# Xian Lim

Alexander Xian Cruz Lim-Uy (Tagalog:; born July 12, 1989) is a Filipino actor. He is currently an exclusive actor of GMA Network and GMA Pictures. 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 (2014), The Story of Us (2016) and Everything About Her (2016). Lim was a contract artist of Star Magic from 2008 to 2017, until signing a contract with Viva Artists Agency in January 2018, and he officially moved to GMA Network in 2022. Since 2012, Lim has notably hosted for many major televised events, particularly Binibining Pilipinas (Miss Philippines) annually, as well as Miss Grand International in Vietnam in 2017.

## Early life

Born in San Francisco, California, Lim and his family moved back to Manila, Philippines six months after his birth. Following his parents' separation, he (age 10) and his mother relocated to Daly City, California. 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 in San Bruno, California, until moving to the Philippines to attend college as a basketball varsity scholar at the University of the East in Manila. However, he never played in the UAAP as he had to undergo two years of residency.
Before attaining a degree, he became involved with modeling, and eventually, acting.

## Acting career

Lim was cast in a few minor roles before landing a supporting role in Katorse 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 as Jojo Villanueva. He was a guest judge on Showtime and had one-episode appearances for Midnight DJ, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Wansapanataym and Your Song Presents: Andi. In 2011, after a special participation in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin portraying the young Joaquin del Tierro, he landed his first major lead role in My Binondo Girl top-billed by Kim Chiu. 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 and appeared in the film, My Cactus Heart. In the same year, he starred in a youth-oriented movie with Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil and Kean Cipriano, entitled The Reunion. He was also back in primetime through the teleserye drama Ina, Kapatid, Anak with Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador and Enchong Dee. 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 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 royalties of their generation.
In 2014, his second movie with Kim Chiu entitled Bride for Rent 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, as well as leading and supporting film credits in All You Need Is Pag-ibig (2015), Everything About Her (2016) and Sin Island (2018).
After Lim signed a contract with Viva Artists Agency months after his contract with Star Magic expired in mid-2017. He signed an exclusive contract with GMA Network in 2021.

## Other work
### Directing

Lim's directorial debut was Tabon, which premiered at the Cinemalaya 2019. In 2022, Xian Lim directed an episode of Wish Ko Lang. In 2023, he released his first commercial film Hello, Universe!.

### Activism

Lim has participated in various charity games including annual birthday events at local missions foundations, performing at benefit concerts, an event in Iloilo under Star Magic and San Juan City for the victims of Typhoon Sendong. 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

Lim played for the amateur basketball club Mandaluyong El Tigre in the 2018–2019 MPBL season.

## 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. 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. On December 23, 2023, both Chiu and Lim confirmed their break up. In a May 2 Esquire Magazine cover interview, Lim confirmed that he is in a relationship with partner Iris Lee (b. 1991). Lee is a Chinese Filipino Senior Associate Producer at Viva Communications since October 2018, who was part of Hello, Universe! directed by Lim. Her siblings include Peidi, Liane Shaira and Celine Arian.
In 2025, Lim earned his private pilot licence and epaulette from Topflite Academy in Pasay.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Production |
| 2010 | Mamarazzi | Oscar | Supporting role | Regal Films |
| 2010 | Two Funerals | Gerry | Lead role | Indie film |
| 2012 | My Cactus Heart | Bene | Lead role | Star Cinema and Skylight Films |
| 2012 | The Reunion | Joaquin "Joax" Perez | Lead role | Star Cinema |
| 2013 | Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? | Francisco Alejandro "Alex" Prieto | Lead role | Star Cinema |
| 2014 | Bride for Rent | Roderico "Rocco" Espiritu Jr. | Lead role | Star Cinema |
| 2014 | Past Tense | Bobby "Babs" Razon | Lead role | Star Cinema |
| 2015 | Paddington | Paddington Bear (voice) | Lim replaced Ben Whishaw as the voice actor for the Philippine release | StudioCanal and Heyday Films |
| 2015 | Must Date the Playboy | Zachary "Zach" Andres | Lead role (mobile series) | Star Flix |
| 2015 | All You Need Is Pag-Ibig | Dino | Lead role | Star Cinema |
| 2016 | Everything About Her | Albert Mitra | Lead role | Star Cinema |
| 2017 | Dear Other Self | Henry | Lead role | Star Cinema |
| 2018 | Sin Island | David Santiago | Lead role | Star Cinema |
| 2018 | Corpus Delicti | Mark Mondejar | Lead role | Star Cinema and CineBro Films |
| 2018 | Paddington 2 | Paddington Bear (voice) | Lim replaced Ben Whishaw as the voice actor for the Philippine release | StudioCanal and Heyday Films |
| 2018 | Miss Granny | Lorenz | Main Role | Viva Films |
| 2019 | Hanggang Kailan? | Donnie | Lead role | Viva Films |
| 2020 | Untrue | Joaquim | Lead role | Viva Films |
| 2020 | Love the Way U Lie | Nathan | Lead role | Viva Films |
| 2022 | Yorme: The Isko Domagoso Story | Adult Francisco "Scott/Isko/Yorme" Moreno Domagoso | Main Role | Viva Films |
| 2022 | Bahay na Pula | | Main Role | Viva Films |
| 2022 | Always | Lino | Main Role | Viva Films |
| 2023 | Hello Universe | | Director | Viva Films |
| 2024 | Playtime | | | GMA Pictures and Viva Films |
| 2024 | Kuman Thong | | Director | Viva Films and Studio Viva |

### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Network |
| 2008 | My Girl | Photographer | Cameo appearance | ABS-CBN |
| 2008–2009 | Your Song Presents: My Only Hope | Enrico "Rick" Alejandro | Supporting role | ABS-CBN |
| 2009–2010 | Katorse | Albert Arcangel | Lead role | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Midnight DJ | Luis | "JS Prom Nightmare" episode | TV5 |
| 2010 | Maynila | Marc | "Makinig Ka, Puso" episode | GMA Network |
| 2010 | Maynila | Lance | "Hunky and Virile" episode | GMA Network |
| 2010–2021 | ASAP | Himself | Co-host / performer | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Rubi | Luis Navarro / Luis N. Ferrer | Extended role | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla: Elias Paniki | Gabriel | Supporting role | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Midnight DJ | Jake | "Bulong ng Demonyo" episode | TV5 |
| 2010 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Mark | "Marriage Contract" episode | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Wansapanataym | Aris | "Bandanang Itim" episode | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Your Song Presents: Andi | Ralph | "Tell Me" episode | ABS-CBN |
| 2011 | Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin | Young Joaquin Del Tierro | Special participation | ABS-CBN |
| 2011 | Yamaha Yey | Himself | Co-host | Studio 23 |
| 2011 | 100 Days to Heaven | Jojo Villanueva | Guest role | ABS-CBN |
| 2011–2012 | My Binondo Girl | Andrew "Andy" Wu | Lead role | ABS-CBN |
| 2012–2014 | Ina, Kapatid, Anak | William "Liam" Lagdameo | Lead role | ABS-CBN |
| 2012–2014 | I-Shine Talent Camp TV Seasons 1, 2 and 3 | Himself | Host | ABS-CBN |
| 2014 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Maynard | "Gitara" episode | ABS-CBN |
| 2014 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Johnny Medrano | "Saklay" episode | ABS-CBN |
| 2015 | Ryan Ryan Musikahan: Piyano at Gitara | Himself | Guest performer | Jeepney TV |
| 2016 | The Story of Us | Ferdinand "Macoy" Sandoval | Lead role | ABS-CBN |
| 2016 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Raymond | "DJ" episode | ABS-CBN |
| 2016 | Doowee Hooper Beat Band Competition Season 3 | Himself | Host | S+A |
| 2016 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Gabby | "Medical Result" episode | ABS-CBN |
| 2017 | A Love to Last | Sebastian "Totoy" Cruz | Special participation | ABS-CBN |
| 2017 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Randy | "Kwek-kwek" episode | ABS-CBN |
| 2019 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Bill Felisan | "Youth Citizen" episode | ABS-CBN |
| 2020 | Love Thy Woman | David Chao | Main role | ABS-CBN / Kapamilya Channel |
| 2021 | 1000 Heartbeats: Pintig Pinoy | Himself | Host | TV5 |
| 2022 | False Positive | Edward Dela Guardia | Lead role | GMA Network |
| 2022; 2023 | All-Out Sundays | Himself | Guest Performer | GMA Network |
| 2023 | Hearts on Ice | Lawrence "Enzo" Razon | Main role | GMA Network |
| 2024 | Love. Die. Repeat. | Bernardo "Bernard" Yuzon | Main role | GMA Network |

### Digital

| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Production |
| 2021 | Parang Kayo Pero Hindi | Joaquin Escribo | Lead role | Viva Films |

## Discography
### Studio albums

| Album | Year | Label | Status |
| So It's You | 2012 | Star Music | Platinum |
| XL2 | 2014 | Star Music | |
| Key of X | 2017 | Star Music | |

### Singles

| TV series | Song | Year | Label |
| My Binondo Girl theme song | "Ako'y Sayo Lamang" | 2011 | Star Music |
| Aryana theme song | "Iibigin Kita" | 2012 | Star Music |
| Ina, Kapatid, Anak soundtrack | "Kung Di Sa 'Iyo" (Liam and Celyn theme song) | 2012 | Star Music |
| Ina, Kapatid, Anak soundtrack | "Alay Ko Sayo" (Liam and Celyn theme song) | 2012 | Star Music |

