Derek Ramsay gets ahead in the race

DEREK Ramsay can’t resist donuts and ice cream.

News about Derek Ramsay’s court battle with his ex-wife Mary Christine Jolly is giving me earache. Let’s give Derek a break.

No amount of controversy will make me think he’s less than the gentleman I’ve always known him to be. I fondly remember when I got to bond with Derek and his parents over lunch.

They were so cool together that they seemed like barkada. Derek’s dad joked, “Since we have the same name, when the bills come I say they are for my son. But when his paycheck arrives, I say it’s for me.”

Derek is back in action as the host of TV5’s “The Amazing Race Philippines” Season 2. (TARP airs Monday to Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m.)

Definitely the most ambitious reality show in the country, TARP searched the entire archipelago for this season’s 11 teams that will try to outrun and outwit each other. The Kapatid hunk is all set to make our hearts race.

Nice guys like Derek do finish first.

How is TARP Season 2 different from the first season?

Season 2 is definitely more challenging, more exciting. The participants are a lot more competitive. We chose personalities that would really clash.

Life is a rat race. How do you stay ahead?

Just by being myself. I live my life as if I were a sponge, learning from the people I work with. I don’t stop myself from learning. I don’t compete with anyone but myself.

Showbiz marriage proposals are the “in” thing these days. When the right time comes, would you propose in a grandiose or intimate way?

I prefer to keep a low profile. I’m a private guy when it comes to family matters. Apart from me and my special someone, I will just gather a few people who are important to us. I want for us to cherish the moment.

What’s one thing you can live without?

My cell phone. I want to get rid of it and destroy it.

What’s one thing you can not live without?

My rosary. I wear it always. I take it with me wherever I go.

Have you ever experienced rejection?

Fortunately, I’ve never been rejected.

What are your thoughts on jealousy and infidelity?

Jealousy is evil. Infidelity is wrong and disrespectful. I hate jealousy and infidelity. It’s not only men who cheat. We all make mistakes.

I’m not the jealous type. And I don’t go for women who are the jealous type. It’s a sign of insecurity and lack of trust. What’s the point of being in a relationship if you don’t trust each other?

What do you wish you could be good at?

I wish I could dance and sing.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I load up on ice cream and donuts.

What’s your phobia?

I have this thing for feet. I’m scared of feet unless they are very nice-looking.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for love?

Forgive. I’ve had some crazy stuff done to me but because of love, I always try to forgive.

What don’t people know about Derek Ramsay?

I’m an open book so I think everyone knows about my life. It’s my fault. I let too many people into my life that’s why I’ve been hurt so many times.

How can men and women solve communication problems in relationships?

My dad always told me: Never go to bed with unresolved issues. You should always talk things over with your partner. Put away pride and learn to understand.

What’s your naughty fantasy?

Gosh, I don’t know. I just really like to kiss.

What was a life-changing experience for you?

Finding out that I have a son.

If your life would be turned into a movie, what would the title be?

“Life Is Beautiful.”

Champs meet

Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski will join her father-in-law, basketball legend Robert Jaworski, in delving into the hearts, minds and lives of elite athletes.

UAAP athlete of the year Johan Aguilar, volleyball sensation Michele Gumabao and national team wrestler Marcus Valda will join the two Jaworskis at the “Champions Defined” symposium, which will be held on Oct. 15 at the First Pacific Leadership Academy.

(For details, visit www.fpacademy.net)

Game face on! Game-changers unite!

Cute couple

GMA 7’s popular teen stars, Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali, are quite cute.

Their recent GMA 7 teleserye, “Niño,” was a primetime hit. They are currently BUM’s newest endorsers.

Kapuso talents Miguel and Bianca both personify the clothing line’s spirit: fun, exciting and oh-so-youthful.

Expect lots of shrieks and whistles when their billboards come out and when they strut their stuff on the catwalk.

Personal

Muchas gracias to Cora Rodrigo of The Crowd Bar (Madison Square, Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City) for her endless kindness, and to my friend, photographer Fernan Sucalit, for the birth anniversary photos.