Rhian Ramos (left) and Sam Verzosa
Rhian Ramos has always been one of my fave interviewees because she never dishes out show biz answers. The Kapuso hottie redefines what being “beauty and brains” is.
At the GMA Thanksgiving Gala in celebration of the network’s 72nd anniversary, Rhian was spotted getting cozy with Frontrow cofounder Sam Verzosa. Is he the “SAMday” that Rhian’s heart has been waiting for?
Here’s my chat with Rhian:
What can you tell us about your budding romance with Sam?
It was an unexpected, natural thing that happened at a time when we both weren’t “searching.” Our conversations went from joking around at “Wowowin” to deeper, honest ones about our philosophies in life and what our next steps are, sharing our hopes and dreams for ourselves and the people we love.
What makes Sam and you click?
I think it helped that we became closer during the pandemic, meeting more grounded, self-aware versions of ourselves. It’s also a big factor that we both love to talk about literally everything and never stop communicating.
What’s one love lesson you’ve learned that you will apply to your relationship with Sam?
This is not the most romantic answer, but it’s true for my relationships … of all kinds. People are who they are, and we accept them as is. We can’t change them, we can only nurture them and support the choices they make for themselves.
Do you remain friends with your ex-boyfriends?
Yes I do …. mostly (laughs)! I always wish the best to anyone who has contributed to my life and who I’ve become. I celebrate their successes when I hear good news—of course with the usual boundaries, so as not to confuse anyone.
How do you manage not to be jaded about love?
I never think of an ended relationship as a failed one, not everyone is meant to stay in your life. I learn what I can while I can. The way I see it, all my relationships have been successful.
How do you know when you have moved on and are ready to love again?
I never think I’m ready to love again (laughs)! When I start dancing on my own again, when I’m doing the dishes or showering, that’s when I know I’ve moved on. It’s a feeling of contentment and happiness in being self-sufficient, then I just stay that way.
Allen Cecilio (left) and Sky Quizon
Love pentagon in ‘Kumusta Bro’
Enjoy the ups, downs and whimsies of a young adult romance in “Kumusta Bro” (KB), streaming on-demand on Vivamax Plus. A 10-part BL (boys’ love) series, it is a story about five cuties whose lives are intertwined by love and their life choices.
A concept by writer-director Real Florido, it stars Sky Quizon, Kristof Garcia, Allen Cecilio, RJ Agustin, JM Mendoza and transwoman Queen Khim Quindoza. Be part of the riot and chaos of a love pentagon.
Here are quotes from Sky (S), Allen (A), Real (R), Kristof (K) and Queen (Q):
S: When I admitted that I’m bisexual, the discrimination was always there. In KB, we celebrate individuality regardless of gender. I don’t subscribe to labels. Gender must not define a person.
A: My takeaway from our series is that unexpected people come into our life who will have a huge impact on us. We must not overthink and just do what feels right at the moment.
R: Our BL series is confident about the story we want to tell. Sensuality is not its selling point. It is not a cheap project, but a premium one. It will give hopeless LGBTQ romantics some hope. It serves to normalize beautiful boys falling for each other.
K: KB will make you reflect on second chances. For me, taking someone back depends on the level of love and how “marupok and tanga” you are.
S: Our cast has chemistry because our friendship is anchored on respect. Prior to filming intimate scenes, we inform each other what we will be doing so there’s mutual consent and no surprise actions.
R: I hate it when people say, “Bakla lang yan or bakla naman ‘yan.” Because of our patriarchal society, there’s a hindrance in total acceptance of the LGBT community. Through our series, I want people to understand that members of the LGBT community deserves basic human rights, too.
Q: I represent the transgender community. We cry for equal job opportunities. KB is a good avenue to show our struggles and prove that we’re also capable of loving and deserve to be loved.