BEFORE he became a UAAP player and a local actor, Genesis Redido had a rough past.
“I always look back to the young me who used to sell fish in Divisoria, who sold bottles and cartons in the morning [before school] in exchange for a daily allowance,” the University of Santo Tomas rookie told SPIN Life.
Genesis only had himself growing up. His independence was forged by a tough childhood, having to conquer every challenge life throws at him without his parents by his side to guide him.
“My parents separated when I was young and both of them were working abroad,” he shared.
All Genesis had were dreams, and that small sliver of hope that his life would turn around one day.
While he would eventually end up suiting for the Growling Tigers, Genesis first fell in love with volleyball when he was a fifth grader at Manuel Quezon Elementary School in Tondo, Manila. His own classmates pushed him to try out for the school’s varsity team.
Genesis, who admits he wasn't naturally athletic, shared: “I wasn’t sporty, I was more into the visual arts, but I enjoyed the fun since it was something new to me. My sister, who was part of the team, mentored me.”
But he's now made it to the España-based squad’s line up this season. Genesis is excited to make his presence felt in the collegiate stage — but, of course, he has to wait a little longer, with the collegiate league on hold because of the pandemic.
That doesn't mean, though, that he's kept idle throughout the lockdown.
He's a staunch and proactive ally of the LGBTQI+ community, and, in fact, he was cast in a local Boy's Love (BL) series just this Pride Month. He considers this as one of his personal advocacies, as his sister-volleyball mentor is transgender.
“I want to show what members of the LGBT community are capable of. [They are loving and affectionate people]. My Ate is transgender and I am fully supportive of her dreams,” he said. “For me, love knows no gender. Everyone no matter their preferences are free to love and be loved.”
BL is a rising literary genre of both live action film and animation that depicts male homosexual couples as leads. It is becoming quite popular in the Philippines lately because of a Thai BL series 2gether, that starred Bright Vachirawit, a Thai-American actor known for his good looks.
Genesis immediately said yes when tapped to star in a local BL series since its roots is aligned with his personal advocacy of supporting the gay community.
Besides, he's one to readily grab an opportunity when it comes knocking at his door because he knows what it’s like to be deprived. The 5-foot-11 outside hitter doesn’t mind juggling multiple tasks.
“I see them as the tests that I have to go through to reach my goal. I cope with proper time-management and discipline. I work not only for myself, but also for my family. I want to make them proud,” he said.
Looking back on his humble beginnings, the 22-year-old is committed to the goals he's set for himself, and no barricade will ever stop him from carving the path he’s always wanted.
“Whenever I feel like quitting, I always remind myself how I started and why I started. Remembering the child that I am, I won’t fail that kid,” he added.
While he’s done impressive performances in some of UST’s minor tournaments, there’s more to watch for in his young career as a volleyball player, as an actor, and as a self-starter.
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