Baron Geisler on sobriety journey, advice for Maris and Anthony

Baron Geisler has changed for the better on and off cam.

In ABS-CBN’s hit action series “Incognito,” he plays a good guy named Miguel, who’s a skilled surgeon and sniper. He shares stellar billing with Ian Veneracion, Richard Gutierrez, Anthony Jennings, Maris Racal, Kaila Estrada and Daniel Padilla.

The recovering alcoholic is now a certified workaholic as he strives to outdo himself in each episode of his new show. No more shot, shot, shot of drinks for Baron. It’s all shoot, shoot, shoot of scenes for him.

He’s living it up and no longer going bottoms up.

Here’s my chat with Baron:

What’s it like working with a powerhouse cast?

“The set always feels like a mix of work and a comedy show. After we rehearse a scene, do our blocking and go through our lines, Ian would suddenly crack a joke — walang mintis!

“The whole cast and crew would burst out laughing, just enjoying the moment. Then, as soon as direk says, ‘Action!’ — boom! Everyone switches back into character, and the scene feels fresh, alive and natural.

“That kind of dynamic makes filming ‘Incognito’ feel less like work and more like a workshop where we all grow together. We’re constantly learning from each other — whether it’s comedic timing from Ian, discipline from  Richard or intensity from Daniel. It’s an incredible experience to work with such a committed and talented team while still having those light, fun moments in between takes.”

What are you learning from your character, Miguel?

“Miguel is a deeply layered character. He’s dependable, highly skilled, but he’s also struggling with personal demons — his past, his recovery and his sense of purpose.

“What I’ve learned from him is the power of resilience. You can be an excellent soldier, a trusted friend and still have battles within yourself. His journey reminds me that strength isn’t just about physicality or skill — it’s about fighting through the struggles that no one else sees.

“Another thing I appreciate about playing Miguel is that he teaches me patience. He’s not impulsive. He thinks things through, he weighs his choices, and that’s something I try to apply in real life as well.”

Is it harder to play a good guy or bad guy?

“Both have their own challenges. A bad guy is fun to play because you have so much freedom — you can be unpredictable, intense and completely let loose. People expect villains to be loud and larger-than-life.

“But playing a good guy is actually trickier. Why? Because a ‘good guy’ can easily become one-dimensional or boring if you don’t bring depth to him. That’s where the challenge is — how do you make a heroic character human, flawed and relatable?

“That’s what I love about Miguel. He’s good, but he’s not perfect. He struggles, he doubts, he fights himself sometimes, and that makes him real. Masaya akong maglaro ng kontrabida, pero mas fulfilling ipakita na may lalim ang isang bida.

How’s your sobriety journey going?

“I’m grateful every single day. Sobriety is a lifelong journey, and hindi siya laging madali. There are moments when I get tested, but I remind myself why I chose this path — family, faith, purpose.

“My support system is solid, and being in an environment like ‘Incognito’ helps a lot. Everyone in the cast and crew respects my journey, and that kind of support makes a huge difference.

“Every day, I choose to be better, not just for myself but for the people I love.”

Among your co-stars, who are you closest to?

“I have a great bond with everyone, but if I have to pick one, I’d say Ian. He’s full of wisdom — not just about acting but about life in general. Parang may sagot siya sa lahat ng bagay! Whether it’s about relationships, well-being, or even random deep life questions, he always has something insightful to say.

“At the same time, he’s one of the funniest people I know. May pagka-wild ang sense of humor niya.

“Si Richard is like the leader of the group — parang Ninong naming lahat. Kung may tanong ako about the industry, he gives great advice.

“Si Daniel, sobrang maalaga. May masabi lang ako na, ‘Uy, ang sarap niyan,’ kinabukasan may dala na siyang pagkain!

“Si Anthony, gym buddy ko. Si Maris, masaya kasama — lagi kaming nagtatawanan. Si Kaila, super serious sa acting pero game din makipagkulitan. That’s why overall, ang saya talaga ng grupo namin.”

Do you and your co-stars have creative differences?

“Of course! In any creative process, magkakaroon at magkakaroon ng discussions. But that’s actually a good thing. We all respect each other’s craft, and we know that at the end of the day, we all just want the best for the show.

“The key is collaboration. We listen to each other, we throw ideas around, and we trust our directors, direk Lester and direk Ace. Ang maganda sa ‘Incognito,’ walang nagmamagaling. Everyone is open to learning from one another.”

What’s your advice to Anthony and Maris after the controversy they got embroiled in?

“Honestly, I wouldn’t call it ‘advice’ but more of support. They’re both mature, intelligent people and they know what they’re doing. What’s important is that they’re surrounded by a team that genuinely cares for them.

“What we want is a happy, healthy working environment. Whatever happens outside the set, we make sure that when we come to work, we bring professionalism and good energy. We support each other, no matter what.

“At the end of the day, what matters is that we keep pushing forward, focusing on the craft, and giving our best in every scene.”