He may be very visible around social media but it will take a little while for fans to see Derek Ramsay appear on the screen again.
In a recent radio guesting, the 45-year-old actor revealed that he and GMA-7 mutually agreed to temporarily freeze his contract until the time he is ready to venture into lock-in tapings.
Derek joined the network in early 2019 but has just finished one drama series, The Better Woman, since then. According to Derek, it was him who requested that his contract be temporarily suspended.
“I’m still afraid to work outside. I want to protect my parents since they’re staying with me. So, I have no choice and so does GMA but to suspend my contract temporarily,” he stated.
He was supposed to appear as the male lead in the recently concluded Kapuso primetime drama To Have and To Hold opposite Carla Abellana and Max Collins. The part went to Rocco Nacino.
“It was offered to me but I backed out because I prioritized my family considering what’s happening these pandemic days. It’s good that GMA understood my stand and respected my decision. Anyway, when I feel that it’s already safe to work, I’ll go back to television,” he elaborated.
Derek clarified that that he does not regret the decision to put his television career on hold. In fact, he believes it was a smart choice.
“If I’m ready to work again, the contract can simply be reactivated,” he assured.
In the past, the actor was very vocal in saying that once he gets married, he would focus on the family he’ll raise, just like what he’s doing now after tying the knot with Ellen Adarna.
“Yes, I said that before. Once I got married, I will slow down on my showbiz career and prioritize my family.”
He still doesn’t know exactly yet when he’ll be ready to go back to doing soap operas but he’s eyeing to do an international movie that has been lined-up for him for quite some time already.
“I still can’t divulge the details about the project but I’m the lead here. There are two Hollywood stars who are members of the main cast. Tentatively, we are to shoot in June or July this year in Puerto Rico. Hope it won’t be pushed back because of COVID-19. So yes, that excites me!”
While in showbiz hiatus, Derek ventured into the construction business.
“I just built my construction company along with a close friend. Unknown to many, it’s my passion to build and design houses, the interior, and exterior. I decided to fulfill that dream of mine this year and I’m happy that finally, it’s here. That’s what will keep me busy this 2022,” he ended.
