Aside from stirring up the fury of viewers with his unforgettable portrayal of merciless fictional villains and attracting the admiration of spectators with his emotional performances, one of the most versatile Kapamilya actors, Baron Geisler, undoubtedly captivates hearts with his genuine story of redemption.
In the May 9 episode of JeepneyTV’s “Stars on Stars,” the “Blood vs Duty” actor gracefully revisited the trials and tribulations as well as the transformative victories in both his life and career, which ultimately molded him to become the better person that he is today.
For starters, Baron was shown his childhood photo as a member of Star Circle, Batch 5, in 1997. “Hindi makabasag-pinggan,” he described his younger version as he remembered his demure personality at the time.
Getting creative, Baron was then given the task of assigning superpowers for his beloved “Tabing Ilog” castmates Paolo Contis, John Lloyd Cruz, and Jodi Sta. Maria. Beginning with fellow actor Paolo, Baron associated him with the X-Men’s “Professor X,” reasoning that he is a smart individual.
Continuing on with the references to X-Men characters, Baron proceeded to liken John Lloyd to “Magneto,” explaining that he established a magnetic presence that was highly desired in mainstream Filipino movies.
For Jodi, who was Baron’s former love team partner and first girlfriend in the late 1990s to early 2000s, he fondly characterized her as “Storm,” highlighting her timeless acting skills. “Sa bawat character na binibigay sa kanya, kaya niyang gampanan ng buwan at araw… At lahat-lahat,” he added.
When it came to his own identity, Baron described himself as similar to “Wolverine,” given that he was also tested by time but still emerged strong throughout the challenges he faced.
More about his days as a child star in the entertainment industry, Baron recalled that they were mainly a blissful opportunity for him. “Ang dami kong options noon, pwede akong mag Philippine team ng Taekwondo, pero na-enjoy ko rin ‘yung spotlight. ‘Yun nga lang dahil sa sobrang daming options, marami akong napakawalan… Isa ‘yun sa mga pinagsisisihan ko,” he admitted.
On the topic of the best advice he received from a mentor, which he took to heart over the years, Baron spoke more tenderly, honoring the life-changing words of the late Johnny Delgado. Among the things he meticulously learned from Johnny were precise improvisation skills, fostering a deeply personal connection with the script, and avoiding a self-conscious attitude when acting.
“Huwag na huwag kang magpaplano bago mag-eksena; intindihin mo ‘yung script. Alamin mo ‘yung linya mo, pero ‘wag kang magpaplano para hindi maging predictable yung acting mo,” he recalled.
On the subject of his character’s trending death scene from “Incognito,” Baron gave high praise to Director Ace Wang Yan Bin for demonstrating to him the actual falling down scene that he needed to replicate, especially since his character, Miguel Tecson, was fatally shot in the neck by a sniper rifle.
“Sobrang grateful ko na marami sa produksyon ang nagmamalasakit sa craft natin, to make us look better,” he expressed.
When fellow “Blood vs Duty” actor Gerald Anderson complimented Baron’s versatility, from embodying multiple kontrabidas to fulfilling the emotional role of a selfless father diagnosed with autism in the film “The Delivery Rider,” Baron also mentioned how he took inspiration from Gerald in “Budoy” and Arjo Atayde in “The General’s Daughter.”
“I’m also a parent, special ‘yung child ko,” he mentioned.
Throughout Baron’s infamous struggles, he eventually earned the admiration of the public by genuinely dedicating himself to strengthening both his sobriety and faith. Gerald also noted how Baron is evidently in a good place and would often come early on the set of “Blood vs Duty.”
In light of his family responsibilities, Baron proudly shared about his eldest daughter, Sophia Asistio. “My daughter Sophia lives with me sa Pasig… Ang pangarap ko at gusto kong panindigan ay makapagpatapos ako ng kolehiyo, si Sophia, my eldest,” he conveyed.
Before even starting his tight filming schedules, he also makes sure to spend time in swimming activities with Talitha, his daughter with his wife, Jamie Evangelista.
During the times when he’s just by himself, Baron disclosed that he doesn’t want to act out a different personality, which is likewise what he had realized from his past projects. “I don’t compartmentalize my life anymore kasi ang hirap niya… Kung sino ako sa set or kung sino kausap mo ngayon, ganun din ako sa bahay,” he said.
In his weakest moments, Baron elaborated that he often listens to podcasts and self-help content as well as both morning and evening meditation videos. Prior to sleeping, he has a routine in which he queues uplifting and relaxing YouTube clips, including gospels and human audio spectrum selections, allowing him to wake up with a positive mood.
In terms of the promises he failed to uphold, Baron first turned playful, naming his current diet. “To compensate sa puyat at pagod… Napapa-extra rice na ako,” he clarified.
If the people he had hurt in the past could ask him one honest question, Baron responded that it would definitely be about him failing to listen to those who cared about him, most especially his mother, siblings, and close friends.
“Now, I’ve grown to be a better human being… I just want to continue to be a better human being… Basta keep moving forward… Basta bahala na si God,” he remarked.
Between learning greater things from his mistakes or from his rightful deeds, Baron acknowledged that he still gains knowledge from both aspects.
“Well, if I’m smarter now, I’m done na learning from my mistakes… I’m learning from other people’s mistakes so that I don’t have to go through that pain, shame, and guilt,” he replied.
Be immersed in Baron’s unparalleled acting prowess as Felix Domingo in “Blood vs Duty,” streaming on iWant and airing weeknights at 8pm on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).
READ: Gerald and Baron reveal what fueled their intense performances in “Blood vs Duty”
READ: 10 wicked tricks revealing Felix’s lethal identity in “Blood vs Duty”
READ: 5 sweet facts about Baron Geisler that highlight his lovable side
READ: Kapamilya teleseryes that showcase Baron Geisler’s versatility over the past three decades
READ: Netizens are crying, heartbroken over Baron Geisler’s death scene as Jaguar in “Incognito”
Throwback: John Lloyd Cruz and Kaye Abad as Rovic and Eds in "Tabing Ilog" (1999)