MANILA, Philippines - He may have not taken the same path as his contemporaries, but his recent accomplishments here and abroad show that Khalil Ramos has been able to establish himself as a bonafide actor who delivers — often more than what is expected of him.
Khalil’s first-ever Gawad Urian nomination under the Best Actor category for his film 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten is his most recent feat.
“First reaction was just I’m super happy. It’s just so fulfilling for your craft to be acknowledged by Urian that is very credible and very respected,” said Khalil, who also feels he is on the “right track,” as far as his career is concerned.
The La Luna Sangre star claimed that he immediately checked his co-nominees upon finding out that he made it to the list.
Khalil vies for the coveted Best Actor award alongside seasoned stars Bembol Roco and Tommy Abuel, musician Pepe Smith and comedian Paolo Ballesteros. He is also happy that aside from him, there are other “younger bloods” in the persons of Ronwaldo Martin and Garry Cabalic.
“I guess we can serve as the representation and inspiration of this generation. Parang iba siguro ang impression na nase-set namin sa veteran actors, kasi parang may pinaglalaban din ang generation,” Khalil said.
“Hopefully, we gave the message na hindi namin papabayaan ang craft at ‘yung foundation na ginawa nung mga actors in the past,” he added.
In a scene from 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten
With excitement for the award’s night running high, Khalil said he’s making sure to keep his emotions in check and not let the online adulation get into his head.
“Sa Twitter ang dami nagsasabi na ‘Oh sign na yan that you made it kasi Urian na. Nagawa mo na you’re up there!’ Oo na-recognize ako pero I wouldn’t say na ‘Okay na ako kasi nominated na ako,’” said Khalil.
For what it’s worth, Khalil sees the nomination as a pathway for him to aim for even greater heights.
“Parang kung ngayon na-recognize ako, certain ako na mas malaki pa ang capability in telling more meaningful and better stories in the future. Mas malaki na ‘yung pangarap ko,” Khalil shared.
His character Felix Salonga in the Petersen Vargas coming-of-age film 2 Cool 2 Be 4Gotten previously earned him a Best Actor nomination at the 12th Cinema One Originals Film Festival late last year. Just weeks ago, their opus bagged the Audience Choice Award from the 32nd Lovers Film Festival — Torino LGBTQI Visions in Italy.
Whether he wins an Urian or not, one thing is for sure, the former Pilipinas Got Talent runner-up said he’s very much thrilled to grace the award’s night.
“Just being there for sure would be an achievement for me. Not just as an audience, hindi lang dahil na-invite ako, kung hindi dahil nominado ako sa mismong award-giving body na 40 years ng tumatakbo ang reputation niya na hindi natitibag,” he ended.