### Concerts

| Title | Date |
| A Date with Xian | July 9, 2016 |
| Songs in the Key of X | July 15, 2017 |
| Stronger Together: GMA Pinoy TV @ Expo Dubai 2020 Concert | March 30, 2022 |

## Awards, nominations and recognitions

Awards and Nomination :
| Year | Award Giving Body | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
| 2011 | 27th PMPC Star Awards for Movies | New Movie Actor of the Year | Two Funerals | Nominated |
| 2012 | Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards | Breakthrough Actor of the Year | My Binondo Girl | Won |
| 2012 | Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards | Love team of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu) | My Binondo Girl | Won |
| 2012 | 43rd GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards | Most Promising Actor of the Year | My Binondo Girl | Nominated |
| 2012 | ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Pin-up Boy | — | Won |
| 2012 | ASAP 7th 24K Gold Awards | 24K Male Gold Awardee | So Its You | Won |
| 2012 | 26th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Talent Search Program Host (shared with Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli) | Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent Camp | Nominated |
| 2013 | 61st FAMAS Awards | German Moreno Youth Achievement Award | — | Won |
| 2013 | 8th Myx Music Awards | Favorite Myx Celebrity VJ | — | Nominated |
| 2013 | Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Award | Love Team of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu) | Ina Kapatid Anak | Won |
| 2013 | Yes! Magazine | 100 Most Beautiful Stars (Primetime Category) | — | Included |
| 2013 | 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music | New Male Recording Artist of the Year | So It's You | Nominated |
| 2013 | 27th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Talent Search Program Host (shared with Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli) | Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent Camp | Nominated |
| 2013 | ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Love Team (shared with Kim Chiu) | Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? | Won |
| 2014 | 62nd FAMAS Awards | Best Actor | Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo? | Nominated |
| 2014 | 1st PEP List Awards | Fab Star (Male) | — | Won |
| 2014 | 1st PEP List Awards | Celebrity Pair of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu) | Bride for Rent | Won |
| 2014 | Yes! Magazine | 100 Most Beautiful Stars (Blockbuster King category) | Bride for Rent | Won |
| 2014 | 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music | Male Pop Artist of the Year | XL2 | Nominated |
| 2014 | 4th EdukCircle Awards | Most Influential Film Actor | Bride for Rent | Won |
| 2014 | 28th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Talent Search Program Host (shared with Dimples Romana and Matteo Guidicelli) | Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent Camp | Nominated |
| 2014 | 27th Aliw Awards | Best Emcee (Male) | — | Nominated |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Male Artist | XL2 | Won |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Album | XL2 | Nominated |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Song | Pag May Time | Nominated |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Coverboy | — | Won |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Selfie | — | Nominated |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Instagrammer | — | Won |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Instavideo | — | Nominated |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Screen Kiss (shared with Kim Chiu) | Bride for Rent | Won |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Loveteam (shared with Kim Chiu) | Bride for Rent | Nominated |
| 2014 | 10th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards | Pop Movie (shared with Kim Chiu) | Bride for Rent | Won |
| 2015 | 10th Myx Music Awards | Favorite Myx Celebrity VJ | — | Nominated |
| 2015 | 46th GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards 2015 | Prince of Philippine Movies & TV | Bride for Rent | Won |
| 2015 | 2nd PEP List Awards | Fab Star of the Year (Male) | — | Won |
| 2015 | 2nd PEP List Awards | Celebrity Pair of the Year (shared with Kim Chiu) | — | Won |
| 2016 | 6th EdukCircle Awards | Best Drama Actor | The Story of Us | Won |
| 2016 | 30th PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Drama Actor | The Story of Us | Nominated |
| 2016 | 30th PMPC Star Awards for TV | German Moreno Power Tandem (with Kim Chiu) | N/A | Won |
| 2017 | 1st GEMS (Guild of Educators, Mentors and Students) Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Everything About Her | Won |
| 2017 | 15th Gawad Tanglaw | Best Supporting Actor | Everything About Her | Won |
| 2017 | 1st EDDYS Entertainment Editors Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Everything About Her | Nominated |
| 2017 | 33rd Star Awards for Movies | Movie Supporting Actor of the Year | Everything About Her | Won |
| 2017 | 31st PMPC Star Awards for TV | Best Single Performance by an Actor | Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Kwek-Kwek" Episode | Nominated |
| 2017 | Aliw Awards 2017 | Best Major Concert (Male) | Songs in the Key of X | Nominated |
| 2018 | 34th Star Awards for Movies | Movie Supporting Actor of the Year | Dear Other Self | Nominated |
| 2018 | 34th Star Awards for Movies | Male Star of the Night | Dear Other Self | Won |
| 2020 | 2nd VP Choice Awards | TV Actor of the Year | Love Thy Woman | Won |