Rhian Ramos: Full of surprises

MANILA, Philippines - If there’s one thing Rhian Ramos has proven her critics wrong on, it’s the fact that there’s more to her Welsh looks — and that she can act. Proof is her dramatic portrayal of Jodi on GMA 7’s Stairway to Heaven, with an impressive 30-plus percent rating.     

“I was studying and modeling part-time then,” recalls Rhian of her few small steps to showbiz. “I didn’t expect (to join show business). I never thought that acting could be a job to me or something I could do. I have never had any regrets.”

Rhian debuted as Leah in Captain Barbell opposite Richard Gutierrez. It was followed by action-adventure Lupin and a TV remake of My Only Love with Mark Herras. From light romance, Rhian raised the bar by trying her hand in comedy (LaLola) and heavy drama (Stairway to Heaven).

“I’m lucky to be in a station that gives me a chance to showcase my talent, that believes in me,” says Rhian. There was a time, Rhian recalls, no one thought she could do comedy. But GMA gave her that chance and she proved worthy. “That’s the only time people decided that I was funny. There was a time no one thought I could do heavy drama. Suddenly I was Jodi. I’m just grateful to get this kind of support.”

That’s what is interesting about Rhian — she is full of surprises.

“I’m working on my album and taking voice lessons,” replies Rhian when asked what keeps her busy these days after Stairway. “My album is in the works right now. It is important to me to give it enough time. I don’t want to do an album that is obviously rushed. The album is personal. I’m involved not only in singing but also in the creative part.”

“After Stairway, I requested to rest at least from TV because it is most strenuous. I’m in a resting period because I have been working for four straight years. I did one show after another. I finished one and jumped into the next. I’ve never had enough time as Rhian. I’ve always been either Lola or Lolita or Jodi or Hannah or someone else. I think I have to gain more experience and emotions. I just want to collect myself for a while. So the next time I do something, I can give more of myself. I want people to feel sad when my character is sad or feel happy when my character is happy. My fear is to do something half-baked.”

Does she find herself alluring?

“In general, women are known to be alluring,” answers Rhian, Actress Model awardee at the recent Asia Model Festival Awards in Seoul. “I think every woman gets to be alluring for a different reason. There are many things about a woman that can make her alluring. Some are alluring because they are mysterious or charismatic,” she says.

More than the allure, people see in Rhian her spunk. She’s full of spirit with whatever undertaking she engages herself in.

“I know what I want. And I know how to go after it,” she ends.

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol • Styling by Corine Alegre • Makeup by Mickey See of Shu Uemura • Hairstyling by John Valle for Loreal Professionel • Off-shoulder top by Mosaic, 2/F Power Plant Mall Rockwell • Sleeveless top by Details Trading, 2/F Power Plant Mall Rockwell • Jewelry by Miladay