Even before he chose to break his hiatus from acting this year, Derek Ramsay has always been active on social media, sharing snippets of his everyday life on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. He has also started doing more interviews about showbiz, coinciding with his return to doing teleseryes this year. In a recent exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, the Fil-British actor and athlete reacted to speculations that he has already achieved billionaire status.
“I don’t know why…. let’s just say, I’ve worked so hard. People tend to forget that I am 50 this year. I’ve been working my butt off for so long. I’ve saved. I’ve just been smart with the money that I’ve saved. But at the same time, I’ve also enjoyed it. What’s the point of it if you're gone, di ba? My parents nga, they taught me na you should really enjoy life. And I tell my parents naman, whatever you guys have, spend it. Why leave it for us? You gave us the best in life,” he told PUSH ABS-CBN.
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Born to a British father and a Filipina mother, Derek said he wants to raise his own children like his own parents and not spoil them while growing up.
“They gave us all the best education. For me, that’s the only responsibility of parents is to give their children the best education and to give them unconditional love, you know. But working hard to leave all that money to them, I don’t think that really helps them in the long run. You know you need to teach them that they need to put in the hard work and make a name for themselves. So that’s what I want to teach my kids. Hey, make a name for yourself and I’ll be here to support you and help you. But don’t be waiting for a hand-me-down,” he said.
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Contrary to what people may think, Derek clarified that he is actually a strict dad to his 21-year-old son Austin, who is currently studying abroad. He also looks forward to being there for his one-year-old daughter Lily.
“I’ve always told Austin that you have to value hard work. Money doesn’t grow on trees. I’ve always been a strict father but a fair one naman. (With Lily), I do spoil her, but my parents were always very, very strict with me. But at the same time, they’re very rewarding, giving, caring. So that’s definitely how I’m going to be as a father. Of course, she’s going to be introduced to sports at a very young age. I started at two years old. More of my mom actually. My mom got me into swimming really early. My dad got me into football really early and that’s why I pick up any sport really quick,” he revealed.