Rhian rises to the occasion

MANILA, Philippines - Not a few predicted when she entered showbiz that Rhian Ramos would easily become one of the best bets of GMA 7 when it comes to female leads. She does not only have the requisite good looks to become a star. She also has the talent to boot.

Her entry into show business was quite abrupt. After she was spotted by GMA 7 executive Annette Gozon-Abrogar in a TV commercial of a fast-food chain, Rhian was immediately signed up to play leading lady to Richard Gutierrez in the action-fantasy series, Captain Barbell.

However, unlike other showbiz newbies who were quite forgettable in their initial TV foray, Rhian readily made a mark in her acting debut. Her Captain Barbell stint earned for her nominations from the 21st Star Awards for Television as Best New Female TV Personality and Golden Screen Awards for Breakthrough Performance in 2007.

Not surprisingly, other assignments subsequently followed as Rhian became an exclusive talent of GMA 7 under the network’s Artist Center led by now VP for Talent Development and Management Ida Ramos Henares. Rhian starred with Richard again in Lupin. This was succeeded by Zorro.

In no time, Rhian became the toast of the small screen and local showbiz. Her TV programs easily gained her a following, especially among teenage audiences who adore her Barbie doll features.

Rhian was also given an afternoon drama series, My Only Love, where she got to reprise with much excitement the role earlier played on the big screen by Sharon Cuneta. Rhian had Mark Herras as leading man in the Sinenovela feature. Recently, Rhian was also featured in a show for the international cable channel AXN.

Last year, Rhian got her biggest break when she was given the lead in La Lola, the Argentine TV series of the same name. She was paired opposite JC de Vera in the gender-bender romantic-comedy that catapulted her to greater fame and made her a household name.

Big screen projects did not prove to be elusive for Rhian. Debuting in The Promise, she later did memorable portrayals in Ouija, My Monster Mom, Italy and Sundo. Rhian is also part of Ang Panday.

Rhian invaded even recording. She recently launched her NMI project Audition Dance Battle debut album under Bellhaus Entertainment with the carrier single, You. In 2007, Rhian was voted by FHM as No. 20 in the list of 100 Sexiest Women in the World (Philippines).

Tackling young-adult roles proves Rhian’s versatility in the acting arena. She played Jodi in the Philippine version of Stairway to Heaven with Dingdong Dantes.

 “I am thankful when people take notice of the hard work I put into my craft,” she says reacting to observations that she can be very realistic in her portrayals of pain, love and happiness even at such a young age.

In the growing stable of stars under GMA Artists Center, Rhian tops among the female talents. Rhian also endorses Belo, Carefree, B Club, Sabella, Hang Ten, Fusion Excel and Clear.