Baron Geisler finds a mentor in ‘Delivery Rider’ director Lester Pimentel Ong

Baron Geisler recently shared how he found a mentor and father figure, who continues to inspire him on and off the set, in “Delivery Rider” director Lester Pimentel Ong.

In the action-drama, Baron plays a high-functioning person on the autism spectrum who works as a delivery rider and gets entangled in danger after a job gone wrong. Also starring Jake Cuenca and child star Euwenn Mikaell, the film is currently streaming at No. 1 on Netflix Philippines.

Their partnership, however, began earlier via the 2023 action series “The Iron Heart,” where Baron played the antagonist. Direk Lester was aware of the actor’s controversial past, from alcohol abuse to “history of misconduct,” but recalled how impressed he was by Baron’s renewed professionalism and commitment when they got to work together on the ABS-CBN primetime show.

“It was my first time to work with him and I saw his dedication to work,” the director looked back in an exclusive interview with The STAR. “I was impressed by his professionalism and his talent — his acting talent.”

A former martial arts champion turned TV and movie director, Lester also knew Baron’s brother Donny from the national taekwondo team and was aware that Baron had some martial arts background himself.

“I knew he was doing his best to recover and get back into the industry. Dun ko na-realize that he has a talent in martial arts na alam namin lahat pero hindi pa nagagamit. Hindi pa masyadong nakikita kasi most of his roles didn’t require it,” he said.

“I thought, if there’s a chance for us to work together again, I would love to work with him. Maraming kailangan trabahuin, we needed to calibrate our skill sets, with the requirements I would need from an actor who would do action. But we were able to work it out… We trained together for almost a year, together with my son (martial artist and action director) Lance, before we did ‘Delivery Rider.’”

That time spent training helped form a working relationship that’s built on trust, discipline and mutual respect. Their collaboration would continue in another project, the hit ABS-CBN and Netflix action series “Incognito,” where this time, Baron took on one of the lead roles.

“I’m very grateful na nag-cross yung paths namin ni Direk Lester,” the actor told The STAR. “Parang nakakabisado ko na kung ano ‘yung gusto ni Direk, kung anong hinihingi niya sa isang eksena. But what I really appreciate are his motivations and notes for me in every shoot.”

Over the course of the three productions, according to Baron, the director became an industry mentor and a guiding presence in his personal life.

“Now, parang ang tingin ko kay Direk Lester tatay (a father) or mentor. I highly revere him as a director and as a human being,” Baron said.

“He’s full of good vibes and positive energy… I really admire and respect his lifestyle… Like how is he able to juggle everything and still look happy and have no complaints?”

What left the deepest mark, he added, were Lester’s care and life reminders.

“I really appreciated the way he would check in on me, ‘Kumusta ka na? Ano, umiinom ka ba, ganyan?’ Dahil sa kaka-check in ni Direk sa akin, hindi ako ‘yung naging on my toes to seek his approval.

“At first, it was there. Nagpapakitang gilas ako na I’m doing good. But when he told me, while we were shooting ‘Incognito,’ ‘Why not try something para hindi ka mag-backslide, hindi ka mag-relapse?

“‘Don’t compartmentalize your life. Because I could see how you are on set — you’re disciplined, always on time, dependable — so when you go home, be that person also. Who you are on set, bring that home. You should help yourself, Baron, na parang ‘wag kang bibitaw at ‘wag kang mag-relax. Find a hobby that will enhance your career, your talent, eat good food, keep exercising, always be ready, always be prepared.’”

Baron said he has been taking those words of advice to heart.

“Because of that, I was able to bring that in my other work (projects). Not to brag or anything, but lately sa mga trabaho ko, like yesterday, call time was at 7 a.m., 6:23 I was already there on the set,” said the actor who’s currently part of the hit primetime show “Batang Quiapo.”

“Every day, there’s like a Direk Lester in my head, who constantly reminds me to be a better human being, a better husband, father and actor who’s always prepared in life.”

“So, I’m really grateful and blessed to have him in my life na kahit minsan suplado yan si Direk (laughs). Tatay talaga kasi may mga moments na siya mag-check in, ‘Kumusta?’ And then ang dami kong mga nilalagay, ganito ginawa ko, Direk, and then he’d text back, good, keep it up. Then he says, always pray and be healthy,” he added.

He said it’s the same experience for his co-star Jake.

“Magkasama nga kami ni Jake Cuenca kagabi and we were talking about Direk Lester and how he impacted our lives. We’re big fans of him.

“He touches people’s lives in so many ways,” Baron said.

“Not only actors, but even the cameramen, the crew — they all have the same respect and gratitude for him. Kaya siguro he works with the same people over and over again. I just love working with Direk Lester.”