Diego Loyzaga (left) and Sue Ramirez
Just because she’s in a happy relationship right now doesn’t necessarily mean, Sue Ramirez said, that she’s in a position to dole out love advice to other people.
“To each his own … We have our own preferences when it comes to love. I can neither acknowledge or discredit whatever he did for love just because I have my own way [of doing things],” Sue said when asked in a recent virtual conference if she has any advice for her “How to Love Mr. Heartless” leading man, Diego Loyzaga.
The actor, who parted ways with ex-girlfriend Barbie Imperial earlier this year, recently admitted that he’s currently dating “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Franki Russell.
“At this point in our lives, we’re still searching … trying to figure things out. I think that Diego can take care of himself. His state of mind and being—he knows what’s going on. Kayang-kaya niya na ’yan. I don’t think he needs my advice!” related Sue, who has been dating Victorias City, Negros Occidendal Mayor-elect Javi Benitez for the past two years.
The 25-year-old actress did have few words, however, for people her age itching to have a romantic partner. “Guys, huwag kayong taeng-tae magka-jowa! Dadating ’yan at the right time!” Sue quipped. “Enjoy the time you have for yourself because you will never know when you will get busy, or when your responsibilities will start piling up.”
‘Enjoy yourself’
“Enjoy yourself before committing to someone else,” she added “because you won’t fully enjoy the relationship if you don’t know yourself that well.”
Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana and premiering on June 17, “How to Love Mr. Heartless”—a Vivamax original film—follows the bubbly, charming Yanyan who will use her love for cooking to try to win the heart of his love interest, Blue (Diego). While he appears to be cold and distant, Blue is the only person who didn’t hesitate to help Yanyan when she was in need.
Touched by Blue’s thoughtfulness, Yanyan can’t help but fall for him. But her feelings, she realizes, remain largely unreciprocated.
“Yanyan is a people-pleaser, so she makes an effort to make everyone comfortable even if it comes at her expense. And I know some people who are in the same situation as her. I’m not saying that she’s wrong, but you have to leave something for yourself. You can still try to please others, but don’t neglect your own feelings,” Sue said.
“The story shows that, while it’s important to be able to stand on your own feet, it’s also OK to have someone you can depend on and trust. It can be a lover, a family member, or a best friend. When people watch this movie, they will be reminded of that person they know they can always lean on,” she said.
Sue and Diego have worked together in the past, but never as a love pairing. “I got excited when I found out it was Diego I would be working with. He and I go way back. We used to host a segment in ‘ASAP’ (weekly variety show) together and we’re really good friends. We were also part of the soap ‘Pangako Sa ’Yo,’ but this is the first time we’re working as love interests,” Sue said.
Ramirez
Disciplined
She had nothing but good words for Diego whom she described as talented and a “gentleman.”
“I expected him to be good. And I always tell him he’s good even if he doesn’t really believe it. We have been friends for so long, so I’m happy I did this project with him. I know him to be kind and he has always been a gentleman to me and to everyone. He’s the type of guy who would never fail to offer you a seat,” she related.
And now, Sue has developed an even deeper appreciation for Diego’s work ethic. “What I have discovered about him is how much more disciplined he has become. He has grown more mature in life. It’s great to see how much he has grown through the years. There’s no doubt about that,” she said.
Sue’s acting career has been steadily gaining momentum these past couple of years. Aside from films, she’s also part of the popular soap opera “The Broken Marriage Vow.” But she doesn’t want to get too ahead of herself.
More to learn
“Ayokong ipasok sa isip ko na nagbu-boom na ang career ko kasi hindi pa po,” she told the Inquirer. “I know that I still have many more things to learn. Marami pa akong kakaining bigas to achieve the things I want for myself. And I’m willing to learn. That’s an important trait as an actor … your willingness to absorb from people you work with. I still have a long way to go.” But as it is, Sue said she’s content with how her career and personal life is unfolding right now. “I always take the things coming to me as the biggest blessings. I’m content with what I have. I don’t know if it’s a good or bad trait, but I feel good with what I have. When I go through lulls, I just feel thankful for the rest. And if I get new projects, I feel thankful for new chances to prove myself,” she said.
“I’m in a good place right now in my life,” Sue added. “I don’t look at work as a way to get famous. I look at it as work … something I do, not for anything else but just for the love of it.”