Derek Ramsay has some strong thoughts about the recent commotion involving his good friend Pernilla Sjoö and celeb couple Andi Eigenmann and Philmar Alipayo. Just recently, Andi and Philmar had a very public rift that triggered comments against Pernilla, a Swedish photographer based in Siargao.
While there are many aspects as to what really happened, Derek highlighted three things: 1) that Philmar didn't have the "balls" to stand up for Pernilla, 2) that Andi and Philmar chose to publicize their fight, and 3) Pernilla is in a "very happy relationship." He opened up about all of his sentiments over the issue in an exclusive interview with Ogie Diaz, uploaded on February 12 on Ogie's YouTube channel.
Derek shares that Pernilla has been a good friend to him, and his wife Ellen Adarna knows it—he even consulted Ellen before going on an interview about the issue at hand. He also clarified that he's not out to get them nor add more fuel to the fire—however, he cannot sit still and watch the public scrutinize his friend.
"I wish Philmar, excuse me for using this term, would have the balls to be a man. Magpaka-lalaki ka. Ayusin mo ang problema mo sa asawa mo, unahin mo 'yan, tama ka diyan. Pero 'wag mong bastusin 'yung tao na tumulong sayo sa lahat ng problema mo," Derek strongly said during the interview.
He continued as if talking to Philmar, "Ikaw okay ka na. Paano si Pern na umiiyak kasi puro paninira, gigising siya 'yan na lang mababasa niya. Hindi siya makalabas ng bahay niya. We live in a world of bashers—pwede mong sabihin if you're mentally strong like me, people can bash me, I don't care. But not everybody is like me. And for me to talk to her [Pernilla] every day and she's crying and crying and crying."
That's how Derek described Pernilla's—whom he calls Pern—situation after the controversy about the photographer's couple tattoo with Philmar. Derek noted that, as a friend, he told Pernilla how wrong it was to have a couple tattoo with someone who has a romantic partner, especially in the Philippines. He conveyed to Ogie, "Sinabi ko sa kanya, mali 'yung ginawa mo sa tattoo. Naiintindihan ko it's a cultural difference because she's not from here, but she's willing to accept that and apologize for that."
The actor claims that Pernilla never "intended" to hurt Andi nor to steal Philmar. "The intent was not to hurt Andi. Her intent was not to steal her husband. Her intent was not to betray Andi. Philmar runs to Pern. It's not Pern running to Philmar."
It can be recalled that in Andi's earlier Instagram statements, Andi talked about feeling betrayed while referring to someone who had encouraged Philmar to call it quits between them. "My why for posting: I am fully aware that my husband never cheated on me with this girl... I am always around when they are together. I posted because this person betrayed me, and encouraged my husband to break up with me during every fight even when I also told my side of the story to her. She didn't honor my side by choosing to celebrate her and my husband's love for each other because the day after our fight she inserted herself into the situation by encouraging him to go for a spontaneous love couple tattoo together," Andi's statement read, posted on February 8.
Derek Ramsay claims Pernilla Sjoö was ready to talk to Andi Eigenmann
In the same statement, Andi declared that she had reached out to Pern but received no response. On the other hand, Derek firmly claims that it was Andi who did not reach out to Pern before publicizing the issue.
He narrated, "The truth is, I think after the tattoo, there was a text from Andi, [saying] 'Wah,' w-a-h, I don't know what that means. I think she she made an attempt or she texts. Pern was busy working. Pern replied then the following day, 'Hey, let's talk.' Ayaw na niya. She [Pern] reached out again, 'I'm willing to talk.' Wala nang sagot."
Derek adds, "She [Andi] reached out but it wasn't a reach out na, 'Hey, we need to talk'—she didn't mention anything." For Derek, Siargao is a small island where Andi could've easily gone to Pern to clarify the matter if she wanted to.
At this point, Derek also expressed his worries for Pern who's having a really hard time with all the bashing that's been happening since the issue started. "Andi is from the industry, so she knows how to handle it. Pern is not from the industry. She doesn't know how to handle this kind of stuff. If you're getting threats, you feel like you're safe. You can't function."
Derek ends the interview with a message dedicated to Philmar. He stated, "Magpakalalaki ka. Do what's right, man. You're losing a good friend. You've lost a good friend. That's your loss. But then, even with that said, do what's right, bro. Do what's right. Grow some balls. Sorry, if you wanna make me your kaaway, 'di kita kaaway. Just grow some balls."
As of writing, Andi and Philmar haven't publicly reacted to Derek's statements. On February 10, Philmar actually uploaded a video of him together with Andi and their kids. The video came with a statement that they are now in good terms after the intense Instagram controversy over the weekend. The caption read, "It all went way to [sic] far and should have been handled in private. Ok na kami sanan ok ra kami."
