by Bettina Sandiego ( PeP ) 12.14.09

DEREK RAMSAY ON BEING PARTNERED WITH KIM. I Love You, Goodbye sees Kim Chiu taking on a more mature and antagonistic role as she clings on to Derek's character. This is also her first acting role without onscreen partner Gerald Anderson. How does Derek find the young actress?

"Makaulit! Makulit si Kim," he replied before narrating how he had nicknamed her "Alcon."

When he arrived on the set one time with noticeable red eyes, Derek said he immediately borrowed a bottle of eye drops called Alcon. After that, Kim repeatedly recited the brand name like a broken record.

"So now I call her Alcon, and it's really an inside joke for us," he explained. "She's a very promising actress. Parang effortless yung pag-[trato] niya sa trabaho niya. Marunong makisundo sa lahat ng nga artista. Whether it's Gabby, whether it's me, whether it's Angel. Lahat kasundo niya sa set."

Derek described he relationship with Kim's character in the movie. "We have some sort of relationship, and it's kinda hard for Kim, but she did a great job with it. Kasi medyo mataray and matigas 'yung role niya dito, e. Pero look at Kim's face. She's adorable. She's like a little sweetheart, right? She looks like she's vulnerable," he observed.

However, when it comes to executing dramatic lines, Derek said Kim's acting is spot-on. With a laugh, he said, "Nakakatakot pala siyang magalit."

Should audiences expect a kiss between Gary and Ysa?

"Abangan n'yo na lang," he replied with a laugh.

I Love You, Goodbye is Star Cinema's official entry to the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival. It opens in cinemas on Christmas Day, December 25.