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From ‘Baron-bado’ to ‘Baron-bago’

From his former image as "Baron-bado" Baron Geisler is on his way to becoming "Baron-bago."

It's no secret that Baron had problems with women and alchohol. But a few months ago, after he got into trouble for reportedly touching `Noah' co-star Cherry Pie Picache's breasts, and was eventually "forced" into rehab, Baron has a new outlook in life.

He calls it his "miracle."

Yahoo! OMG! Philippines visited Baron at the Penuel House in San Juan City, a Christ-centered retreat house for men where Baron has been staying for several months now.

"At first ayoko talaga yung idea na magparehab pero parang I needed to go through this program so pumayag ako and then at first sabi ko what's three months and then tapusin ko lang yung PAMI, yung hinihinling sa kin. Eventually I fell in love with the place. I'm learning a lot and I still want to learn some more that's why I decided to extend for another three months and finish the six months program," he said.

Despite being shy and apologetic about his "unkempt" hair which reminds us about one of his roles as Erning Toothpick in the new gangster black and white film, Asiong Salonga, Baron looked so much better. He gained a little weight and his aura seemed to be more at peace. At the time of the interview Baron was already allowed to shoot for Asiong Salonga which he is very thankful for. He said he will no longer be engulfed by the character he portrays, which he identified as one of the major reasons why negative things happened before.

"Pwede na [mag-shoot] naarange naman sa awa ng Diyos, [I] still have to finish the [six month] program pero pag may shoot pwede na. May staff naman akong kasama.Kahit wala [yung staff to oversee my activities outside the Penuel House] kaya ko yun kasi sayang eh. Sayang yung four months people are rooting for me. Nagulat ako I thought yung paglabas ko or habang nandito ako I thought na forget showbiz, I'm done, wala ng kukuha sa akin, wala na. Pero I don't know, God is really good. Nagdarasal pa lang ako granted na prayers ko. Ang daming mga gagawin pa. I just wanna cherish every project and try not to take "me" seriously. That was my problem before, I was taking things too seriously, the characters na parang I can do witout being too eccentric or too into the character. Nadadala ko yun like if I'm a bad guy I live a life being like a gangster," he said.

"Parang it's always ang sinusundan ko yung will ko lang eh. Dun ako nagkamali. Wala si Jesus sa buhay ko. Kung baga walang discipline, walang tamang path so medyo lost ako before," Baron admitted.

Life after Penuel House

For Baron, life outside Penuel House, his temporary "home", is a big challenge. However, with his faith alive as he fervently prays for guidance, the long process of recovery and freedom from the demon that had plagued his life for so long may finally take place.

"I was afraid. You know I go to Sunday service every week here [Penuel House] we just support and it's all about loving accepting each other, accepting everything. Pag labas ko it's the real world na. People are not all Christians. They wouldn't understand and how's that, I'm a good boy here and when I'm out, double life na naman. So hindi, I always make it a point na I pray and I'm always aware kasi kahit papano may anxiety pa rin ako when I get out. So nagkaroon ako ng anxiety sa shoot. So I prayed and it lasted for an hour lang. Anxiety dahil iba nasa labas kami, different people. May mga maririnig kang mga nagmumura kapag nagkwekwento you think before that was cool pero now I'm a bit offended. You can't control that so yeah natuto na akong mag control sa sarili ko. I just keep quiet na lang and concentrate on myself which I should," he said.

"I go to the bathroom I pray. People might think I'm weird, or its cheesy but it helps me. I'd rather lean on to that instead of alcohol," he added.

How about women?

Baron admitted he still thinks about having his own family or women every now and then, but for now, his road to recovery is still the main priority.

"I think of that once in a while pero right now I'm focusing on my recovery which is a really long process so I'm not thinking about chicks na muna. It's really hard. Ang galing like even yung pakikitungo namin sa babae tinuro sa amin. Unlike before with the boys when they talk they talk about girls so I try to stay away from that. Although parang ano ba'to they might think I'm not macho anymore so minsan napapa-oo na lang ako pero I don't put in words na you know like guy talk. Mapapangiti na lang ako or titingin na lang ako sa baba like pag may dumating or may nagpa-picture," he revealed.

Gratitude overflowing

Baron expressed utmost gratitude to manager Arnold Vegafria and his handler Thess for the unending support. "I really appreciate them supporting me kasi through ups and downs nandun talaga si Arnold hindi nila ako iniwan. Kung iba sigurong manager yan, 'Ayoko na sa 'yo' pero hindi nila ako pinabayaan, they stuck with me," he said.

He also thanked his brother, Donald Geisler for being there for him in the darkest moments of his life.

"He's a CCF (Christ Commission Fellowship) member na rin. Nainspire siya. Sabi niya he knew daw na magiging masaya ako if nalaman ko nga na he joined, he and his wife. I'm really happy. Hindi lang yung mga kasama ko dito ang makakabonding ko pati mismong family."

To everyone who still believes in him after everything, this is what he had to say, "Thank you. You guys made me realize how lucky I was and still am so right now I'm just gonna make the most of what I have. I'll take everything one step at a time. I'll still concentrate on my program, I'll do my best with work and live up to their expectations when it comes to acting. I'll still do my 120 percent," he said.