The cast of "Bar Boys: After School." Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- After bringing Erik to life in "Bar Boys: The Musical," Benedix Ramos now makes the leap from stage to big screen as he takes on the Role of Bok in the sequel "Bar Boys: After School."
"Grabe, sobrang grateful ako. Itong Bar Boys, I'm part of both. It feels surreal, I see different points of view, but [with] the same intention of having a better Philippines. 'Yan core ng bar Boys. Sobrang grateful, fulfilling and challenging," he said Wednesday.
Ramos said meeting with Carlo Aquino, the original Erik during the shoot of the sequel, pushed him to deliver an even stronger and more grounded performance in the musical, which has been widely praised by critics.
"Nag nag shoot kami nito, we were doing musical as well. So na-meet ko yung character ni Erik Vicencio. Dinala ko siya sa musical, at naging iba talaga yung atake ko dahil na meet ko siya. Nakikala ko siya, naka-eksena ko siya. Nagkaroon ako ng inspiration to do Erik sa musical," he explained.
Ramos said he's proud to be part of "Bar Boys," a story that continues to resonate deeply with audiences.
"Super proud to be part of Bar Boys… Lalabas ka sinehan, puno ng grit and gusto mo tulungan lumaban. Itong pelikula tuturuan ka kwestyonin, magtanong," he said.
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Aquino, meanwhile, hopes the sequel can inspire moviegoers and have an impact on them like the script had on him a decade ago.
"Yung first script ng Bar Boys nakita ko e-mail ko in 2015. Noong time na yun sinasabi ko sa kanya gusto ko na mag-migrate. Gusto ko na umalis, gusto ko na mag-quit sa pag aartista, pero binigyan niya ako ng fire, ng spark, and andito pa din ako umaarte. At yun din aim ng pelikula," he recalled.
Aquino reunites with original cast Enzo Pineda, Kean Cipriano, Rocco Nacino, and Odette Khan for the film. They are also joined by Sassa Gurl, Emilio Daez, Klarisse de Guzman, among others.
"Bar Boys: After School" will hit the cinemas on December 25 as part of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival.