The nonshow biz side of Rhian Ramos; Mayor Vico an ‘ulirang tito’

Rhian Ramos

Rhian Ramos has always been one of my fave interviewees because she never gives “show biz” answers. Clichés are not in her vocabulary. She’s got panache and portrays every role with bravura.

I enjoy watching GMA 7’s series, “Love of My Life” (LOML) because of her. She plays a feisty and witty single mom. I had a tête-à-tête with the Kapuso goddess recently. As always, her “Rhianisms” hit the spot.

Here’s my chat with Rhian:

How can you relate to Kelly, your character in LOML?

My understanding for Kelly was a challenge to achieve, as her methods are not the norm. I remind myself that she is a woman who has had to raise her boy alone for years before any family member expressed any interest to even meet him, so she’s always playing defense alone. I can relate to how she seems to be optimistic that things can still turn out well if she works hard and plays her cards right. She leans only on her own abilities, so I remind myself of times in my life that I never asked for help.

How would you handle it if you have a monster mother-in-law like the character that Coney Reyes portrays in LOML?

I would work hard to get on her good side, but I’d make sure that I don’t live under her roof.

What makes your relationship with your boyfriend, Amit Borsok, work?

We’re both very busy, so we always miss each other. He’s good at things that I’m bad at, and I’m good at things he’s bad at.

What’s the funniest travel experience you had?

When my sister and I were kids, our parents used to send us to the United Kingdom eve­ry year to spend summer with our grandparents. My mom and dad were already separated in one of those times, and it was mom’s job to prepare us and make it all happen.

She repeatedly reminded me to bring my passport, but when we got to the airport, I told her I had left it at home. In frustration, kasi siya na naman ang masisisi, she let out a big “p*tang ina!” at the airport parking lot, and my sister and I said to each other, “Ina? But mom, that’s you!”

In LOML, you’re friends with your ex. In real life, would you befriend an ex?

I think it’s safest to keep distance with an ex, even if you do get along, so that there is no confusion. Only have conversations that you absolutely have to have, and never the “Hi, how are you?” sort.

What’s your dream marriage proposal?

One that happens in my mid- to late 30s.

How do you and your Israeli beau avoid having culture clash?

We remind ourselves and each other how different our upbringing and cultures are, so that we avoid taking offense to each other’s methods.

What will you reflect on this Holy Week?

My responsibilities as a human being and as a child of God.

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done?

Hiding match heads in my dad’s cigarettes, so they exploded when he smoked.

What’s the best and toughest part of being Rhian Ramos?

The best—that I get to do something fun and creative that I love. The toughest—that I accidentally get caught up in someone else’s opinion.

If your life story would be made into a movie, what would the title be, and who do you want to portray you?

“Miss Take One,” a dark comedy starring Yassi Pressman.

Mayor Vico Sotto

Mayor Vico great with kids

Even if Coney Reyes and Vic Sotto’s love story didn’t have a “happy ever after,” their 30-year old son, Mayor Vico Sotto, makes that past chapter of their lives worthwhile. They raised him well, and it shows.

Netizens and the mayor’s constituents in Pasig City are raving about how hands-on the charming mayor is in handling the coronavirus crisis. In my recent interview with Coney, she mentioned that Vico is great with kids.

“He dotes on his nephews and nieces,” the proud mom beamed. “He loves playing with them. That’s why when the kiddos see him, nag-uunahan silang makipaglaro with their Tito Vico.”

Dealing with kids requires a lot of patience, understanding and gentleness. Vico’s being an “ulirang tito” says a lot about the kind of guy he is.

When it comes to COVID-19, Vico’s got his constituents covered. Reverse the syllables of COVID and it becomes Vico. The Letter D is gone. D stands for defeat. Mayor Vico goes all out to defeat the pandemic. No more V for virus—V for Vico, instead.