What made Jamie forgive hubby Baron Geisler

Baron Geisler (right) with wife Jamie and daughter Talitha

Sometimes, couples have to be apart in order to realize what they had together. Just like what happened to Baron Geisler and his wife, Jamie. When Baron had an alcohol relapse, Jamie was on the verge of filing for the annulment of their marriage. But love should not be wasted, so they have eventually patched things up.

May Jamie’s and their daughter Talitha’s love be more intoxicating than alcohol for Baron so they will live soberly ever after.

Here’s my chat with Jamie:

What made you forgive Baron?

When I discovered that my husband gave in to his addiction again and violated our marital vows, of course I was hurt and fuming with anger. However, I had learned that the more you let your anger consume you, you are giving it power to control you, which often leads to chaos.

Thankfully, he admitted his mistake and asked forgiveness. How I wish the pain would go away in an instant. It would have been easier for me to get an annulment and move on with my life, but God did not allow it. We committed ourselves to marriage counseling and attended a couples’ retreat with CCF (Christ’s Commission Fellowship).

These sessions reminded me that I am a sinner too and was forgiven by Jesus and that these issues are not exclusive to us. Forgiveness is a daily decision and a painful process, but the good news is, healing is possible.

How is your relationship with Baron now?

To be honest, it still feels like a roller-coaster ride. Just because you see happy family photos on social media doesn’t mean everything is perfect. There are days when I get triggered by the pettiest things, but I acknowledge my emotions and try to manage it so I don’t turn into a monster.

I, too, have tendencies of being self-righteous, judgmental and domineering. Those are just a few of the character defects that I am working on. I also rely on support groups (families and friends of alcoholics and my CCF family) for guidance, comfort and enlightenment.

I am once again reminded that I cannot do it alone. I know my husband is going through his own process. Most of the time, it’s harder to forgive yourself. When we sin, we have to deal with the guilt and shame. Even if you are resentful, you cannot escape the consequences of your actions. I’m praying that he will take his recovery seriously and also for me to be more compassionate.

What’s your advice to wives who are wary of giving their erring husbands a second chance?

Acknowledge the painful reality and sit with the feeling. Do not make decisions when you are still emotional. Seek counsel from the right people, like your pastor, lawyer or psychologist. Have a heart-to-heart talk with your spouse to discuss how you will deal with the situation.

Pray. I do not encourage staying in an abusive and toxic relationship. Although I am aware that my husband is an alcoholic, I remind him that his illness is never an excuse for bad behavior, so I have set firm boundaries in situations that may pose a threat to me and my family’s safety. I’m not certain what the future holds for us, so I will be still and let God work on our marriage.

Secrets and passion merge in sexy series

Two tough women, a private escort and a company CEO, are bound by a secret—they share the same man. But a bigger secret is yet to explode. Witness their intriguing story unfold in “Wag Mong Agawin ang Akin” (streaming on Vivamax).

The eight-part drama series directed by Mac Alejandre stars Angeli Khang, Jamilla Obispo and Felix Roco. It’s les liaisons dangereuses à la Pinoy.

From left: Angeli Khang, Jamilla Obispo and Felix Roco

Here are quotes from Mac (M), Angeli (A), Jamilla (J) and Felix (F):

A: Direk Mac taught me how to look at love scenes in the right context. It’s art to show some skin, but it doesn’t get any easier each time I do it. Kailangang isapuso ang character so the audience will look beyond the sex scenes.

F: My dad Bembol does not give me advice on acting. He wants me to learn on my own. I also refuse to be pressured to be a great actor like him. I know I’m here in the biz because of him. But I want to be known as Felix, not as Bembol Roco’s son.

M: It’s tough to ask stars to disrobe. I will never get used to it, but I stick to the objective. I don’t force them to do anything they aren’t comfortable doing. If they’re game, I explain to them why the scene is necessary.

J: I believe no girl can snatch away your man if the man is not willing to be snatched. But kung gusto ng boyfriend kong magpaagaw, I will let him go.

A: Jamilla and I gave it our all in our confrontation scenes. I told her to slap me really hard para feel na feel ko ang pag-iyak.

M: The passion to create is a blessing and a curse in a good way because it never stops. It gives you fulfillment and angst. If you aren’t able to express your creativity, para kang sasabog.

F: Unlike the character I portray, I don’t think I will ever be torn between two lovers. I always stick to the one my heart is with.

J: I evolve in each project. I become a better woman and actress. My two kids understand that portraying sexy roles is just a job I have to do. I must work extra hard as a single mom.

A: Even if my movies are consistently in the top 5 of Vivamax’s charts, I don’t let it get to my head. I strive to offer something new in each project so the audience won’t get tired of me.