Prague, CZ – Continuing our feature on kababayans who were cast in the hit Netflix series Secrets We Keep, we sat down with Ms. Gel Andersen, who portrayed the interesting character of Kim Flores.
Kim Flores is the sassy Pinay au pair and close friend of Angel and Ruby in the series. She’s the kind of friend who stands up for others and fights to ensure justice is served. Her character reflects the spirit of many Filipinas who are resilient and courageous, always ready to rise above life’s challenges. The role played a significant part in authentically representing some Filipino women abroad.
Who is Gel Andersen?
Originally from Mindoro, Philippines, Gel Andersen has been living in Denmark for the past 13 years. She’s married and a proud mother to a five-year-old daughter. Impressively, she also speaks Danish.
How She Was Cast as Kim Flores
Gel recalls, “Like everyone else, I saw a post on Facebook looking for Filipinos who wanted to join a show.” She initially thought it was a documentary. “Being curious and talkative, I just wanted to share my positive experiences as an au pair. So I applied.”
The first interview was casual, she simply shared her background and her journey as a Filipina au pair. “I didn’t expect to be called back, especially since I heard around 80 Filipinos auditioned.”
But during her second visit, she was handed a script and asked to act. “That’s when I started to suspect that this might not be a documentary after all,” she laughed. Gel described the entire casting process as relaxed and organic.
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Preparing for Her Role
Once chosen to play Kim Flores, Gel said the character came naturally. “I am Kim Flores in real life,” she admitted. “I’m a party-goer, bubbly, and outgoing just like her. They told me to just be myself, so I did. It didn’t even feel like acting.”
While she didn’t prepare extensively, Gel did try to lose a bit of weight for the camera, especially for the pool party scene when the investigator thought Ruby was in that party.
On Her Most Challenging Scene
“The church scene was the hardest,” she confessed. “It was emotionally intense and difficult to internalize since it hadn’t happened to me personally.”
She recalled how often they were asked to cry during filming, which was not easy. During this process, the director acknowledged how close-knit the Filipino community appeared. “They were amazed that even though many of us didn’t know each other, we bonded like lifelong friends.”
Her Favorite Scene
Her favorite moment? “Definitely the karaoke scene at the bar,” she shared. “It captured our love for videoke and how we support fellow kababayans in difficult times.”
On Working with the International Cast
“At first, we were shy to mingle with the cast, but they never made us feel different,” she said. “Everything went smoothly and professionally. We were treated like VIPs.”
The production team ensured the Filipino culture was portrayed authentically and they often consult the Filipino casts for details from mannerisms to cultural nuances. “They really wanted to get it right,” Gel proudly noted.
Message to Filipinas and OFWs
“Kim is a symbol of palaban—fierce and fearless,” Gel said. “Filipinos should never stay silent. We need to learn how to stand up for our rights.”
She acknowledged that while the series highlights Filipino culture positively, it also showed our struggles, such as borrowing money to support loved ones back home. “No culture is perfect, and showing that balance is important.”
What’s Next for Gel
“The friendships we built during filming became real and lasting. We made history as the first Filipinas to portray au pairs in a Danish setup,” she said. “I believe this will open doors for all of us.”
When asked if there will be a second season of the series, she said, “Let’s see and wait.”
Other Endeavors
Gel is also an active community leader. She serves as the admin of a Filipino group in Denmark, continuing to support her fellow kababayans even off the screen.
In Conclusion
Gel’s journey in Secrets We Keep is more than just playing a role. Through Kim Flores, she spoke for many Filipinas working and living abroad by showing what it means to stand up, care for others, and keep going no matter what.
As she moves forward, one thing is clear: wherever life takes her, she brings with her the strength and the spirit of what it means to be a Filipino woman.
Mabuhay ka, Gel Andersen!
