When the film “Meg & Ryan” was offered to Rhian Ramos and JC Santos in 2023, they readily gave their nod to the project, marking their first time working together on the big screen.
At the helm of the film is director Catherine Camarillo, known for previous romantic stories like “Chances You and I” and “That Kind of Love,” both released in 2024 under Pocket Media Productions.
Rhian immediately connected with her character, Meg Zamonte, who has struggled with a drinking problem since she was 18.
“I felt like Meg is very relatable, especially nowadays,” Rhian said. “People are always struggling to find themselves. Everyone is so aware about mental health these days. Everyone is constantly examining themselves and trying to heal their inner child, get over their traumas. I feel that’s Meg’s struggle also. She is focusing on finding herself, but she also found someone who can love her for who she is. She also discovered what is loveable about her.”
Despite balancing multiple projects, Rhian never confused her roles. “The ones I get are far from each other,” she pointed out. “Meg is far from Mitena (in ‘Encantadia’). There are flaws and weaknesses, like the other characters I played in the past. I didn’t particularly have a hard time looking for that because everyone deals with their own hurts and pains in a different way.”
She also praised the production team’s dedication: “I was really surprised since it was my first time working with Direk Catherine. The whole production went to great lengths to make the film visually stunning — the time spent on each scene, the equipment they used. It’s not something you usually see in every film. Good things really take time.”
JC acknowledged that Rhian had the most challenging role. “Rhian’s character (Meg) is undergoing a different, complex stage,” he said.
Since Meg and Ryan wrapped in 2023, JC believed the extended preparation improved the film. “I believe that the longer you prepare, the better it becomes,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for Rhian’s involvement, calling their collaboration effortless. “It was so effortless working with her. I’m really glad I was able to work with her, and buti na lang she’s okay with me. She gave her soul here in this film.”
JC, who describes himself as “too mainstream for indie and too indie for mainstream,” admitted he often wonders what his leading ladies think of him. “I’m happy and glad that I got to work with Rhian. She’s been in the business for a while. She knows her medium. But as her leading man, I still need to take care of her, support her, and make her look good. That’s still my responsibility.”
Playing Ryan Cañete, a 35-year-old virgin, was another challenge for JC. “I must say every film is always a challenge. Lagi akong nahihirapan.”
Rhian, in turn, praised JC’s humility and dedication. “He’s a humble guy. That’s rare. I was so excited to work with JC. He’s such a talented actor. You can really see it in all the films and stage plays that he does. He puts his heart and soul in every project.”
She added, “Working with him, I was blessed to see that he’s not just an actor. He will really go the extra mile for his role—moral support, even requesting to write his own lines. He puts a lot of his heart into the role. That happens when you make a character real to you. If I were this person going through this, what do I need to say? He would do all those extra things.”
“Meg & Ryan” begins its regular theater run on August 6.
