Actor-model Derek Ramsay has so much to thank for this year, especially where it comes to his showbiz career.

“This has been a very good year for me… been so blessed!” Derek told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in a recent interview. Partikular na ikinagagalak ng actor-model ang mga proyekto niya sa telebisyon, which kept him busy throughout 2009.

Kabilang dito ang mga programang The Wedding, Nasaan Ka, Maruja, at Precious Hearts Romances presents Ang Lalaking Nagmahal sa Akin (kunsaan nakapareha niya si Toni Gonzaga). Soon, maipapalabas na rin sa ABS-CBN ang much-delayed drama series niya na Habang May Buhay, kunsaan kapareha naman niya si Judy Ann Santos.

“I’m glad the series is finally pushing through, after so many delays,” Derek says. “We’re also happy to note that they’ve kept the series updated, with new scenes and plot developments.”

Derek added that scenes from previous tapings were kept intact with the new ones, as they were crucial parts of the story.

Sa pelikula, naging markado ang partisipasyon ni Derek Ramsay, kasama sina Bea Alonzo at Sam Milby, sa pelikulang And I Love You So (dinirek ni Cathy Garcia-Molina), which was one of Star Cinema’s certified hit releases for 2009.

Dahilan ito upang sumunod na mailunsad naman ang tambalang Derek Ramsay at Angelica Panganiban sa pang-Metro Manila Film Festival 2009 ng Star Cinema-ABS-CBN Film Productions outfit, ang I Love You, Goodbye, sa direksiyon ni Laurice Guillen.

Kamakailan (December 6) ay ginanap ang pormal na announcement ng paglulunsad ng big screen team-up nina Derek at Angelica, via I Love You, Goodbye sa ASAP ng Channel.

Dito na rin ipinagdiwang ng aktor at modelo ang kanyang kaarawan, kasama ang leading lady na siya rin niyang real-life girlfriend, si Angelica.

Angelica and Derek are such a handsome pair, both onscreen and off. Pareho din silang seryoso sa kanilang propesyon bilang mga artista, who both work hard for the projects that they’re getting. Patunay nito ang magagandang projects na naibibigay sa kanila ng Kapamilya network at ng movie outfit (Star Cinema) nito.

“I’m really thankful to ABS-CBN and Star Cinema,” banggit din ni Derek. Hindi nga lang daw maiiwasan na kabahan siya, sa ngayon, dahil sa malaking challenge na kinakaharap.

“Well, with the breaks come the challenges and the stress… really something! You just have to enjoy it…”

WORKING WITH ANGELICA PANGANIBAN. Needless to say, much of Derek’s enjoyment stems from the fact that he’s working with his real-life girlfriend and love of his life, Angelica.

Kamakailan lang halos natapos ang actual shoot ng dalawa, para sa I Love You, Goodbye. Sa last shooting ng movie kinunan ang love scene nina Derek at Angelica.

Nangiti si Derek when PEP asked how he feels na may love scene sila ni Angelica. “I’m quite nervous! Nate-tense ako!” sabi niya. “This is the first time we’re doing it…[since] this is our launching movie and I couldn’t explain the feeling!”

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LAURICE GUILLEN, A VERY STRONG WOMAN. Of his director in his very first movie lead role, Laurice Guillen, Derek Ramsay has very good words to say.

“She [Laurice Guillen] is a very strong woman,” relates Derek. “After her husband [actor Johnny Delgado]’s burial, she at once reported on the set and worked as normally, like she weren’t grieving at all. Or, perhaps, she just kept to herself whatever sadness and grief she was harboring. She’s truly a professional artist that I so admire.

“And she likes Angel (Derek’s term of endearment for her sweetheart. Angelica) very much, she’s a favorite of Direk Laurice, having worked with her before in Santa-Santita (incidentally, the launching picture of Angelica in 2006).

Derek points out that I Love You, Goodbye is a different kind of love story; so different, especially for real-life lovers like him and Angelica.

“It’s really different, has a sad twist…basta, nakakalungkot. But I’m happy, ’cause Angel and I had a nice working relationship with the other cast members: Gabby [Concepcion] and Kim [Chiu]. We had fun on the set, nice experience for all of us.”

ON THE PROSPECT OF WINNING AN AWARD. This early, Derek Ramsay, who has been being noticed for good acting (as proven by his performances in teleseryes and past movies, as supporting player) might just spring a surprise and clinch an award at the annual Metro Manila Film Fest ‘09.

Nangiti lang si Derek sa nabanggit na prospect. “I’m not even thinking about it… it’s far from my thoughts! But, if ever it will come, it will be great! It’s a bonus, for the hard work, just like what others think and feel.

“What’s important for me, or for all of us, at this point, is that we have a very good movie for the festival. Masisiyahan ang publiko sa mapapanood nila, although it’s a kind of love story that’s really sad and… masakit sa dibdib… see for yourself and find out. But you’ll love the film ’cause it’s really good!”

Before PEP ended our interview with Derek, the very amiable actor-model invited the public to watch his Star Cinema film I Love You, Goodbye, which will be shown in Philippine cinemas starting December 25, Christmas Day.

-pep