Rhian Ramos
Rhian Ramos neither confirmed nor denied talks that she and her boyfriend, Sam Verzosa, have called it quits. Yes, they’re “friends,” but not friends full stop. “I don’t want to define it!” she said, laughing. “I can’t define it.”
But the 32-year-old actress did let on that having “problems here and there” is normal in any relationship.
“It’s normal to have disagreements with anyone, even with family or friends. It happens. But we’re OK in a sense that we’re not at odds with each other. I will always want what’s best for him or what brings him joy. And I believe that he wants that for me, too,” she told a group of reporters on a recent visit to the set of her upcoming movie, “Ikaw at Ako.”
Is she free to love again now? “I would say no, but it’s more of me putting it upon myself that I just don’t feel like it!” she said.
Self-sufficient
What’s certain, however, is that Rhian knows she can be happy and self-sufficient, whether or not she’s in a relationship.
“In fairness, I’m very happy. This is something I have known for a long time. It’s just that every so often, I’m reminded that no one can love me better than I can. I’m good at giving myself the things I need and the experiences I want. If there’s anyone I know I can always depend on, it’s myself,” she said.
“I have most things a partner can provide for me. I guess it’s just a matter of whom I will get it from.”
That’s not to say she doesn’t need other people’s help. “I do have a good support system, a community of people who love the same things, who have the same interests and lifestyles,” Rhian said.
Directed by Rechie del Carmen, “Ikaw at Ako” will have Rhian working with Paolo Contis for the first time in a film. “I worked with him in episodic television shows, but never in a movie. He can do threatening villains, but kaya niya ding magpakilig. And I have always wanted to work with him because I see him as a good and naturally talented actor whom I feel I can learn a lot from,” she said.
Building rapport wouldn’t be much of a problem. “We’re friends, so it won’t be hard to connect with him. He’s a very open and friendly person,” Rhian said.
Different types of love
“Ikaw at Ako” is a romantic drama anthology movie featuring three stories that depict love at various stages. “It’s about different types of love. We have different priorities and concerns, but I’m sure all of us have fallen in love. And if not, it’s for those who want to fall in love. There’s a lot to learn here about relationships and communication,” she said.
Rhian and Paolo play a couple whose marriage is at a crossroads. “They go through hardship and things become problematic. It makes them ponder whether or not they should fight for the relationship or just go their separate ways,” she said, adding that love is something that requires work.
“It’s not always a fairy tale. Love isn’t perfect. Seeing my parents who are separated, and other married people I know, I realized that love is something you have to choose to make it work. You won’t be compatible in everything, so you have to put in the effort to stay together,” she said.
While Rhian is the type who “gives everything I have” in a relationship, she also knows when she should back off—when enough is enough. “After I have communicated my problem, I will give it some time … But if nothing happens or if the other person is a repeat offender, then I know it’s not right and that the person isn’t right for me,” she said.
“In which case, I would rather choose myself than be brokenhearted forever,” Rhian added. INQ