Derrick is a Kapuso dreamboat

MANILA, Philippines - There’s no business like show business, where changing partners, err love team mates, is common. DerBie, which stands for Derrick(Monasterio)-Barbie(Forteza), is the latest Kapuso pairing, after Barbie’s perennial partner, Joshua Dionisio, decided to take a sabbatical leave from the biz to resume his rudely-interrupted studies.

This career development gives Derrick the playground to explore to become a young Kapuso leading man.

“I think they are ready,” answers Derrick when asked about the fans’ reception of DerBie. “We can’t be forever tweens. At some point, we need to level up. I think people are used to seeing us being partners like (what they have seen) in Luna Blanca. This new project (Paroa) is something they can look forward to.”

Premiering today on GMA 7, Paroa, Ang Kuwento ni Mariposa is also the reason why Derrick is smiling these days.

“So far, this is my biggest break,” he shares. “My last project was Luna Blanca. This is my sixth (TV assignment). I’m happy the way my career is going and I’m also thankful.”

According to Derrick, he will do serious acting in Paroa because “Yung character ko ay medyo mabigat. His name is Iñigo. He is proud. The reason behind his being one is to show that he is not afraid of his mother. This is his defense mechanism. Iñigo is soft in front of his mom, but he is tough in front of others.”

“It’s good that you know where your character is coming from,” he adds. “From there, you’ll learn the nuances and mannerisms of the character. This makes the portrayal believable. (Although Paroa is a telefantasya), I’m on the human side and I’m dealing with different emotions.”

Paroa is the latest late-afternoon offering of GMA 7, which has produced top-rating telefantasya. The storytelling involves Mariposa/Princess Aira (Barbie), a butterfly person, who grows up in the human world, and Iñigo, a high school student, who dislikes the butterfly people. Different aspects and issues of family and love will be discussed.

“People can expect a roller-coaster ride of emotions,” says Derrick. “There’s (light moment), there’s heavy drama. They will be on the edge of their seats (when they watch it). Kung sa kabila tubig, dito hangin.”

What else is there to look forward in Derrick’s budding career?

The GMA Artist Center talent signed a recording contract which will see Derrick releasing an album of original and revival songs. But given his baritone voice, which has the range of tenor and the volume of bass, soulful songs like those of Josh Groban are perfect for Derrick. His debut album will make young girls blush in every track. Singing is not a new territory for Derrick as he was a member of Kilyawan, a school choir conducted by the Madrigal’s choirmaster.

Since doing showbiz is as fleeting as moment in time, Derrick is on a home study program finishing his secondary education. He would read modules and answer learning exercises during taping breaks. Derrick plans to go to De La Salle University for college.

“(At least) I will have a fall back,” shares Derrick, who has kept some of his earnings in “a time deposit” and put in “an insurance company.”

“There are a few who would react (negatively) to it, but not that many,” says Derrick of people’s initial reaction on his tandem with Barbie. “Maybe people see that we have chemistry. We have fan pages for Derbie. According to them, they feel kilig (whenever they watch us on TV). And I even get carried away in my scenes (with her). That adds kilig to our partnership onscreen.”

With his amiable personality and handsome looks, Derrick is on his way to become a young Kapuso dreamboat.