From content creation to acting on stage and onscreen, Benedix Ramos has been enjoying a busy career, including starring in multiple stage productions this year, like Yemaya and The Notebook. For Pride Month, he is proud to share his latest big screen project, the BL film All The Things I Leave You (Patawid), which is set in Ilokano culture.
Benedix admitted to PUSH ABS-CBN in an exclusive interview that he wanted to be part of the project because of its director Jade Castro, who is known for films like Zombadings and Endo.
“I auditioned for the role. I still remember going to the audition before performing in Bar Boys: The Musical. When I found out I got the part, I was excited because I had always wanted to work with Direk Jade. This is actually my second BL project. My first was Better Days, directed by Carlo Obispo. I choose roles based on the story and the character, not the genre. If the story feels honest and meaningful, I’m interested,” he said.
The film’s dialogue, which was shot entirely in Ilokano, was not that difficult for Benedix, who credits his decade-long stay in Baguio City while pursuing a college education as a big help in his role. The 26-year-old actor portrayed a privileged young man named Jorge who must manage his family’s restaurant and, in the process, meets a new friend and discovers a secret from his grandfather’s past.
“I already had some background in Ilokano after living in Baguio for ten years, but it was still challenging because it’s not my native language. My roots are Pangasinan and Kapampangan. What I enjoyed most was connecting more deeply with the culture through the language. A new side of me that people will see in this film? They will see my first on-screen kissing scenes. More importantly, they’ll see me in a role that required a lot of vulnerability and emotional honesty,” he revealed.
The film also pairs up Benedix with upcoming actor Justin Paul Basobas, who portrays the role of Kiko, a street-smart job applicant who finds an unexpected connection with Jorge. Benedix shared why BL films are also important and hoped more viewers will support these types of films, especially during Pride month.
“Representation matters because stories help people feel seen. As an actor, my job is to approach every role with honesty and respect. When we tell these stories truthfully, we help create understanding and connection. This film reminded me how rich Filipino culture is, especially in the Ilocos region. Beyond the love story, it celebrates the language, food, heritage, and people. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate Pride Month while showcasing a beautiful part of our country,” he added.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Benedix Ramos reflects on doing BL roles: ‘These kinds of stories really matter’
All The Things I Leave You (Patawid) is now showing exclusively in SM Cinemas nationwide. The film is rated PG (Parental Guidance) by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).