Rhian Ramos advocates for more choices for women

Rhian Ramos (right) with producer Marjorie Aviso —RHIAN RAMOS/ INSTAGRAM

I know what’s in his heart,” declared actress Rhian Ramos as a way to explain why she chose to support the political career of her boyfriend Sam Versoza, Tutok to Win partylist representative, even though she said the word “politician” carries a negative connotation.

“When we were new, we discovered that aside from our having similar personalities, we actually share the same dream. We agreed that it’s important to use your skill and success for the better. Our dream was centered on doing something for others. At the time, I still didn’t know that his way of helping other people was to run for office. It just came about naturally,” Rhian told reporters during the media gathering for her latest movie, Jenny Pearl “JP” Ninalga’s “When the World Met Miss Probinsyana.”

“We sometimes have a negative connotation of what it means to be a politician, especially here in the Philippines. But I know Sam very well. I talk to him every single day and I know that his heart is pure. I also know he doesn’t need [other people’s] money, or he won’t use it for the wrong [reasons],” said Rhian.

READ: Rhian Ramos, Glaiza de Castro reunite for their first GL movie

Anniversary

The couple celebrated their third year together on July 30. Rhian said they hope to take a much-needed vacation. “But this is after all the relief operations. I’ve been busy with work, so I have yet to help out with the repacking,” said Rhian, referring to Typhoon “Carina” that ravaged Luzon recently. “We have to be prepared. We know that there are areas that will get flooded. Sam has been preparing every day. What’s nice is that there are good people who contribute. He makes sure their help gets to the right people.”

“When the World Met Miss Probinsyana” tells the journey of Marge (Rhian), a determined young woman from the province, and her supportive partner Wil (Sid Lucero), a seafarer-turned-web developer. Drawing from her own experience as the daughter of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), Marge embarks on a transformative path to create change in her province.

Female entrepreneur

She establishes her business process outsourcing (BPO) company in the province, defying the notion that success can only be found in urban centers. As Marge’s BPO venture grows, she encounters various obstacles, including financial setbacks, doubts and the stigma associated with being a female entrepreneur. With the support of her loved ones, she triumphs, proving that resilience and tenacity can overcome even the toughest challenges.

“To me, it’s not a story about achieving success,” explained Rhian. “The more important part of it was that when Marge put up a BPO, it wasn’t just for the purpose of turning it into a money-making business. It was for people in the province to have better work opportunities, despite the limits that people normally put on them, like, ‘Taga-probinsya? Does she even know enough English to answer the phone?’ Yes, because everything is trainable.”

Rhian continued: “This kind of mentality limits their choices. They either end up being far away from their families as an OFW or limited to, ‘I’m sure you know how to cook and clean. Just keep doing that.’ I’m not putting that down as work. I love cooking and cleaning in my own time, if I choose to. What’s important is that the choice is there.”

The film is based on the life of Marjorie Aviso, CEO of Telework PH. According to director JP, the idea to make the advocacy film came when she interviewed Marjorie for her TV show, “World Changers.” She recalled: “I’ve done several advocacy films in the past. When I learned about her story and her deeper issues or struggles, I said her story is worth telling.”

Ramos (right) as Marge and Sid Lucero as Wil —MISS PROBINSYANA/ YOUTUBE

To this, Marjorie’s reaction was, ‘Is it?” She confessed that she didn’t even think hers was extraordinary compared to, say, how an amputee is able to cope with life. “They told me that what’s ordinary is very relatable to the masses. Apart from the advocacy itself, it needs to be told so people can be inspired. That’s how it all started. The opportunity of working from home is not always available or accessible to everyone. We want to let them know that it’s happening, wherever you are, even if you’re in the province. You don’t even have to leave the country,” said Marjorie.

‘Catalyst for women’

The film, which will screen in cinemas nationwide starting Aug. 7, also features Sid as Rhian’s loyal and supportive husband. “It’s important to realize that when one person is going through a psychological issue or episode, it’s not just this particular person who experiences it but the family as well. Wil is Margie’s source of strength,” explained Rhian.

Marjorie added: “It’s important to emphasize that, sometimes, when they say women empowerment, it’s at the stake of men—it’s not. It’s actually showing that men are there to support us. They’re a catalyst for women to continue soaring and not limiting themselves.” INQ