After topbilling I Love You Goodbye with Gabby Concepcion and Angelica Panganiban in the recently concluded 35th Metro Manila Film Festival, Derek Ramsay returns to primetime via Habang May Buhay. This is considered to be the first TV series that will extensively deal with nurses, which is why it has been dubbed as a nurserye. It also pairs Derek once again with soap opera queen Judy Ann Santos after their first teamup in Ysabella in 2007. Habang May Buhay is also one of the Kapamilya Network's offerings in celebration of the 60th Year of Philippine Soap Opera.

In a press conference for Habang May Buhay last January 18 at 9501 restaurant in the ABS-CBN compound, Derek admitted that his character in Habang May Buhay, David, is a lot easier to portray.

"I wouldn't say it's not a challenging role. I say it's a lot easier kasi I've worked with Juday. And that's what made it easy."

In Ysabella, Derek portrayed the role of Chef Mito who was greatly admired by Judy Ann's character, Ysabella. Their paths crossed when Ysabella had a chance to be in a cooking show with her long time crush Chef Mito. A romance soon blossomed between the two but their family backgrounds became a hindrance to their love.

"Actually David and Mito have some similar traits...he [David] comes from a rich family, he has issues with his family. Also, si David, mas malalim yung past at history ng character na 'to... Mas mabigat ang dala ng character ni David kesa kay Mito," he explained.

In Habang May Buhay, Derek is cast as Jane Alcantara's (Judy Ann Santos) childhood best friend. When they grow up, David becomes the owner of the hospital where Jane also works as a nurse. Now David is haunted by past events that can scar his relationship with the woman he loves.

Directed by Wenn Deramas, Habang May Buhay also stars Rio Locsin, Tetchie Agbayani, Gladys Reyes, Will Devaughn, and John Arcilla, with a special appearance by Sid Lucero.

ON WORKING WITH JUDAY. After a very long delay, cast and crew are excited that Habang May Buhay finally airs on February 1.

One question that arose during the press conference was about the chemistry between Derek and Judy Ann. With Judy Ann now married to Ryan Agoncillo, did Derek's working relationship with Juday change?

"Nothing changed. You know, I was thinking about that before. Magbabago kaya yung chemistry? Walang nagbago. Actually pagkita namin sa set, kulitan lang and back to normal. I really enjoy working with her. She makes it easy for me. Walang nagbago nung nagpakasal si Juday," Derek confirmed.

In real life, Derek is already committed to young actress Angelica Panganiban who, like Judy Ann Santos, began her career in showbiz at a very young age. What did he learn about acting from the two former child actresses?

"Many things. Both are very patient. Stressful 'tong trabaho namin and I have complete respect for the two of them... Mahirap yung transition from a childhood star to a diva like Judy Ann. So ang kailangan mong gawin diyan, you have to be ever-changing. Parang like Madonna who's never really kept one image... Yung mga skills and how you should go about sa set, yun amg tinuro sa 'kin ni Angel. Si Juday ginagawa ko lang yung mga ginagawa niya sa set... And of course, their acting. They're both great actresses."

UNIVERSAL LEADING MAN. During the press conference, Derek shared stories of his acting background, dating back to when he was in college in England. He revealed that he joined theater to overcome his fear of facing a large crowd or audience.

Derek has indeed come a long way from that camera-shy guy to being dubbed as the "Universal Leading Man." What is his reaction to this title?

"It's still a question mark for me actually. But it's probably the way I balance my work and who I am. Too much of something is not good. And I've been able to balance my career and my family time and my other passions in life. And I think my endorsers see that I'm somebody else also outside of showbiz that gives high regard to my family, gives importance to my health to some extent. But... yeah I think it's the balance I give to the life that I live..."