Khalil Ramos on Why Honor Thy Mother Feels Personal

The actor returns to television after three years, starring alongside Sharon Cuneta, John Estrada, and Barbie Forteza

After a few years immersed in film and theater, Khalil Ramos is stepping back into the television spotlight—this time with a project that hits especially close to the heart.

Set to star in Honor Thy Mother, a collaboration between ABS-CBN, GMA 7, and Prime Video, Khalil admits the return comes with a mix of emotions.

“So many mixed emotions,” he shared during an event last April 14. “It’s my first full-length teleserye in three years. I’ve been doing a lot of movies, theater, and limited series, so I’m very excited to be back on the TV screen—which is very important to me.”

Sharing the screen with industry icons

Part of what makes the project even more meaningful is the opportunity to work alongside some of the country’s most respected names, including Sharon Cuneta, John Estrada, and his longtime friend Barbie Forteza.

“Learning that I’ll be working with Ms. Sharon, John Estrada, and Barbie—it tripled the excitement,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a bit anxious or pressured. But it comes with the job.”

While details about his character are still under wraps, Khalil is already looking forward to filming, with the series slated for a September release.

Rooted in a mother’s love

Beyond the star-studded cast and the return to primetime, Honor Thy Mother resonates with Khalil on a more personal level—one shaped by his own upbringing.

Raised by his mother, Tessa Nepomuceno, alongside his brother Samuel, Khalil grew up witnessing the quiet strength and resilienceResilienceThe ability to bounce back from setbacks, disappointment, and stress. Children build it through supportive relationships, chances to solve problems, and adults who show that mistakes are part of learning it takes to raise a family as a single parent.

“I love my mom so much, just like most Filipinos,” he said with a smile. “We’re a very ‘makananay’ country. And it’s very timely, with Mother’s Day coming up.”

When he first read parts of the script, the connection was immediate.

“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I can relate so much to the character.’ I’m close to my mom—she has a very strong personality. There are a lot of similarities to my life growing up with a single mom.”

Making space for creativity

Off-screen, Khalil continues to champion creative exploration. After starring in Liwanag sa Dilim, a musical built around the songs of Rico Blanco, and making his stage debut in Tick, Tick… Boom! Khalil’s happy to see fellow actors try theater.

Khalil Ramos in last year’s Liwanag sa Dilim. Photo by Geri Reyes for 9 Works Theatrical

“I’m very happy. I was with Jasmine [Curtis-Smith] earlier, and we were talking to Barbie, and we were like, ‘you should go and try theatre,'” he said of friends exploring the stage.

“It’s one of the most liberating things to experience as an actor, especially if you’re raised in TV and film,” he said. “The process of creating a show—it’s something everyone should experience at least once.”

For parents, it’s a gentle nudge to let kids explore beyond the familiar. Whether it’s theater, music, or any creative pursuit, these experiences can build confidence, empathy, and a stronger sense of self.

And for Khalil, stepping back into television isn’t just about another role—it’s about telling stories that reflect the families who shaped him, starting with his own.

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