MANILA — For Baron Geisler, his latest film “Delivery Rider” is more than just another acting project — it’s a story that mirrors a part of his own life as a father to a child on the autism spectrum.
The action-drama follows Santo, a highly functional person on the autism spectrum who works as a delivery rider and finds himself caught in a situation beyond his control.
For Geisler, portraying the role felt deeply personal, drawing from his experiences with his daughter, Talitha Cumi.
In an interview with DZMM TeleRadyo's Nagseserbisyo Niña Corpuz and Migs Bustos, Geisler shared that his daughter, Talitha Cumi, was diagnosed with autism at an early age — an experience that helped him understand his role in “Delivery Rider” on a deeper level.
"Kagaya po lahat ng parents diyan na parang may nakikitang kakaiba sa kanilang mga anak, unang-una in denial po. Ang katotohanan niyan, 'yung wife ko noong nag-two years old 'yung anak naming si Talitha, nakita ko na may certain things na kakaiba like flapping, tapos malikot na medyo slow. Sabi ko, 'Jamie pa-check up natin.' Sabi niya, 'Wala 'yan she will learn eventually.' Pero sabi ko hindi, talagang pinush ko na magpatingin. So eventually nalaman namin na yes, she is under the spectrum. So buti nagkaroon kami ng early intervention," Geisler said.
He said acceptance was key to their family’s journey.
"Kahit sa anong problema, sa addiction sa mga bad habits, sa realidad sa buhay, kapag walang acceptance ay walang mangyayari, stagnant, walang progress. So ngayon three years na ang therapy ni Talitha from Monday to Friday. Nagpapadala 'yung mga teachers ng progress report, video and nakikita ko nadi-distinguish niya na ang different colors, mga puzzles nagagawa niya na so sobrang pasalamat talaga ako sa mga therapist," Geisler said.
The actor believes that there are many people, even in the industry, who are on the spectrum.
"Ako rin I was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Marami. Kasi dati sobrang taboo hindi napag-uusapan ng mga tao, hindi tanggap, ikinakahiya. So tayo dapat mahalin natin, intindihin natin 'yung mga tao under the spectrum. Yakapin lang sila," he said.
Geisler also shared that things that he learned with his journey as a parent. "Patience, kindness, empathy not only as a parent but as an actor. While I was shooting this film through the lenses of Santo's eyes, nakikita ko ang mundo ni Tali, 'yung ginagalawan niya," he said.
In the interview, Geisler also appealed to the government to help those can not afford the treatment.
"Napakamahal po ng therapy. I hope hindi lang po awareness ang ibigay ng ating gobyerno, I hope they can also fund people who can not afford this kind of treatment. So nanawagan po ako sa ating politicians diyan, kailangan po nating suportahan sila, not only through spreading the word, we also need funds for that," said Geisler, who also paid tribute to the teachers and therapists of individuals on the spectrum.
"Minsan 'yung pagmamahal nila sa mga bata, sa mga anak namin ay parang anak na rin nila. So grabe ang sacrifice din ng mga therapists," he said.
Directed by Lester Pimentel," Delivery Rider," which also stars Jake Cuenca, is currently the No. 1 movie on Netflix Philippines.
Prior to "Delivery Rider," Geisler starred in "Incognito," which concluded last July. He is now part of ABS-CBN's hit series "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" as Rockyboy Mondragon.
WATCH: Baron Geisler, Roi Vinzon join 'Batang Quiapo'
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