home-based talent agency. Recognized as one o ...
entitled ''
Bride for Rent ''Bride for Rent'' is a 2014 Filipino romantic comedy film directed by Mae Czarina Cruz starring Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. It is produced by Star Cinema as its opening salvo for the year. The film achieved numerous milestones: it became the secon ...
'' 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 Paddington is an area within the City of Westminster, in Central London. First a medieval parish then a metropolitan borough, it was integrated with Westminster and Greater London in 1965. Three important landmarks of the district are Padd ...
'', as well as leading and supporting film credits in '' All You Need Is Pag-ibig'' (2015), ''
Everything About Her ''Everything About Her'' is a 2016 Filipino comedy-drama film directed by Joyce E. Bernal, starring Vilma Santos, Xian Lim and Ms. Angel Locsin. It was released on 27 January 2016 under Star Cinema. The film earned on its first day of release. ...
'' (2016) and ''
Sin Island ''Sin Island'' is a 2018 Philippine erotic thriller film directed by Gino M. Santos, and starring Xian Lim, Coleen Garcia and Nathalie Hart. In the story, David (Lim) and Kanika (Garcia) are happily married, until Kanika's adulterous affair rui ...
'' (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. He transferred to
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
after seen in ''
Maynila Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populated ...
'' episodes in 2010. As of 2022, Kapuso actor Xian Lim made his directorial debut in
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
's movie ''
Wish Ko Lang ''Wish Ko Lang!'' () is a Philippine television public service drama anthology show broadcast by GMA Network. Originally hosted by Bernadette Sembrano, it premiered on June 29, 2002 on the network's Saturday afternoon line up. The show conclude ...
''. Xian shared the exciting news with his followers on Instagram on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, as he shared some of the behind-the-scenes snaps from a shoot. His recent career is now managed by Viva Artist Agency (talent agency) since 2017 and has a television network contract with GMA (network) since April 2020.


Personal life

Lim actively promotes living a healthy lifestyle and his interests include filmmaking, traveling and sports. He is a self-professed health-buff, enjoys activities like running and exercises, with further intentions to someday joining a triathlon. In 2011, Xian began courting fellow Star Magic artist and leading lady
Kim Chiu Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (; born April 19, 1990), professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress, model, host, singer, dancer, and vlogger. She is currently managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN's home-based talent agency. Recognized as one o ...
. Lim and Chiu began dating in 2012, which was confirmed in a 2013 episode of '' Kris TV''. On November 15, 2018, Kim Chiu confirmed her relationship with Lim in an 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 Iloilo (), officially the Province of Iloilo ( hil, Kapuoran sang Iloilo; krj, Kapuoran kang Iloilo; tl, Lalawigan ng Iloilo), is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is the City of Iloilo, the ...
under Star Magic and San Juan City for the victims of
Typhoon Sendong Severe Tropical Storm Washi, known in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Sendong, was a late-season tropical cyclone that caused around 1,200 to 1,500 deaths and catastrophic damage in the Philippines in late 2011. Washi made landfall over Mi ...
. In August 2012, he and Kim Chiu spearheaded a relief operation in Marikina for the city's flood-affected victims. 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.


Basketball career

Lim played for the Mandaluyong El Tigre for the 2018–2019 season of
MPBL The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is a men's professional basketball league in the Philippines. History Manny Pacquiao launched the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on August 29, 2017, starting off as a semi-professional lea ...
.


Filmography


Film


Television


Digital


Discography


Studio albums


Singles


Concerts


Awards, nominations and recognitions


Notes


References


External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Lim, Xian 1989 births Living people People from Antipolo Filipino male child actors Filipino male television actors Filipino male models 21st-century Filipino male singers Bicolano actors Bicolano people Viva Artists Agency Star Magic Star Music artists ABS-CBN personalities GMA Network personalities University of the East alumni Filipino men's basketball players Television personalities from San Francisco Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League players Basketball players from San Francisco UE Red Warriors basketball players Filipino male film actors Filipino people of Chinese descent Citizens of the Philippines through descent