Baron Geisler on his hit film ‘Dollhouse’ and sobriety journey

Baron Geisler

After all the controversies that Baron Geisler has gotten embroiled in, it’s redemption time for him. Baron’s heartwarming movie, “Doll House” (DH) is currently No. 1 in the Philippines and No. 17 worldwide on Netflix.

He portrays an absentee father who tries to make up for lost time with his daughter in Holland. Baron outdid himself in DH. Aga Muhlach, Paolo Contis, Gary Valenciano and Ogie Alcasid even posted their praises for Baron and his movie on their Facebook/Instagram accounts.

As a friend, I am overjoyed for Baron. It’s high time that his acting prowess overshadows his shenanigans. He has conquered his demons and straightened up his act. A sober Baron is so very good on and off cam.

When I congratulated him for his superb portrayal, Baron’s reply was, “Thank you for being by my side up or down, best friend.”

Welcome, Baron. I’m glad that in “Dollhouse,” the great actor in you has come back home. Shine on, Baron, and carry on.

Here’s my chat with Baron :

How did your role as Rustin make you value fatherhood all the more?

I realized how important my role is as a parent. I am my daughter’s first love, and leader/hero to my sons. The time we spend with our kids is precious, so we must make it count.

What’s your advice to absentee fathers like your character?

It is never too late to make things right. I guess the best apology is changed behavior and spending quality time with your kids. It’s a “ligawan” stage. Trust is earned, so keep working on it. Kids grow up so fast, so you have to make sure to build memories that they will treasure.

How’s your journey to sobriety these days?

It has been smooth most days. Sometimes, when I get overwhelmed by everything, I learn to step back and pause. I can’t be too complacent even if things are going well because that is when the devil (disease of addiction) strikes. I may sound preachy, but I have to say that when I give the Lord my full trust, He strengthens me.

Did your daughter watch DH?

Tali can’t really express herself verbally yet, but her eyes light up when she sees me onscreen.

How’s your marriage now after Jamie and you patched things up?

By the grace of God, it has become stronger and sweeter. We are determined to keep working on our marriage, not only for us, but for the family. I have to remain accountable to God and our family.

How do you feel that your colleagues in the biz are all praises about your movie?I feel honored and blessed. Aga, Gary, Paolo and Ogie are pillars in the industry. I hope to work with them someday.

How did you and your daughter in DH, Althea Ruedas, establish rapport?

It was effortless because I fell in love with her instantly. She’s a child prodigy. I relished her calling me “Daddy B.”

Why do you think DH clicked?

Kudos to the entire team. It was such a breeze working with them. Shoutout to our cinematographer, Tom Redoble, for the “Hollywood touch,” that’s why our movie is trending even in the US. Nakakatuwa na ang daming nag-message sa akin na after watching DH, they are ready to forgive their long-lost dads/moms na. Many scenes were improvised, like the cemetery scene. Direk Marla Ancheta let me do my thing, so my lines were spontaneous and from the heart. I’m glad our movie is paving the way for healing in many families. It’s the Holy Spirit at work.

How do you relate to your character in DH?

We both have a troubled past which we try to rise from, and we believe in second chances. I am thankful for this nth chance given to me in my career. God willing, I will be able to sustain my recovery program.

Andrea Garcia

Young and restless ‘Lovely Ladies’

Take a peek into the “Babe Cave” of five young and restless women in the six-part-series, “Lovely Ladies Dormitory” (streaming soon on Vivamax). Directed by Mervyn Brondial, it stars upcoming sexy stars Andrea Garcia, Hershie de Leon, Yen Renee, Tiffany Gray, Julia Victoria, with the special participation of Alma Moreno. Watch how they stick together through thick and thin, sick or sin. That’s sisterhood for good

Here are quotes from Andrea (A), Yen (Y), Hershey (H) , Tiffany (T) , Julia (J) and Mervyn (M):

A: I experienced dorm life, so shooting our film brought back memories. Staying in a dorm is very liberating, but looking back, I wish I had parental guidance even if I was in the dorm so I would have been able to make better choices.

Y: The five of us didn’t feel the need to compete because we have our own ways of projecting sexiness.

M: After working in ABS-CBN for 23 years, I am exploring the sexy genre, and I welcome the change. I like working with newbies in our cast. They are like sponges who absorb everything I teach them.

H: The five characters we played have their own stories to tell. So instead of outshining each other, we found a way to blend together.

T: We worked as a team. We started out as acquaintances, but we formed a sisterhood by the time the shoot was done.

J: Our movie will show that you won’t really know someone until you live under one roof, and betrayal is more painful when it’s from someone you treat as family.

Y: I am more than willing to make the first move on a guy I like. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I rarely make the first move though. If we vibe, then we vibe.

M: In our film, there’s no restriction in the storytelling, and the interpretation is broader.

Roxie Smith

Spotlight on Roxie Smith

Make way for another beauty queen-turned-actress, Roxie Smith. Aside from being Miss Earth 2020, the Sparkada hottie is also a ballerina and an ambassador for a renowned hair care brand. Roxie truly rocks.

Here’s my chat with Roxie:

As a beauty queen, do you have an advantage over your coartists in Sparkada?

I wouldn’t call it an advantage, but it definitely sets me apart. Being a beauty queen developed me to be outspoken and more confident. My first big opportunity in GMA was a spot in “Unang Hirit,” and I know that being a beauty queen contributed to that.

If you fall for a guy who wants you to quit show biz, would you do so?If a man would choose to love me, he also has to love my dreams. It would be great to fall in love with somebody who would support me with my career, and I know I’ll be just as supportive with his.

Tell us a bit about your role in “Hearts on Ice.”

I’ll be playing Monique, a professional figure skater. Her story will mirror intriguing aspects of the secret lives of competitive athletes behind closed doors.