Rhian Ramos versus herself
MANILA, Philippines - I can smell a toughie when I see one.
Even at the peak of the controversies hurled against her, I would see Rhian Ramos be the first to arrive at the studio, doing her own make up, looking pensively in the mirror, focusing on the task at hand. She seemed unfazed. Stoic even. A weaker soul would have crumbled. She is all of 21.
Call it a coming of age, but did you have to face malicious intrigue and harsh judgement left right front and center at that ripe old age? Well, she did. And through it all, I quietly observed her, she remained steadfast and strong, nary a word of bitterness thrown at her accusers. Sure, I know that in the quiet recesses of her solitude, she would break down and cry, but I never got to see that for myself.
At the studios for Sunday noontime variety show Party Pilipinas where she puts on the game face, ready for her cue to sing and dance, to host and entertain the audience, she is focused and spot on. Yes, she’ll miss a few beats here and there, but so does everyone on any live show. “OMG, I effed up,” she would self-deprecatingly admit to us in the backstage dressing room right after a few missteps in her production number, and then proceed to the next task on hand.
Rhian Ramos started in the glitzbiz industry pre-legal age, having to face klieg lights when one was just expected to set foot on campus canteens. Even in those years of her awkward youth, she never seemed to be the type to fit the mold of “everyone.” She was her own unique person. I would see her in the mall, nary a trace of makeup, in a giant tshirt and short shorts. Rhian unplugged is even prettier and more striking. “I’m not on work mode, that’s why,” she would explain her state of no layers. Just her with herself, enjoying her alone time at the mall.
It can be pretty lonely moving in an industry where all want to fuss about you. Or it can get into your head that you are God’s gift to all and sundry. Rhian has chosen neither path, opting to keep her chin up, feet on the ground and heart on her sleeve. I think through time she may have developed an armor against attacks, but why the hell not? It’s a cruel world out there, and the sooner you know and accept, the better it is for your health and well-being.
My Bida Kontrabida Girl
Rhian, it seems, has the blood of a tiger, the spirit of a dragon and the gaze of a pussycat. She may seem elusive and distant at first but when you get to know her deeper, as this writer was so fortunate to have experienced, you’ll discover a sweet little girl, on her way to being a woman. She has a unique sense of humor and is clearly a daddy’s girl. She grew up with mom though, and one can see the striking resemblance between the two. With mom and dad plus her sister Nadine, she has a really close-knit family, which explains her fortitude.
Rhian topbills the film My Kontabida Girl, her launch pad to a new chapter of her career. Like a phoenix that’ll rise from whatever rubble it’s in, we all know that given the right guidance and projects, this girl will soar to superstar heights, given that she works harder and is guided with the right wisdom and discernment. My Kontrabida Girl may prove to be the stepping stone for her to go onto her next stage. With a full ensemble of GMA Films’ bevy of up-and-coming young actors, plus almost all of the top-of-mind bida kontrabidas of the silver screen making a cameo directed by breakthrough Zombadings director Jade Castro, she is in good “bad” company.
As an actress first and foremost, My Kontrabida Girl will be Rhian Ramos’ litmus test of strength and longevity. No doubt talent is there. Grit is there, and so is hunger and thirst to be better — not just as an actress but as a human being.
Despite what the world thinks, Rhian is up against nobody. She is up against herself, to deal with her demons and reconnect with her angels. In the now-iconic scene lifted from My Kontrabida Girl’s trailer, she famously says, “Nobody can make sampal me,” and then proceeds to grab the hand of her attacker, throw the water and subsequently even the salad in her face.
I don’t think she’d ever do that in real life. But if she has to, I strongly suggest she does.
(I’m watching My Kontrabida Girl tomorrow. I strongly suggest you do, too! Tell me what you think at twitter.com/offficialTIMYAP, see my Instagram pics at officialtimyap and I’m thinking of joining Pinterest soon. Ah yes, social media.)
