Baron looks forward to a sober year
Months after he left a rehabilitation center for alcoholism, Baron Geisler looks forward to a sober year and focusing on his second chance at a showbiz career.
Last January, Baron voluntarily went into a five-month rehab to treat his alcoholism. The controversial actor, who has been the subject of complaints from fellow actors, is back on track, working on various showbiz projects and trying to keep away from vices.
“I look to a brighter future and a sober year and maraming projects,” Baron told Yahoo! Philippines OMG! and members of the press at the Metro Manila Film Festival awards night last Wednesday, December 28.
Baron stars in “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story,” his first movie since his release from rehab. Baron is thankful for the projects coming his way.
“I just want to thank everybody, from Ms. Pie, PAMI (Professional Managers Association, Inc.) and my family, and Gov. ER (Ejercito). Without them, wala akong career ngayon. Sila talaga ang tumulong sa akin,” Baron says.
He was nominated Best Supporting Actor in this year’s MMFF but lost to “Asiong Salonga” co-star John Regala. Baron admits he didn’t even know he was nominated and is just happy to celebrate the festival with his co-actors.
Counting his blessings
“I’m so blessed na andito ako. Sa akin naman, hindi naman ito para maglaban-laban ang mga pelikula, ito ay para mapakita yung best sa industriya natin. Pakiramdam ko lahat ng nakapasok sa Film Fest ay the best at mga nanalo na.”
Baron clarified the rumor that he was not able to go to Canada to shoot an episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” because he was drunk. Baron explained that problems with immigration kept him from doing the project.
“Yung immigration, nagkaproblema lang sa exit-entry ko, pero hindi naman totoo na nalasing ako.”
How does he feel about the fact that he is always being suspected of intoxication?
“Disheartened ako, pero andyan talaga,” Baron replied.
Instead of feeling bad about these prejudices, Baron says he just likes to see it as a way of focusing on keeping sober.
“Well, it’s good kasi it keeps me focused and on my toes all the time. I’m still thanking these people who create the chismis.”
Baron adds that he works hard to keep focused on his career and stay away from vices. Family and friends also help him recover.
“I stay close to my family lang, that’s what I do. I run and lift weights, too,” he says.
Quitting smoking
Baron also wants to quit smoking starting next year.
“Hopefully, by January I can quit smoking na. I already told my doctor to help me. Let’s slay one dragon at a time.”
His New Year’s resolutions are: “Just to keep it up with what I’m doing now. Focus on my career, be mature on how to handle things. Hopefully, no more alcohol and cigarettes, a sober year,” he said when asked of his new year’s resolution.”
Baron also points out that the bad boy image will now just be limited to movie and TV roles.
