Before officially embarking on her biggest break as the lead star of the local adaptation of the popular Argentinian romantic comedy series, La Lola, GMA-7 first treated young actress-model Rhian Ramos with a grand party last night, October 3, to celebrate her 18th birthday.
Held at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Manila Peninsula hotel in Makati City, the controversial young actress was joined by her family, friends, co-stars, and network bigwigs in an evening specially prepared to introduce Rhian to the public, both as a full-fledged woman and as one of GMA-7's top young female stars.
"It feels great to be 18!" a blushing Rhian, whose real name is Rhian Denise Ramos Howell, said before acknowledging the presence of everyone who took time out to partake in the celebration.
In an interview days before the big celebration, Rhian described her debut's motif as something that is in line with the colors representing her upcoming series.
"Dahil yung La Lola, ibig sabihin sa akin nun transformation—from a man to a woman—ganun din yung debut ko; from a young girl growing up to a woman. So, transformation talaga siya. Gusto ko, yung color motif ng La Lola, yun din yung color motif ng birthday ko, black, red, and white."
IN BLOOM. The guests arrived in spurts with veteran actor Eddie Garcia arriving as early as 8 p.m. By around nine o' clock, the young Kapuso stars started filling up the venue either in groups or by their lonesome.
A special AVP was first shown—documenting Rhian's young life journey through pictures and video clips of her past commercials and TV appearances. After the short tribute, Rhian—who donned a simple yet chic white gown created by designer Richard Papa—was formally presented.
Some of Rhian's guests that evening included Richard Gomez, Paolo Paraiso, Mike Tan, Mark Bautista, Aljur Abrenica, Mark Escudero, Marky Cielo, Dominic Roco, Dion Ignacio, Paolo Paraiso, German Moreno, Kris Bernal, Iza Calzado, La Salle Green Archer's Simon Atkins, director Mark Reyes, Eddie Garcia, and German Moreno. The cast of La Lola also came and even rendered a special production number together with the debutante.
Although initially announced as part of the customary 18 Roses ceremony, Raymond Gutierrez, Alfred Vargas, and Dingdong Dantes failed to make it and participate in the cotillion number.
Serving as Rhian's escort was young male star JC de Vera, who patiently and quietly accompanied the celebrant throughout the evening. Marvin Agustin, who co-starred with Rhian albeit in a cameo role, in I.T.A.L.Y. and the upcoming La Lola, handled hosting chores.
The evening, of course, would not be complete without the presence of GMA-7 bigwigs led by Senior Vice President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante. GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Abrogar led the ceremonial toast in honor of the debutante.
Bagging the honor to play lead in a primetime series, according to Rhian, was more than enough to make her birthday even more special.
Said Rhian, "For my 18th birthday, one of the hugest gifts I ever received for any birthday ever, I got for my 18th birthday and it's La Lola. It's huge for me, really, it means so much to me that I'm emotional over it. And all I hope is that it's a successful show that makes the Filipino audience happy. I want them to watch it and not think about whatever problems they might be having and laugh their hearts out."
