Actor Derek Ramsay admitted that he was deeply hurt by the controversies that surrounded his separation from wife Ellen Adarna, particularly after allegations of infidelity were publicly raised against him. Choosing to stay silent for months, the actor later shared that it was his faith that helped him endure the accusations and the mixed reactions that followed.
Derek and Ellen, who tied the knot in November 2021, share one daughter, Liana. In November 2025, Ellen released screenshots that she said Derek had cheated on her. Following the public fallout, Derek remained mum on the issue until he spoke about it in an interview with Morly Alinio earlier this week, where he reflected on how he coped during one of the most challenging periods of his life.
READ: Derek Ramsay shares what he looks forward to in 2026: ‘I’m enjoying each moment’
In the vlog, Derek acknowledged that the situation caused him pain, but said he eventually found peace by choosing not to engage publicly in the controversy. Asked how he managed to rise after the infidelity accusations and the breakdown of his marriage, the actor pointed to his faith in God as his source of strength.
"Siyempre my support system has always been there but really going back to your faith. I've always been a man of faith. May takot ako sa Diyos pero I think lahat naman tayo guilty na kung kailan masarap ang buhay mo, everything is going great, masaya ka minsan, nakakalimutan mo magpasalamat. Pinalaki ako ng mommy ko na to have faith. For your faith to be strong," he said.
READ: Ellen Adarna says Angelica Panganiban is now part of Derek Ramsay’s exes group chat
Reflecting further, Derek admitted that there were moments when he lost focus on gratitude, especially when life seemed to be going well.
"Siguro during the times na I was so focused with my family and everything was going well in my life nakalimutan ko Siya. Nakalimutan ko magpasalamat. So with good friends and family ko, they help me get back to my faith. Para siyang reminder, kumatok sa pinto si Lord 'huy nandito ako.' I just turn my focus to Him. Kahit anong ingay, kahit anong problema ibinigay ko na lahat sa Kanya. 'Yun talaga ang nakatulong sa akin," adds the actor, who admitted that he also made wrong decisions including allowing his emotions to take over him.
Derek also shared how he strengthened his spiritual life through regular prayer and confession.
“Tuwing Thursday may grupo kami, may kasama kaming Father (priest), pupunta kami sa simbahan. I go to confession. I pray siguro mga five or six times a day. Basta nagpapasalamat for everything.”
He said his prayers are filled with gratitude — for his life, for spending the holidays in England with his daughter Liana, and for being able to speak to God as a friend, something he said helped him heal.
“I’m sure maraming magsasabi diyan na ‘ayan na naman ginamit na naman yung panagalan ng Diyos’ [but] that’s why Jesus died. He died to forgive us our sins, nagpapagamit talaga siya,” he emphasized.
Derek described how lost he felt at the height of the controversy, sharing that the support of his friends and family played a crucial role in his recovery.
“For me, I’m happy that I have good friends and family kasi lost talaga ako. I was lost. During times like that, you can easily make wrong decisions. It came to a point na I was like ‘Alam mo God, Lord, binibigay ko na Sa’yo ‘to’. Ayun, binigyan Niya ako ng lakas to again focus on me, rebuild, reflect, take care of my health, [and] be strong for my parents. Minsan nakikita ko silang nasasaktan or may sakit, talagang ako yung nara-rattle. Pero I’m working on that. Binigay ko lahat Sakanya.”
He went on to share how emotional the experience was, admitting that he broke down in tears multiple times, often unexpectedly, in different corners of his home.
“Madami [like] letting your emotions take over you. Siguro kasi ngayon parang na-reset ko na 'yung sarili ko. Like I said ibinigay ko na sa Diyos. Ayaw ko na balikan 'yung oras na pinagdaanan ko during that time. Talagang lubog ako noon. Lubog na lubog ako noon. Parang wala akong gana sa buhay noong time na 'yon," he said.
READ: Ellen Adarna reveals commitment to remaining single: ‘I’m choosing regulation over rushing’
“There was a time na nagmamatigas ako, hindi ko nilalabas. Ayun kinain talaga ako. Bagsak [ako]. To the point na hindi na ako naging mabuting anak, everyday ko tinatawagan yung magulang ko. Noong panahon na yun, wala akong gustong kausapin.” he recalled.
Despite the public interest surrounding his separation, Derek maintained that he prefers not to speak further about the issue out of respect for everyone involved, choosing instead to move forward and focus on his family.
“Maraming battles eh. You have to choose your battles.” he emphasized.
READ: Ellen Adarna received a 'sign' from the universe about her separation: ‘Grabe, we all cried’
He also recalled attending a wellness retreat in Bali in August, describing it as an emotional experience. When asked if the retreat coincided with the start of his issues with Ellen, Derek clarified that their problems began long before.
“No. Matagal na, before that pa [may problema na]. Kaya nga ako pumunta doon eh.”
When questioned whether he did everything he could to save the relationship, Derek remained firm in his decision to stay silent.
“Out of respect, ayoko nang magsalita tungkol sa situation na yan. Ayoko nang ma-misunderstood, to be put in a different way. I just want to keep my mouth shut.”
READ: Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd Cruz reunite to support their son Elias at his piano recital
Looking back, Derek shared the lessons he learned from the controversies that surrounded him.
“First, always, pasalamat ka talaga sa Diyos. I was blessed with such a good life and nakalimutan kong magpasalamat. Nakalimutan ko na Siya dapat ang priority, number one yun. Life can’t always be just good. Life is always up and down. Wala talagang buhay na nasa [taas] ka lang lagi na masaya. Don’t break, be strong, when you hit rock bottom. When you’re at the top, enjoy and be thankful. Be ready because there’s going to be dips.”
Despite rumors about having a new romance, Derek firmly denied that he is currently in a new relationship.