“THE courtship should never stop.” That was what actor-singer-TV host Derrick Monasterio advised about his three-year relationship with actress Elle Villanueva.

“I surprise her all the time,” Derrick said. “Pag may kailangan siya para sa career niya, I will give her something.

“Pag matagal na ang partner mo, sometimes, nakakalimutan mo ng kausapin, mag-date, those simple things. Important talaga that there’s always conversation and communication in a relationship. We keep the fire burning.”

They talked about settling down once in a while and it always comes up in their conversation. “Gusto ko stable na ako, may sarili na akong house. Gusto ko kasal kami.”

Even his mom, former actress Tina Monasterio, has been indirectly wishing for a grandchild. “Sometimes she would ask, ‘Ano kaya ang itsura ng anak niyo ni Elle?’ Nakikita niya kasi pag may changes sa akin. In my past relationships, hindi sya ganu’n ka-sold. Pero ngayon, okay sa kanya. Malaking factor ‘yun.”

At present, Derrick and Elle are taking up acting. “We want to make ourselves better,” said the six-foot-tall actor. “We are trying to be better in our craft. Hopefully, we will work together again in our next project.”

Derrick added, “Malaki ang naambag ng girlfriend ko sa maturity ko as a person and as an actor. That was worth it. In more ways than one, nagkaroon ako ng plano sa buhay.

“I invest heavily in real estate and stocks. That’s where I put my money. Gusto ko, before I start my family, I am stable already. I’m 28 now. Gusto ko, I can still play basketball with my kids.”

Derrick recently wrapped up his role as singer in the period teleserye, Makiling. “Ang ganda ng role ko ngayon sa Pulang Araw,” he offered about the biggest teleserye of GMA 7 to date.

He got to display his singing talent. “I get comments like ‘Marunong pala si Derrick umarte. Hindi lang katawan.’ When they hear me sing, they would say, ‘Marunong palang kumanta ‘to. At least, I still get to surprise the audience.”

Derrick cannot be any happier that his film, Go, La Union or G!LU, which has long been in the backburner, will finally be shown on Aril 24 in theaters.

The film is the latest project of producer Arnold L. Vegafria’ ALV Films, in a co-production venture with Benchingko Films and Rein Entertainment.

G!LU revolves around the adventures and misadventures of a group of hunks and babes in their well-chiseled abs and bikini-ready bods. At the helm is young director Philip King.

“Maganda kasi our director, si Direk Philip, he’s also young, like a millennial, like us,” Derrick said. “He easily understands our language.”

The film captures La Union’s breathtaking beaches and rustic scenery as its backdrop. Moreover, G!LU serves as a travelogue, giving a timely nod to environmental awareness and ecotourism promotion.

“Nakita niyo naman, sa trailer pa lang, hubaran na,” teased Derrick who boasted his Bench body on the big screen. “Siyempre ‘yun ang mga aabangan. I play the cousin of Enzo (Pineda) this movie.

“‘Yung characters namin will have conflict with our female costars. But laid-back lang ang roles namin. We are all classmates in this movie.”

G!LU was supposed to be shown in the summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) last year, but the film didn’t make it to the lineup of entries.

“At least, masaya pa rin kami because it will finally be shown now,” said Derrick. “I still want to make another movie for the MMFF kasi ang tagal na nung last.

“I was only 16 when I did My House Husband, with Judy Ann (Santos) and Ryan (Agoncillo) in 2011. Ang tagal na noon. Hindi pa ulit ako nakakasakay ng float.”

G!LU also stars David Licauco, Teejay Marquez, Kiko Estrada, Enzo Pineda and Ruru Madrid. “You will see our friendship, nakikita ko lumalabas dito sa movie,” Derrick said. “Nakakatuwa kasi very natural lang.”

Also in the film are Michelle Dee, before she joined Miss Universe Philippines, Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez, Chanel Morales, Maureen Montagne, Sophia Senoron, Kimi Mugford, Ali Forbes, Carl Guevarra, Ken Anderson, Denver Hernandez and veteran actress Pinky Amador.

Derrick has another film, Cheat Day, which he did for Regal Entertainment, that has yet to be shown. Alexa Miro is his costar.