CinemaBravo

Do you agree that you’re an underrated actress—and is this the moment you finally outgrow that tag?

It was that question posed to Rhian Ramos by Glitz PH during the media launch of Meg & Ryan, the latest romance film from Pocket Media Productions, that many artists often hesitate to confront.

The Kapuso actress offered a disarming smile and an introspective answer that left a resounding tone for the afternoon. “It’s so hard to say if I agree,” she admitted, “but I prefer to be underrated. I don’t ever want to hear that I’m overrated. That would break me.”

Acting with purpose, not for praise

She continued with characteristic composure, explaining that she’s never pursued acclaim for its own sake. “Mas gusto ko naman ’yon [na underrated]… Actually, it doesn’t really hurt my feelings” (I actually prefer being called underrated… it doesn’t really hurt my feelings).

For Rhian (who plays Meg in the film), it’s about the work—the quiet, often unseen labor of deeply understanding a character.

“The work that I do or the extra work that I do to understand my characters, it’s really a part of who I am,” she said. “It’s not to get a certain title or to reach a certain level of fame. If there’s anything I want to be known as, it’s that I’m empathetic.”

If this new phase in her career—headlining romantic dramas, taking on more emotionally intricate roles both on television and in movies—leads to a shift in how audiences perceive her, Rhian said she welcomes it. But that’s not her aim.

“If this season of getting these kinds of roles lets me exit from being underrated or takes me on a new journey, of course I accept that with open arms,” she shared. “I don’t do it for a certain goal. I’m really here to enjoy the journey.”

Her sincerity struck a chord, and it didn’t go unnoticed by her co-star JC Santos (who plays Ryan in the film), who was quick to show his support.

“Ako din, naniniwala ako na pwede pa siyang bigyan ng mas challenging pa, na pwede pa mas malalim pa, mas mabigat pa. Kasi, nabibigay naman niya ng justice. At may glimpse ako no’n sa pelikulang ’to”.

(I also believe she deserves even more challenging roles—deeper, heavier ones—because she gives justice to them. I saw a glimpse of that in this film.)

JC Santos and the challenge of ‘opposites attract’

Their film, Meg & Ryan, written by Gina Marissa Tagasa and directed by Catherine Camarillo, explores the complexities of attraction between two strangers—Meg Zamonte and Ryan Cañete—whose hearts are drawn together by a whimsical bet. She’s a reckless daredevil. He’s careful and cautious. But as JC pointed out, it’s not just a romantic movie—it’s a conversation.

“This is probably one of the reasons why I was drawn to the script,” JC said. “It questions if ‘opposites attract’ is really possible. The entire film is built around that premise.”

“In this world, we all know love is a great chaotic thing.

“Magbabago ka ba para sa love? Babaguhin mo ba yung sarili mo o magiging unapologetic ka? So hinimay namin ‘yon.”

(Will you change for love? Will you alter yourself or be unapologetic? We dissected that idea in the film).

A director’s dream collaboration

That level of nuance didn’t come out of nowhere. According to Direk Camarillo, both Rhian and JC came to set deeply engaged and emotionally attuned to their characters.

“Actually, napaka-collaborative nila,” the director said. “Dahil nga sa magagaling sila, hindi na naging mahirap para sa akin na kunin o makita yung gusto kong makuha sa eksena.”

(They were very collaborative. Because they’re both so talented, it wasn’t difficult for me to get what I wanted from a scene).

She emphasized how the trio would constantly consult each other—sometimes challenging the script to ensure they were staying true to the characters’ emotional arcs.

“Pinapakinggan nila ako, sinusunod nila yung vision ko, pero at the same time, nire-respeto ko din kung ano yung gusto nilang makuha sa eksena.”

(They listened to me and followed my vision, but at the same time, I respected what they wanted to achieve in the scene).

Rhian’s approach—one grounded in empathy, presence, and purpose—seems perfectly in sync with the kind of storytelling Meg & Ryan sets out to achieve: intimate, honest, and far from formulaic. And whether or not this becomes the turning point where audiences stop calling her “underrated,” she isn’t too concerned.

“I just hope to continue doing this,” she said, “and living my dream.”

Meg & Ryan — also starring Cedrick Juan, Ces Quesada, Cris Villanueva, J-Mee Katanyag, Steven Bansil, Poca Osinaga, Alison Black — opens in Philippine theaters this August 6, 2025.