So how is it working with Jennylyn this time? “Sa ‘English Only’, uncomfortable pa kami with each other kasi first time namin to work together. Now, mas may rapport na kami. ‘English Only’ is more of comedy, pero dito sa ‘All of You’, nag-level up kami nang sampung beses kasi mas serious ang take nito about relationships and commitment. Mas matindi rin ang chemistry namin dito kasi hawak pa lang, alam na namin ang gustong sabihin ng isa’t isa. Mas marami rin kaming intimate scenes at mga mabibigat na eksena. I’m sure couples who have gone through failed or difficult relationships will be able to relate with the issues that our characters went through in ‘All of You’. Sobrang totoong-totoo ang mga sitwasyon. Feeling ko nga, hindi ako umaarte rito kasi things na nangyari talaga sa’king past relationships, breakups, heartaches, naranasan ko first hand and I’m just speaking from my heart.”
Off cam, Derek is very open about his relationship with his non-showbiz inamorata, Joanne Villablanca. They’ve been on for nearly three years and he says they now really know each other well. They just returned from a vacation together in Europe and they’ve seriously talked about marriage. Joanne’s daughter from a past relationship, Sophie, lives with them. His own son, Austin, from a previous relationship, is also coming over to spend Christmas with him.
Is it true he’s now a Kapamilya once again after ABS-CBN came up with statement saying everything is okay between them? “We had a meeting to quash all the past tensions created by my transfer to TV5 six years ago, just like friends who haven’t spoken for a long time. Nailabas namin ang feelings namin sa isa't isa and we came out of it relieved and happy. But my contract with TV5 is officially until April of 2018 yet, so I’m still committed to them. But as of now, I’m doing a movie with Bea Alonzo and Paulo Avelino for Star Cinema.”
