Two of the country’s most accomplished actors, Baron Geisler and Jake Cuenca, come together for “Delivery Rider,” Studio Three Sixty’s newest action-drama film as directed by Lester Pimentel Ong, the filmmaker behind the acclaimed series “Incognito.”
The film, set to premiere on Netflix across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East on October 23, tackles crime, compassion, and resilience through the story of a man on the autism spectrum who finds himself at the center of it all.
At the heart of “Delivery Rider” is Geisler’s portrayal of Santo, a delivery rider trained in martial arts by his father and gifted with innate fighting skills.
Santo’s character represents individuals with functional autism striving for independence and inclusion—drawing inspiration from real-life fighters on the spectrum such as Nathias “Notorious” Frederick and Serene De Jesus, both respected MMA practitioners.
“We made this film with respect, care, and love,” said Geisler. “Hindi siya caricature or stereotype. It’s real, it’s grounded, and for us, it’s a love letter—a gift to parents, to people, most especially those under the spectrum.”
For the actor, the experience of playing Santo was deeply personal and transformative. “Ang natutunan ko naman sa character ko, kay Santo—kahit punong-puno ng galit ang mundo, you can still choose to be kind, and that for me is real strength, lalo na sa panahon ngayon,” he shared.
Geisler, who is also a parent to a child on the spectrum, added: “I’m really grateful for this film. It’s more than just an action or drama. It’s very personal. Lahat kami sa team may connection dito. Si Direk Lester has a son who’s [on] the spectrum. Ako naman, I have Talitha, my pride and joy, who is also [on] the spectrum.”
Opposite him is Cuenca as Roden, the son of a crime boss and heir to a syndicate empire. Having grown up surrounded by violence, Roden struggles to connect with his family—a reflection of the film’s recurring theme of inherited pain and emotional detachment.
“When they offered this to me, of course I grabbed the opportunity because I’m working with such an amazing actor, Baron Geisler, but also I’m working with one of my favorite directors of all time, Direk Lester,” Cuenca said.
He continued, “Nung natapos namin (filming), mutual respect was given. It’s almost like when you talk about fighting, you share something intimate inside of that ring, and I feel like me and Baron shared something intimate inside of this movie.”
Also appearing in the film are Jennica Garcia, Malou de Guzman, Soliman Cruz, Joem Bascon, Richard Quan, JC Alcantara, along with Euwenn Mikaell, the MMFF 2023 Best Child Actor, who plays the eight-year-old boy Santo treats as his son—a role that ties together the film’s themes of love, protection, and belonging.
A recipient of the CreatePHFilms Funding Program by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), “Delivery Rider” combines gripping action, emotional depth, and social insight. Beneath the fight choreography and street chases lies a story about finding humanity in an unforgiving world—about people who, even when surrounded by anger and chaos, choose kindness as their greatest form of courage.
