Sparkle GMA Artist Center artist Khalil Ramos cements his stance as a creative in the industry with the multiple roles he’s currently juggling in various mediums of art. He’s the lead star in the 9 Works Theatrical play Liwanag sa Dilim, PureGold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025’s Best Actor for Olsen’s Day, set to star in the upcoming digital series How To Cheat Death streaming on Netflix this April, and is pairing up with Sue Ramirez in the musical romance drama film One Hit Wonder to be released on Netflix as well this May.
Khalil is on a creative roll as he dominates the realm of theater, film, and digital streaming platforms all at the same time and there’s no stopping his grind. His passion for the arts knows no bounds and whatever media platform it may be, Khalil knows how to play his characters well. Once he personifies those roles, the Khalil we know can no longer be found.
In the 9 Works Theatrical show Liwanag sa Dilim, Khalil takes on the role of Elesi, a smart and witty Gen Z who goes on an adventure to learn about his roots. In his quest, he meets Cris, a kind and dignified man who instantly becomes his friend. Together, Elesi and Cris wear their heart on their sleeves and do all that they can to fight for the oppressed.
Khalil’s portrayal of Elesi is so human that audiences from varying age groups effortlessly connect with him and his experiences. Though Elesi is etched with a unique life story, Khalil’s depiction turns the character into a real person, one who is trying to get to know himself all while genuinely caring for people, being a good friend, and using his privilege to fight for the rights of the underprivileged.
Khalil gave a good balance of drama and comedy in his portrayal. The jokes thrown were apt and smoothly delivered and his adlibs shined on their own. Truly, Khalil sparkles differently when he’s on the theatrical stage. In simple terms, he exceptionally rules.
As he jumps to another medium, Khalil shifts gears and turns into a different person in the 2025 PureGold CinePanalo Film Festival entry Olsen’s Day. Directed by award-winning filmmaker JP Habac, the film follows Olsen (Khalil), a 30-year-old radio broadcast researcher who embarks on a road trip with a strange father and his son.
Khalil plays Olsen with so much gentleness and kindness. As this is a personal film to direk JP, it was apparent how Khalil handled the role with compassion without the need to restrict himself creatively. His portrayal of Olsen, with whom he resonated so much, made it easier for audiences to connect with the material without outshining it as is.
In an interview with Khalil, he shared, “It’s a story of love, family, and of a lot of things actually even isolation, loneliness. It just covers so much that is relevant in today’s world. I, myself, resonated with the character a lot while shooting the entire film.”
“It’s such an introspective journey even as an actor because the movie is very talky, it’s a dialogue-heavy movie which I love. My co-actor kuya Romnick is an incredible actor, he’s so generous, he’s so giving. He brings so much into a scene that almost to a point I don’t feel like I’m working. It felt like I was just talking to someone that’s so insightful,” he further says.
Khalil’s portrayal of Olsen flawlessly led him to be hailed as the Best Actor of this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. As one of the prominent figures in the indie film scene having done films such as 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, Dead Kids, and the like, Khalil’s win has been a long time coming.
Stepping into the digital streaming scene, Khalil once again alters his approach and brings about a different personality with his character in How to Cheat Death. Streaming on Netflix this April 2, the series is the highly-anticipated comeback of Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia after Love You Stranger. The story follows Miguel (Khalil) and Lara (Gabbi), two strangers who surprisingly gain the ability to see the future after they’ve been struck by lightning at the same time. With so much power in their hands, the two protagonists decide to help other people by escaping their deaths.
Khalil takes on the character of Miguel, a creative who loves photography and believes that saving lives is his life’s purpose. Though audiences are yet to make something of Khalil’s character portrayal in How to Cheat Death, it is assured that he will deliver and once again show his acting prowess. In the past, Khalil has starred in well-regarded shows such as Maria Clara at Ibarra, Love You Strangers, Simula Sa Gitna, and more.
This year, Khalil will also star in the upcoming Netflix musical romance drama film One Hit Wonder alongside Sue Ramirez. The digital streaming platform is yet to unveil the story of the film as well as the characters that Khalil and Sue will portray.
Given that it’s a musical, there is no doubt that Khalil will dominate. He has starred in musicals Tik Tik Boom and L.S.S. and most recently Liwanag sa Dilim. Truly, 2025 is Khalil’s year and we aren’t even halfway through yet. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.
