An Actor's Actor: KHALIL RAMOS Wins Best Actor Award for Olsen's Day

Saying Khalil Ramos is on a roll is an understatement this first quarter of 2025. For starters, he was given the Puregold Cinepanalo Film festival's BEST ACTOR award for the film Olsen's Day, a film directed by JP Habac (who also won as the Best Director). I've had the the impression of him being an "actor's actor", someone who's been able to do it successfully.  

His stellar filmography, unquestionable knack for doing acting pieces, have taken the nod of film critics. The chance to talk to him today was certainly, an opportunity to pick his brain a little. He was capable, even impressed us by the way he answered questions. It felt he was on his toes the whole time, very eloquent, albeit being a semi-introvert.  

Winning this award doesn't mean he's going to be picky, he's always about the script, about the craft, and when asked, he didn't even expect this at all. He says "I don't think about it being a competition at all, even though it is a festival. This was something very personal for the Director JP Habac, and it's a big thing to be trusted with this kind of material. I felt my duties as an actor became bigger because of it. You want to tell this story the way he wanted it to. The process had to be more open when we made Olsen's Day. I was already happy that Direk JP was happy about my performance, but during the awards night, a few of us were only there. We were there to celebrate with everyone. Then I won, and even Direk JP Habac won too, so we were just ecstatic. This goes to show that when you pour your heart into the story, a lot of people would connect and relate to it." 

Rest certainly is a luxury for both Khalil and Gabbi. Khalil was working on three platforms at the same time. Aside from Olsen's Day, he was doing a Neflix series called "How to Cheat Death" with Gabbi, and "One Hit Wonder" with Sue Ramirez on the same platform. He's also in the 9 Works Theatrical production of "Liwanag Sa Dilim" as Elesi, a very interesting character trying to find his roots. He felt it was 2023 all over again because yes, he did a lot tooo during those times in different mediums.

He feels energized as an artist that he could do all these roles, working with different people, saying he loves what he's doing, tired but definitely fulfilled in artistry and passion. Here's our interview with him this afternoon:

If he feels he resonates with the character and the script, he would do it no matter how big or small the production is. If he likes the story, that gets precedence over other things. His schedule is super packed for sure that he had to decline a few opportunities, that's the only time he needs to decide.  He was doing three characters in one week (in January), which was crazy but did it by studying characters individually saying "At a certain point, you have to be as real as possible in your pursuit with the film. Sometimes your body doesn't know you're already doing it. You're commanding it, and your body just follows. If it's tired, then you've got to pull other tricks in the bag to finish it. I need to find another technique to be more effective. Your co actors especially in Liwanag Sa Dilim will influence your performance, and they've all been a breeze to work with."

 Khalil is still in "Liwanag Sa Dilim" at the RCBC theater til April 13th, and watch out for "How to Cheat Death" on Netfilx this April 2. "One Hit Wonder" will premiere around May. Khalil is just starting, I bet he's bound for more accolades with Olsen's Day as they plan to also put it in streaming platforms soon.

 

JAKE CUENCA Grabs Role in "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim"

Had lunch with Jake Cuenca this afternoon as he talks more about Morpheus, his character in the hit show "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" (Philippine adaptation) on Viu. Obviously he's attacking this role differently and when he watched it, he eagerly wants to do justice with the role.

Jake says "If I make you cry here, it's not because of heartbreak, but this man is calm and done differently. PSJ is a great actor, so is Cyrus, but the effort here is even more than my previous role in Ironheart. I really prepared for it emotionally. This time you are bringing this to an audience, I had to look for things in between."

He adds that after the pandemic, he wanted to work with the best people including the late Deo Endrinal. He would've regretted it because they were able to tweak the character for him and it's a different take in the Filipino adaptation. When I read it, it was interesting. I do flourish on an off beat role especially Eros, on Catleya Killer it's always very interesting and meaty. I've come to embrace that they put me here for a reason, and I can elevate it."

They thought it was going to be the typical Jake Cuenca but they will talk about the portrayal after the show. He is grateful especially for the audience that comes with it. Jake knows how hot KimPao is. He says "When I'm in the set I don't look at romantic scenes, but I'm really blessed to have been able to work with Pau, and with my best friend, I feel I've had more growth. If we did this when we were young, it would have looked totally different."

Here's the full conversation we had with him

Now if you're in the mood for more of Jake Cuenca, he's on What's Wrong with Secretary Kim and it is exclusive on Viu. You can see the first 5 episodes if you are subscribed but if you want to watch it on TV, it's on abscbn channels. You can also watch it for FREE on Viu as soon as it comes out on TV.

Congratulations Jake on another show! There will surely be more of these projects including the one with Baron Geisler. You just wait!

VICE GANDA Gives Sound Relationship Advice "If Wala Kang Pera, Wag Kang Magjowa!"

You know, there's something about having Vice Ganda on "It's Showtime!" that really works. Vice makes you think of a lot of things, and he makes it make sense. This afternoon's episode was a little controversial, but if you hear why Vice Ganda said it, you would know why she said "If Wala Kang Pera, Wag Kang Magjowa!"

Vice says "We know so many people, but we didn't take time to get to know ourselves. There's a saying that goes "Be so true to thyself as though not to be false to others". "

Vice further adds "If you don't have money, don't start a relationship. I'm not saying not to love someone, because that's a given. What I'm saying is that getting into a relationship is different. For starters, how awkward would it to be in a relationship and put all the burden to a guy right? You already have a problem, that's money, it's a social problem... and it's our job on how to find ways to earn a living. It's a personal responsibility, and if you can't do that, why in the world would you delve into another responsibility. A relationship is not just flirting, it's a responsibility, to nurture, something to take care of. It's not like studying that if you can't afford one, you'll get scholarships, you both should give what you can to make it work. What if you get her pregnant? You can't put that burden on your parents, on your mother, you can't feed them with money from other people. I remember the time I've listened to stories from Reyna ng Tahanan, and being in a relationship and making a family is a huge responsibility. Your friends can't pay for that, I remember a lot of my friends go out even if they don't have money. But if they make an occasion happen and plan everything, you can do that every once in a while, but not all the time."

Vhong Navarro interjects and says "Yes, it's sad to not have a relationship, but you have to be responsible. It's like going to war without bullets."

Vice may have been joking around much in the "It's Showtime!" set but you've got to admit, that right there is REAL TALK. It's realistic and sound advise about love and relationships which Vice has a pretty good grasp of. 

Have you ever had one of those times when Vice talks and you got affected? Tell me about it!