Ysabella's Derek Ramsey

Malaya
Ethel Ramos

Born to a Filipino mom and a British dad, Derek [Ramsey] grew up in England. He finished an Engineering course there.

He was known initially as a ramp and commercial model. It was not his idea to become an actor, but when he was offered to play a role in "Panday," he decided to give it a try.

After appearing in Panday, he was featured in "Super Inggo," where he played a kontrabida. Now he is in "Ysabella," where he is featured as one of Judy Ann Santos’ leading men (the other is Ryan Agoncillo).

"’Ysabella’, I must admit, is my biggest break," he says with pride. "Playing the role of Judy Ann’s leading man, maski pa sabihing she will not end up with me, is a great achievement na rin."

For his role as a chef in "Ysabella," Derek had to take up basic lessons in culinary arts. "I’m supposed to have a TV show called ‘Sexy Chef.’ ‘Di na ito nagre-rate masyado. So we had to think of gimmicks. Kaya pumasok sa eksena si Judy Ann who, we discovered, really knows how to cook," he relates.

Does he cook in real life?

"Not much," he answers. "Kaya nga in one scene in ‘Ysabella’ where I supposedly was to cut some potatoes, I cut one of my fingers. Mabuti at hindi malalim ang naging sugat. But it still hurts."

Aside from Derek, Ryan and Judy Ann, "Ysabella," which has Rory Quintos and Don Escudero at the helm, also stars senior actresses Coney Reyes and Gina Pareno. Also featured are Kat Alano, Valeen Montenegro, Aldred Gatchalian, Pokwang, Maricel Laxa and Rosanna Roces. Rosanna plays a special role.

"Ysabella" starts airing on June 25 on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.