Derek Ramsay reveals that he really got attracted to Jennylyn Mercado while they were shooting their award-winning Metro Manila Film Festival entry English Only, Please but was quick to stop even before things could possibly deepen.
“That’s true,” he says. “Jen is a wonderful gal. She’s got many good qualities any guy would fall for. Apart from being attractive, she is also nice, smart and loving. I like the way she takes care of her family. Jen is simply responsible both as a daughter and mom herself.
Mercado during the shoot for the film English Only, Please!
“In so many ways, I admit that I can see myself ending up with someone like her. In fact, many say that we are a great match since we jibe very well in a lot of things and have the same outlook in life. But her being in the business is a huge factor since at this point I already imposed on myself not to be romantically involved with someone from the ‘biz. I don’t want too much drama anymore!”
So, he purposely didn’t allow himself to be smitten by Jen’s charms?
“Well, you can say that. But what’s good is that we became close friends eventually. In the first place, I’m not into changing her. I’m really thankful that we became close sans the love angle.”
The hunky actor recently appeared in Jennylyn’s pre-Valentine concert at the Sky Dome titled Oo Na! Ako Na Mag-isa.
Samahan N’yo Naman Ako! “Yes, I was greatly touched when she asked me to be part of her major concert that turned out to be a big hit. I’m happy because she was able to remind the public that before becoming a good actress, she was first a singer. I don’t think a lot of people are aware of that. With English Only, Please, she has shown everyone that she can be effective in a romantic comedy vehicle. Now, with the concert, she proved that she is a highly-competent singer as well,” avers Derek.
Many are curious if Jen knew that he got attracted to her.
“No! Actually, it wasn’t something I focused on. If you mean, I sent her chocolates or flowers, there was nothing like that. Let’s just put it this way: I saw her, she was nice to me and we really built a close friendship. In my mind, I just hope to find someone non-showbiz who possesses Jen’s qualities. That’s it.”
Speaking of someone who is not from showbiz as his love interest, Derek is currently linked with a certain Joanne Villablanca, a part-time model.
“Yes, she did a commercial in which she was a flight attendant.
She’s not really that athletic but lives in style. She’s a nice person. As of now, we’re taking things one step at a time. We’re getting to know each other better as days go by. So far, so good,” ends Derek.
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In their second visit to the Philippines, fast-rising K-Pop group NOM or No Other Man express their excitement performing for the Filipino audience.
“It’s always a nice experience entertaining the Filipinos. They are always warm and appreciative,” says band member Kim Hyung-in.
Fans go gaga over their trademark sing-and-dance numbers.
“Oh, thank you!” avers Kim Jeong-hwan, another member.
“We really devote a lot of time practicing our numbers. As in, we really rehearse day and night to ensure a good show for our supporters.”
Among Filipino singers, the four want to work with Sarah Geronimo in the near future.
“We think she’s great. She does a lot of ballad while we do jumpy numbers. We think it’ll be a great collaboration if we’ll perform together,” reveals band member Bae Chung-seok.
Speaking of Filipino music, they’ve recorded a version of the popular novelty song Pusong Bato and many find it cute.
“Thank you! Actually, it’s a sad song but we wanted it to sound happy. So we recorded it that way. It’s good our Filipino fans liked it,” band member Kim A-in states.
The group is very much at ease in the Philippines.
“We love it here. We promise to be back more often,” the four say in unison.