Derek more private with new girlfriend

DEREK Ramsay needs to sort out legal hitches before he can think of tying the knot again.

Seven months after his short-lived romance with Cristine Reyes, actor Derek Ramsay is seeing someone new.

But having been in high-profile relationships that didn’t quite work out, Derek would rather keep things to himself this time.

“You all know that my life has been an open book—if you ask, I will answer. But when it comes to my love life, I promised myself I’d be more private from now on,” he told reporters at a recent press con, where he signed a three-picture contract with Regal Entertainment.

He didn’t divulge his girlfriend’s identity but, Derek said, “Masaya ang puso ko.” His show biz exes include Angelica Panganiban and Solenn Heusaff.

If there’s anything Derek didn’t like about being in highly publicized relationships, it was the pressure of people watching his every move. “It’s hard to have that much weight on your shoulders, and I don’t like to carry that every day,” Derek said. “I should… give myself space to grow in this new relationship.”

The 37-year-old hunk acknowledged that he’s at a point in his life where he should find “the one.” That doesn’t mean he’s in a rush to settle down. “Not that I don’t want to—it’s just not my priority. But if she wants to get married, [then we will],” he said.

Besides, he’s still grappling with legalities pertaining to his 2002 wedding to a nonshow biz girl. “That’s being sorted out,” he said.

No problem

Asked how his new lover reacted to earlier reports linking him to Kris Aquino, the TV5 star said: “There’s no problem.”

Derek reiterated that he and Kris are merely “very good friends.” Rumors romantically linking the two spread after Kris posted on Instagram cryptic thank-you posts for Derek. He stressed, “There was no relationship. I didn’t court her. We gave each other advice.”

Kris’ new boyfriend, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, need not be jealous of him, Derek said. “[Rumors like that are] part of what we deal with in show biz.”

Derek was certain that Kris didn’t use his name for more publicity, as netizens continue to suggest. “She’s Kris Aquino; she has everything. What would she use me for?” he said. “As for my career, I’ve worked hard to get where I am.”

That said, Derek said he might do a movie with Kris under Regal. “But I’m not very sure.”

The two were also offered the lead roles in the indie movie “Maratabat,” which was written—and will be directed by—Inquirer Radio’s Arlyn de la Cruz. Kris turned down the project because of schedule conflicts.

The new “Regal Baby” is excited about doing a film with Marian Rivera. “She’s one of GMA 7’s biggest stars, and it’s nice to get the chance to work with people outside my network,” Derek said.

Meanwhile, asked if he would accept gay roles and/or projects similar to “My Husband’s Lover,” Derek said he loved a good challenge. “But I have to prepare really well for that one.”

What about kissing scenes with another man? “Only if [necessary],” Derek said. “I believe my competitiveness and drive to do new things will pull me through.”

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