#GrownUp: Rhian Ramos on being independent and living in NYC
Being independent is no easy feat. As the word implies, it means having to do things on your own and being responsible for all the actions you've taken.
This is what Kapuso actress Rhian Ramos has learned during her solo journey to New York as she took a quick break from showbiz to pursue a short course on improv acting late last year.
In an exclusive interview with GMANetwork.com, Rhian reflected on the insights she's gained during the past few months of living alone in the Big Apple.
“I've really gained a lot of gratitude for all the people around me,” she says.
“'Cause when you're living alone, you really have no choice but to do things for yourself or else everything will fall apart.”
She says that during the first few months, she began to treasure the little things in life and began to be grateful for the things people have done for her.
“It's the smallest things like, say, doing your groceries and having to carry it on the train.”
“You get to your stop and you have to walk two blocks with your groceries--which is a good workout by the way--but that's when you begin to realize all these things,” Rhian says.
Her biggest expense while living in the Big Apple?
“By far, my apartment,” she quickly answers.
She explains, “One bedroom there would probably cost me three times of what you would get it for here. So that was pretty daunting for me.”
As she learned to navigate her way, the actress noticed the difference between the two cities--namely, Manila and New York.
In particular, the efficiency and practicality of living in such a compact and robust city.
“I have to admit that the city [New York] knows that there are so many people just out there trying to achieve things in life. And the city does whatever it can to help you do that.
“Plus, the city is packed. Like, sure there's traffic, but you have so many options to choose from that traffic is the least of your problems. The subway there is super efficient.”
“You have to do groceries? Someone could bring it for you because everything there is online-able,” she relates.
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The biggest difference of them all, she observed, would probably be the people.
“Since everyone is in such a rush trying to do things for themselves and because their schedules are so packed with all the chores they have to do, no one has the time for you there,” she says.
That being said, Rhian recalls waiting for Filipinos nearby to help her navigate in the hustle and bustle of the New York City subway system.
“Whenever I would need directions, I would walk around and wait to hear someone speak Tagalog. And then I'd go, 'Excuse me, do you know how to get to this place?'”
“Philippine hospitality is something that really stands out. And knowing that a Filipino is always ready to help is always such a good feeling.”
As she continues her journey back to the city that never sleeps one thing is for certain, Rhian Ramos is armed and ready to conquer the world.