Rhian Ramos takes us on a local tour in her newest lifestyle show ‘Where in Manila’
Rhian Ramos, known for her screen poise, is venturing into the corners of Manila often overlooked. Her latest project, “Where in Manila,” set to premiere on GMA, reveals a city not from postcards, but from the raw, unfiltered experiences of its inhabitants. This is a journey powered by curiosity and a healthy appetite.
The Stories That Sparked a Show
It started, she admits, with stories. Her boyfriend, Sam Verzosa, a figure familiar with Manila’s backroads due to his public service, would return with tales and samples. “Nanggaling talaga ‘yung concept ng show na ‘to sa mga kuwento ni SV sa akin kapag may napuntahan na naman siyang lugar, ‘Ha? May ganyan?’ ‘Tapos, may ipapadala siyang video or picture or pagkain from that place. Ayun, parang I just wished it was me out there exploring kasi ang dami pang unknown places na ‘di pa na-discover,” she says. It’s a hunger for discovery, a sense that the city holds far more than what meets the average eye.
And through her work so far on the show, she is very happy with all that she has discovered. “Napakadami palang activities, things to do, date places na you can go to,” she shared.
Into the Unexpected
Food, it seems, is a primary driver. “Sorry, you’re gonna catch me talking about food a lot because that’s my obsession. I wanna taste everything and eat everything,” Rhian confesses, a laugh in her voice. But it’s not just about fine dining but the unexpected. “At saka ang dami palang iba-ibang food… ‘Yung mga Pinoy kasi talaga malasa ‘yung mga gusto natin. I think, very adventurous din tayo kumain. So, through shooting a few episodes, I have eaten things I would have never thought to eat before. Most of them naman I happily ate. May mga one or two lang na parang, wow this is super out of this world na for me. May mga ganu’n din pala tayong food na sine-serve dito sa Manila.”
She goes further, noting hidden gems that rival international attractions. “Then, there are a lot of things na, when you think about it– ‘Yung ipupunta mo pa sa ibang bansa like, other places in Asia that have night markets, ‘yung certain kind of food that they serve there, na I didn’t know na meron naman pala rito. ‘Yun sana ang gusto kong i-promote: ‘yung kagandahan ng tanawin sa Manila, the delicious places to eat, and the wonderful people that make the city great.”
Authenticity in the Frame
For a woman often perceived as polished, the challenge is in the rawness of the experience. “I think the best way that I can prepare to host a show like this is just to be spontaneous, authentic, and honest. I believe that, naturally, my face is an emoji, na hindi ko minsan natatago ang aking nararamdaman. Nakikita kaagad sa aking pagmumukha. That’s part of what will help me share these experiences with the audience, na parang when they see my face, parang sila na rin ang naka-experience.”
And regarding her persona, she explains that her view of herself is very diffrent from the public’s view of her. “Siguro part ‘yun ng image ko, pero maniwala kayo… Ang hirap kasi kapag nanggaling sa akin. Pero hindi naman ako maarte. And honestly, ang mga tao sa showbiz, although, akala mo mukhang glamorous, hindi ka talaga puwedeng maarte sa negosyong ito kasi lahat talaga mapupuntahan mo at mae-experience mo. Gagapang at iiyak at sasampal-sampalin ka sa putik. Walang maarteng gumagawa nu’n. So, I’m actually adventurous and I want to experience new things. So, oo, kahit saan pa nila ako dalhin. Ang galing nga ng researchers ng show na ‘to, e. I’ve been living life for 34 years, dito rin ako lumaki, pero ang dami nilang nahahanap na mga bagong experiences for me. I think ‘yun din ang mangyayari sa audience namin.” She also explains that hosting is something that helps her grow. “Being a host will really build your confidence in yourself, ‘yung kapag mayroon kang organic thought, puwede mo siyang ibitaw right now, wala sa script. Just being honest, on the spot, kung ano ‘yung naiisip mo about a certain topic, ilalabas mo siya in your most honest and authentic way.”
In the end, Rhian’s mission is clear: “I want people to be excited about being Filipino. I want them to be excited and proud being from the Philippines and exploring their own country bago sila tumingin sa labas,” she says, the sincerity and eagerness undeniable.
Where in Manila will be shown every Saturday, 11:30 p.m., starting on March 8 on GMA.
