Derek Ramsay and Baron Geisler may play arch-enemies in TV5’s latest action-drama series Kidlat, but off-screen, the two actors have grown supportive of each other.
In a previous interview, Derek talked about the bond he and his onscreen arch-enemy have developed over the last months of taping for the Kapatid channel “heroserye.”
The hunky actor mentioned, “Baron is like my new little brother who I’m guiding.” (CLICK HERE to read related story).
At the press launch of Kidlat last Sunday, January 6, at the TV5 Broadway studio in Quezon City, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked Derek about how Baron is doing after the latter yielded to his drinking problem and caused a commotion at the MVP ball last December 17, 2012. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)
Derek initially relayed that he was with Baron during the occasion and that he was the first one to grab Baron when he started creating a scene.
“To tell you the truth, I was the first one to grab him.
“I told him, ‘Sobra na. Umuwi ka na.’ Nakinig siya,” narrated Derek.
He continued, “Unfortunately may mga nangyari na… which I think was magnified.”
The actor cited TV5 host IC Mendoza—who was present at the January 6 press launch—as one of the people who Baron harassed at the MVP ball:
“As you can see IC was one of the … parang, hindi ko alam kung inaway o binastos. And they’re good friends.
“IC [understands] that he’s not good with alcohol.”
QUIETLY ADMONISHED BARON. On their next taping day, Derek told PEP that he sat down with Baron and quietly told off his friend.
Derek told the award-winning actor, “Hey, alcohol and you don’t go well. So, why turn to that?’
According to the Kidlat star, Baron was grateful for talking to him.
“He kept on thanking me for being there. But I can only be there for so long because if ‘You keep messing up, you know, I can’t baby you. You’re a full-grown man. And it’s about time [that] you make the right decision with your life.
“'And you’re so lucky that you’re still blessed with a project.’”
Derek also told Baron, “Your role is just as important as mine. There’s no Kidlat if there’s no Dr. Megaton. It just won’t work.’”
In the TV series, Baron portrays the mad scientist Vincent Megaton Jr, who is Kidlat’s nemesis and half-brother.
Derek advised Baron, “Nothing’s given to you on a silver platter in life. In life there’s no guarantee… there’s no assurance.
"So what you need to do is make… especially because you’ve messed up, you have to work harder than others for people to respect you and to be rewarded.”
During the interview, Derek acknowledged Baron’s undeniable knack for acting.
“Yung talent naman niya, no one will question that if he’s focused.
“That’s my word for him all the time, ‘Focus, focus, focus.’
"Every time I see him, [I tell him,] ‘Focus, focus, focus.’”
WHAT BARON DID ON NEW YEAR. PEP inquired whether Baron admitted that he created that stir at the MVP ball.
Derek replied, “Yeah, he said he kind of messed up.”
The actor recalled telling Baron, “You can’t blame it on the alcohol. You made a decision to drink it. So, it’s your fault.”
Derek said that Baron called up the people he reportedly harried on the said occasion.
“It was the right thing to do. But he can’t always just apologize and apologize, right?
“So I told him, ‘Stay away from it.’”
Derek shared that on New Year’s eve, Baron made an effort to stay away from alcohol.
He told PEP, “The good thing [was] I think he checked himself into a program.
“He called me up over the New Year, saying that he’s spending New Year’s there that’s why he can’t come with us.”
Previously, Derek had invited Baron to spend the holidays with him and his family in Bukidnon, Mindanao.
“I think that was very brave of him na he did that out of his, you know, own will…
“So, that’s really good na … he took the initiative to admit that he has a problem and to do something about it.
“So, I’m just there to try to keep him focused with his work.”
BARON’S FRIEND. In the latter part of the interview, PEP likewise asked Derek to assess his friend after the incident.
The actor stated, “It’s not gonna be easy for him. He’s gonna make mistakes and you just have to be understanding.
“It’s hard when somebody’s on the ground tapos you’re gonna kick them while they’re on the ground.
“And sometimes that’s what happens with Baron. Yeah, he makes mistakes and it’s his fault. But sometimes… ayokong sabihing naaawa ako…”
Derek admitted his disappointment over Baron submitting to his drinking problem.
He remembered also telling Baron, “I give you advice. Yes, it’s just advice, it’s up to you. But if you tell me something, you promised me this, you promised me you’re gonna change, I’m gonna take you on then.
“If you say that to me, I’ll hold you to that. That’s where I get pissed off because iba ang sinasabi mo sa akin.
“I’m here to help you. I’m here to help you, I’m here to defend you in any way I can if I think you’re right.”
Despite Baron’s recent misconduct, Derek still places his faith in his friend’s recovery.
“It’s over and done and ever since then, he’s been going in the right direction.
“And hopefully, he doesn’t venture off, he doesn’t get off the track. He’s doing well.”