Forever a Peter Pan

Outwardly, she’s ready for adulthood. Those long, shiny tresses, glistening eyes, curves in the right places point to only one thing: Womanhood. Yes, Rhian Ramos turns 18 today, Oct. 3, with a grand debut at the Manila Peninsula (courtesy of GMA 7) to show for it.

But deep inside, Rhian is a Peter Pan, the lovable character who happens to be her idol.

“I want to be forever young and innocent. You see, childhood is something you can’t go back to when it’s gone,” she explains.

And while she thinks adulthood’s challenges are exciting, Rhian admits, “I don’t want to rush things.”

Figures why, despite the young swains dropping hints of romance at her, Rhian has yet to have a boyfriend. Each time a guy gives her special attention, Rhian doesn’t mince words and tells him pointblank: “May gusto ka ba sa akin? Bawal kasi (referring to courtship).”

Those guys can rejoice, now that Rhian’s parents are relaxing the rules and letting her entertain suitors. One of them could be JC de Vera, her leading man on GMA 7’s upcoming series La Lola. Lately, he finally admitted having a crush on Rhian, although the latter says he has to tell that to her face.

“I feel good about it,” Rhian reacts. “JC and I are going through something exciting together.”

JC is not just one of her guests in her debut (along with Richard Gutierrez, Karylle, Jolina Magdangal, Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado and others). The birthday girl will also waltz across the ballroom in JC’s arms for her last dance.

As for Celebrity Duets’ Phil Younghusband, said to be keeping his eye on the debutante as well, the real score, according to Rhian is: “We’ve had no means of communication since we both lost our mobile phones.” The guy can always try getting in touch with her, though since Rhian insists their British-Filipino background gives them many reasons to remain friends.

Phil, and other guys for that matter, must be patient, though. Rhian is not the type who lets her guard down easily.

Just because she can entertain suitors is no guarantee that she will agree to hook up with any of them.

“I admit being emotionally underdeveloped when it comes to guys,” she confesses. “It’s because my dad has been working in Dubai all my life. He manages an international company that manufactures industrial products. Because of this, our bonding moments are few.”

This doesn’t mean she can’t take him away from his high-pressure job in time for her birthday. Dear Dad will make it to the hotel ballroom and take Rhian’s hand for her first dance in her La Lola-inspired debut. The motif — red, white and black — happens to be the colors of La Lola.

And Rhian is quick to point out similarities between herself and the pivotal role she has to play starting Oct. 13, when the new series hits the screen.

“My debut,” she declares, “will be as much a transformation for me as my La Lola role is. While the party marks my transition from girlhood to womanhood, La Lola shows how my character transforms from manhood to womanhood.”

It’s tough alright. But Rhian has done her homework. She studied co-star Wendell Ramos’ slightest mannerisms — how he looks at people, how he gestures, etc. Rhian even took photos of him in her celfone and studied them closely.

To be sure, she feels the pressure that goes with being a lead star. Rhian knows people will attribute the success or failure of a series on its lead star alone. They do not realize how much a TV — or movie production for that matter — relies on teamwork among the cast and crew. Thankfully, Rhian remains unfazed.

“My nervousness has given way to excitement,” she coos.

And why not? When you’re the star of a new and different series, and your home studio is giving you a grand debut, you have no reason to fret. You have every reason to rejoice.

And share your blessings. Rhian will also mark her special day with the cancer-stricken kids of Child House. Then, it’s her schoolmates’ friends turn to share Rhian’s joy when they mark her birthday with a cozy get-together at the celebrator’s home.

Three birthday celebrations in a row to mark a milestone in her life. It’s Rhian Ramos season alright. No wonder she’s making the most of it.