Baron Geisler sobers up

Since I studied in Paris, I have a liaison amoureuse with wine. But even if I consume alcohol, I don’t let alcohol consume me. That’s why I get the drift of recovering alcoholics like Baron Geisler. I salute him for being brave enough to continue his sobriety journey.

As his hit series, “Incognito,” comes to an end, Baron declared that it was the first time he was able to shoot without taking a shot (of his poison of choice). Just as “Incognito” has elevated the Pinoy action genre, Baron has become a better man. He is living up to the show’s anthem, Liwanag sa Dilim. Instead of drinking hard, the seasoned actor is now working harder than ever.

Here’s my chat with Baron:

How did you manage to stay sober during the entire run of ‘Incognito’?

“By the grace of God, truly. I couldn’t have done it alone. I had an incredible support system on set — from direk Lester, who wasn’t just directing my scenes but constantly checking on my personal well-being, to the entire cast and crew who became my family. ‘Incognito’ is actually the first long TV series I’ve done completely sober. For films, I’ve stayed clean, too, but a teleserye that runs close to a year? That’s a whole different level. It was a milestone, not just for me as an actor, but for my family. I told myself, “I cannot mess this up.” I didn’t want to let God down, nor the people who believed in me.”

What’s your advice to recovering alcoholics who are having a tough time in their sobriety journey?

“Be honest with yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sobriety is not a solo mission. Surround yourself with people who love you enough to tell you the truth and walk with you, even when you stumble. And keep showing up for yourself, one day at a time. There’s no shame in starting over as long as you keep choosing recovery. It’s not always easy — but it’s always worth it.”

How has ‘Incognito’ impacted you as an actor and as a person?

“‘Incognito’ changed me. It was more than just a show — it was a reflection of my own healing. Portraying Doc Miguel, a man battling his own demons while trying to hold his team together, mirrored my personal journey. I gave my heart to that role, and in return, it gave something back to me — hope, purpose and the reminder that redemption is possible. It made me sharper as a thespian, and softer as a human being.

“And you know, I’ll forever be a dreamer in this industry. I love acting too much to ever stop. I want to keep evolving, keep telling stories that matter. I hope to continue getting good roles — whether on TV or in film. I’ve got some exciting movies coming out, and I’m praying the work keeps coming because I just truly love the process. This is what I was born to do.”

What was the turning point in the series that made you want to follow your character, Doc Miguel’s recovery process?

“There was a particular scene when Doc Miguel breaks down — not because he’s weak, but because he’s finally surrendering. That moment hit me hard. It was as if I wasn’t acting — I was confessing. That was my eureka moment. I realized I wasn’t just portraying recovery, I was living it. And it felt right. I thought, ‘If Doc Miguel can change, then so can I. And maybe, just maybe, I can inspire someone else too.”

How’s fatherhood and your marriage these days?

“Beautifully chaotic — in the best way. Fatherhood grounds me. My wife and daughter give me strength and direction. Marriage has its challenges, but it’s full of grace. My wife is my rock, my safe place and my biggest cheerleader. She reminds me daily that I’m not just Baron the actor, I’m Baron the husband and dad. And that role, I play with all my heart.”

What’s your message to those you may have hurt unintentionally because of your drunken outbursts in the past?

“To anyone I’ve hurt, I’m truly sorry. I can’t undo the past, but I can choose to be better today. I hope they find it in their hearts to forgive me, even if we never cross paths again. Recovery has humbled me. And if my story can be a warning or a light to others walking the same dark road, then maybe the pain wasn’t wasted. I’m still learning, still healing and still hoping for a chance to make amends — not just with words, but through my actions.”

Benz goes mainstream

Vivamax (VMX) King Benz Sangalang and I clicked instantly because we are both into basketball (PBA and NBA). Becoming a pro-cager is his ultimate dream. But for now, he is shooting movies instead of balls.

Benz is thrilled to cross over from VMX to mainstream. He stars on TV5’s “Totoy Bato” (“TB”) as Mason Buenaflor, the ruthless sidekick of Dwayne Perez (played by Diego Loyzaga). Benz has earned his stripes and is now ripe for bigger strides.

Here’s my chat with Benz:

What were the adjustments you made from VMX to ‘TB’?

“Focus on fighting scenes. Toned my body even more.”

What have you learned from your co-actors in ‘TB’?

“Professionalism and pakikisama. I noticed that there’s no plastikan in mainstream (as) compared to indie. Mostly newbie kasi sa indie. So, may inggitan.”

Won’t you do VMX movies anymore?

“If there’s a good project, why not? Hopefully, the plan to shoot a VMX movie in Germany pushes through. I am eagerly waiting for it.”