‘I’m not just pa-yummy’: Derrick out to prove there’s more to him than his hunky image

Scene from “Return to Paradise”

While he gets a lot of attention for his muscular physique, Derrick Monasterio wants to prove that it’s not all he has to offer in the steamy afternoon drama series, “Return to Paradise.”

“I began lifting weights and building muscles when I was 17. I just wanted to be fit and loved working out. And that’s it. I didn’t plan it to be this way,” he said of his hunky image and willingness to show some skin on television. “I didn’t expect I would be able to use that in projects like this.”

“But of course I also want to show viewers that I’m not just about being pa-yummy,” he said in a recent online press conference for the said soap opera, which airs weekdays starting Aug. 1. “I want them to see that I can deliver [when it comes to acting].”Directed by Don Michael Perez, “Return to Paradise” puts Derrick and newbie Kapuso actress Elle Villanueva on the topbill. The story revolves around two college students, Red (Derrick) and Eden (Elle), who get stuck on an island after a plane crash. They fall in love with each other, as they try to survive and weather the elements on their own for weeks.

The two eventually get rescued—only to find out later on that their respective parents and families have an irreconcilable feud.

While the show doesn’t really go “all-out,” Derrick and Elle did have to shoot some intimate scenes, especially for plot elements set on the island (in Jomalig, Quezon province).

Professional

“They were done professionally. There was no awkwardness, which sometimes happens when doing scenes like that, or when you do something wrong. I asked Elle what her limitations were, because I didn’t want to end up doing something disrespectful. With proper guidance from the team, the scenes turned out well. They were passionate, but still tasteful,” he said.

Elle admitted that she found kissing scenes difficult at first, but Derrick made sure to guide her and make her as comfortable as possible in their workshops and during actual takes. “The workshops really helped. And I’m grateful Derrick was my leading man in my first drama series. Work became easier because of him. I thought it would be difficult, but I felt comfortable.”

“We trusted each other in the scenes. We just jumped right in and did what was required,” Derrick added.

Elle previously appeared in such drama anthologies as “Tadhana” and “Magpakailanman.” “Paradise” is her biggest break yet. And she was determined to prove that she deserved her home network’s trust.

Elle Villanueva

“I focus on whatever project is given to me. I’m afraid of going to the set unprepared. I make sure that I know who my costars are—that’s what makes me anxious. I can’t go to work without being immersed in the character, because I always want to give my best,” she said. “I need to show viewers that I can do this because the network trusted me.”

“People go, ‘Sino ‘yan?’ when they see the trailer. Well, sino nga ba ako? I’m just a newbie. But I’m hoping my portrayal would leave a good impression on people,” related Elle, who used to work in the corporate world and did occasional commercials, before entering show biz.

Derrick and Elle didn’t get to meet each other in person until their workshops. “I was already following Elle on social media before we met. And she was more beautiful in person. She has a chill vibe. Parang suplada,” Derrick said.

First impressions

Elle’s first impression of Derrick, on the other hand, was that the actor was a playboy who liked to party. “I assumed he’s the type who always gets his way around girls and everything. Mahilig pumarty!” she said, laughing.

But the more time they spent time with each other, the more they realized that their first impressions were off the mark. “I was wrong about my assumptions about Derrick. He’s actually genuine and caring on the set. He checked on me if I was doing OK when I got sick. He’s genuine and open about his feelings with me,” Elle said.

Derrick Monasterio

Meanwhile, Derrick said there’s something in Elle that makes him want to take care of her. “I wanted her to be comfortable all the time. It’s a big thing that there were no other actors on the island but us. We got really close. Masarap s’ya alagaan. I enjoyed seeing her happy because it also makes me happy,” said the actor, who now considers Elle one of his closest friends.

“Anything I find interesting, I show her—food, places, experiences,” he said.

There’s nothing romantic going on between them right now, Elle stressed, but she let on that “we’re always talking to each other.”

“We’re very close,” Derrick said. “As of now, what I feel for her is genuine care.” INQ