MANILA – He waded through chest-deep floods despite the danger just to aid his neighbors trapped in their houses at the height of tropical storm Ondoy’s (international codename Ketsana) onslaught. But amid the public admiration, Gerald Anderson has insisted that he shouldn’t be the one receiving all the accolades.

Anderson admitted that he feels embarrassed whenever people would refer to him as a hero. He said the real heroes of the calamity are those who continuously help the flood victims by donating and distributing goods to them.

The Filipino American young actor said he merely wanted to help his neighbors.

"Nagkataon lang na na-picture-an ako, na artista ako at nalaman ng tao ang ginawa ko. Pero at the same time nakakataba ng puso," Anderson told “SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon."

Meanwhile, a proud Kim Chiu, Anderson’s onscreen partner and rumored girlfriend, also praised the actor. She said she never doubted that Anderson would risk his life for others.

During Ondoy’s onslaught, she said she was trying to reach the actor after hearing the news that the subdivision where he lives was already submerged in floodwaters.

She said she sent him text messages and kept calling him but she could not reach him.

"Noong gabi sabi niya okay na naman siya… Hindi naman ako nag-alala kasi alam kong kaya niya ‘yon. At kaya naman talaga niya 'yong tumulong," she said.