Ron Morales enjoys ‘simple, laid-back life’ in Canada

When a new actor learns from a veteran co-star or someone who has been in the showbiz industry longer than him, trust that the former will always remember the pointers perhaps for life, wherever he is or whatever field he shifts into.

That is not surprising for actor-model Ron Morales, an ABS-CBN talent for 12 years, before he decided to migrate to Canada with his family. Ron easily remembers his showbiz influences, Albert Martinez and John Lloyd Cruz, who inspired him in his TV and film assignments.

“Their staying power says it all,” Ron says about Albert and John Lloyd. “I joined showbiz because I guess I’m the type of person who was always willing to try and explore things. So, I gave it a shot and enjoyed every moment of it.”

Working with seasoned performers, veteran directors and even character actors proved to be the highlight of Ron’s acting career. He got to work with Albert back in 2009 in the teleserye, May Bukas Pa, where they both played brothers who wanted to seek revenge. In 2013, they got to work again in in the primetime series, Juan de la Cruz, with Coco Martin.

Albert even became Ron’s director in the 2010 romance-drama, Rosario, a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry. “I learned how to be in the scene and how to focus on your craft through Albert,” Ron shares.

Meanwhile, Ron played John Lloyd’s best friend in the series, I Love Betty La Fea, with Bea Alonzo. That went on air for two years, from 2008 to 2010. “I was impressed with John Lloyd’s professionalism when it comes to work,” Ron remarks.

Ron also worked alongside Derek Ramsay in Ruel Bayani’s 2011 romance-drama, No Other Woman, with Anne Curtis and Christine Reyes. Then, too, Ron relished the chance of sharing acting credits with the late veteran performer, Eddie Garcia, in FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano.

Aside from acting, Ron also gave modeling a try. In 2007, he was named first runner-up in the Be Bench Model Search, topped by Carlo Guevarra. The following year, he was chosen as one of the 10 Centerfold Hunks 2008 of Cosmopolitan Philippines, with the stellar likes of Derek Ramsay, Geoff Eigenmann, Billy Crawford and Paolo Contis.

In case TV audiences are missing Ron of late, the erstwhile Ang Probinsiyano mainstay dauntlessly migrated with his young family to Prince Edward Island (PEI), one of the Atlantic provinces east side of Canada. PEI is a 16-hour drive to Toronto and 12-hour drive to New York.

Ron perhaps thought there was no better opportunity to uproot his family and migrate to Canada than when they left Manila nearly two years back. Both he and his wife, Victoria Villamin, were ready while the children were still very young. They have two kids both born in the Philippines. Andres is seven and Anika is four.

Ron and Victoria tied the knot in November 2011. He met her while she was still working at ABS-CBN Global-TFC (The Filipino Channel). She finished Mass Communications at St. Paul’s University.

“Initially, we were looking into migrating to New Zealand,” Ron discloses. “But God led us to Canada, where we are most grateful of because of the child-friendly environment the province offers. Around us are ocean and mountains. We enjoy the simple, laid-back traditional lifestyle we are living in now. There are less malls, more parks, more nature and little to no traffic at all.”

The eldest in a brood of four, Ron and his three other siblings were raised single-handedly by his mom, Sailani, after his dad passed away 23 years ago. His mom later moved to the US with his only sister and youngest sibling, Mariam, so Ron was also raised by his aunts. The brother who came after Ron is Rafael, who now lives in New York. His mom is now settled in Arizona with Ron’s sister. Brother Ronniel is still here in the Philippines.

Ron, who counts Ogie Diaz, his erstwhile manager, as his mentor and “dear friend,” never planned to join show business. He finished business management at De La Salle University. However, after he took his practicum at ABS-CBN, an opportunity to try acting opened for him. He was apparently ready to put his showbiz career on hold should the opportunity for his family to migrate really happens. “My showbiz career had its highs and lows, as any career does,” Ron admits. “But generally, I am thankful for the opportunity and experience of working in the entertainment industry.”

With the COVID 19 pandemic affecting the lives of people all around the world, Ron and his family were naturally not spared from experiencing the dreaded contagion. “The pandemic shocked us all even here in Canada,” Ron offers. “To date, there are around 68,000 affected and 5,000 deaths here. However, from the province, where I am since it is a small town, most people and the government are very cautious. We only have 27 cases and all have recovered.”

After more than a year in Canada, Ron can safely say he and his family have adjusted to the life there. “Slow down living kind of thing,” he asserts. “We are enjoying the growing up years of the kids. Definitely, there were challenges from the early stage of migration. But I can say generally it was smooth transition.”

Asked if he misses showbiz, Ron readily gives an affirmative reply. “I definitely miss showbiz, my colleagues and the grind itself. In Manila, I miss family, friends and, of course, food. When you really have the passion for showbiz, you’ll find it in your system to miss it still.”

He remains hopeful with every opportunity that comes his way. Definitely, he is not closing his doors to showbiz. “Hopefully, if an opportunity for acting will come my way again, I will be open to make creative projects again,” Ron concludes.