Seeing double? Benedix Ramos with the original Erik Vicencio in ‘Bar Boys’ Carlo Aquino. Handout
After his stint as Erik Vicencio in the musical “Bar Boys,” Benedix Ramos crosses over from the stage production to the upcoming sequel to the hit 2017 Filipino film, which is scheduled for release on Christmas Day, December 25.
In the sequel “Bar Boys: After School,” an official entry to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Ramos plays a new character.
As a new addition to the cast, he expressed his gratitude for joining the "Bar Boys" multiverse — from the stage musical to the film sequel.
“Since minanifest ko na talaga na makasama ako sa MMFF, little did I know that my venture to the theater would open film projects for me, such as this,” he said.
The film follows law school friends Torran, Chris, Erik, and Josh, now established professionals, a decade after graduation, as they navigate their careers and lives. But their 10-year reunion quickly turns bittersweet.
Ramos will be playing Bok, a labor leader who's a client of Atty. Erik Vicencio (Carlo Aquino).
“In the musical, ako si Erik; dito sa film, meeting him feels strange in a good way,” Ramos said. “Nagkaroon ako ng new perspective of the character bilang ibang iba rin talaga ang musical version sa film.”
He further described his role as Bok as, “Maka-Diyos, ma-katao, maka-bayan. He’s a true Filipino.”
Ramos joins the original main cast, who are back in their beloved roles — Rocco Nacino as Atty. Torran Garcia, Enzo Pineda as Atty. Chris Carlson, Kean Cipriano as Josh Zuñiga, and Aquino. Also returning is veteran Odette Khan as Justice Hernandez, who earned three Best Supporting Actress awards for the original film.
Fans of the first “Bar Boys” will also welcome some new faces — Will Ashley, Sassa Gurl, Emilio Daez, Bryce Eusebio, Glaiza de Castro, Klarisse de Guzman, and Therese Malvar.
At the helm of the sequel is a creative council that could rival any legal dream team. Original “Bar Boys” director Kip Oebanda returns, known for his knack for crafting films that are both entertaining and socially resonant. He’s joined by co-writer Zig Dulay, a master storyteller whose accolades include directing previous MMFF winners “Firefly” and “Green Bones.”
When asked whether his breakthrough role means he’ll pursue more film projects, Ramos didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, definitely. I would love to do more films that resonate with Filipinos,” he said. “Hopefully, someday I will represent Filipinos in more international films and soon in Hollywood!”