Manila Bulletin

Straight and narrow

Baron Geisler plans to put up his own rehabilita­tion center, and continue going around the country to talk about the gospel, mental health.

- By REGINA MAE PARUNGAO

Baron Geisler is more motivated than ever to change his ways for good as he flips over new pages past his problemati­c history.

Bulletin Entertainm­ent spotted a happier and healthier-looking Baron recently. Claiming to be a devoted Christian, the actor proudly said he leans toward a “tuwid na

daan (right path)” so far removed from his controvers­ial yesterdays.

“I’m good. I won’t lie to you that I’m still suffering but I’m recovering. And I’m doing my best to make it (change) happen,” he said.

Baron revealed he plans to put up his own rehabilita­tion center in order to help “struggling alcohol addicts” in the showbiz industry.

On the acting side, he was part of “Alpha: The Right To Kill.” He will soon star in another Brillante Mendoza film.

“This is God’s gift to me. Through prayers and His help, I know I can do this.”

Amen.

Suffering and acceptance

It’s no secret that Baron was one of the most troubled actors of his generation.

A self-confessed alcoholic, he had been consistent­ly involved in numerous public brawls and physical altercatio­n with family members that left him bloodied and bruised, with two visible scars on his left cheek.

He also faced four acts of harassment complaints from several actresses.

Baron’s own mother, Gracia Bayonito-Geisler, signed him up to a detox facility for 10 days. In 2011, the Profession­al Artist Management, Inc. (PAMI) stated he will be on an indefinite artist ban, which prohibits artists and talents whose managers are PAMI-members from working with him unless he is fully rehabilita­ted. The actor had successful­ly completed his 90treatmen­t session.

Just when people thought it’s all over, Baron, once again, got involved in several controvers­ies, even getting arrested for violent behavior.

It reached the point the actor no longer had projects. It’s when Baron vowed to take his rehabilita­tion “very seriously.”

Changed man

A year after, he surprised everyone by showing off on Instagram his “renewed” self. He described himself as “touched by God to touch others.” He attends fellowship with Maranatha Christian Fellowship, a “Bible-based, Spirit-led congregati­on” in Cebu, and he speaks about mental health awareness at various symposiums. Baron shared his journey to recovery and healing.

“I stayed in a therapeuti­c community in Cebu. It was my personal choice. I washed my own clothes there and I have no vices at all. I can’t even go outside,” he said. “It was really hard. There are times I cry, I shout. It’s depressing but I have and I need to live with it.” Baron admitted he still “battles” with his addiction, and that he is bipolar.

But with the grace of God, he is able to control himself now.

According to him, the key to change is acceptance.

“I have to accept that I have this disease. I don’t drink now. I’m slowly trying to quit smoking cigarettes. I can watch people drinking in front of me and I don’t feel any urge to do the same,” he shared. “It’s really hard but I realize I have to embrace the suffering to achieve freedom. Through constant prayer meditation, I know I can handle this.” The awarded actor hopes to make more projects.

“This is me now. I promise to work harder for myself. I promise to be a good person to my co-workers.”

He has advice to those who have alcohol addiction and depression. “Seek help always,” he noted, adding “Accept that we can’t cure this disease alone.”

“Always talk to people, talk to you friends. The key is to have an open mind and acceptance. Most importantl­y, trust God. Seek His help and He will not forsake you.”

To naysayers who continue to doubt his renewed life, Baron is confident he can stay true to his word.

“I will walk the talk,” he promised.

The key is to have an open mind and acceptance. Most importantl­y, trust God. Seek His help and He will not forsake you.

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? BARON GEISLER
BARON GEISLER

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines