Rhian Ramos and Phoemela Baranda: From showbiz to race track

By Jeanette Ipapo-Tuason October 15,2013

Both girls are not muses or track queens. They are bona fide serious racing competitors. And they are out there to look pretty while making their male counterparts eat dust. They boldly took the challenge of trying to outsmart and out-speed some of the most experienced motoring journalists and equally competitive male celebrities.

These girls have undergone training and are breaking all stereotypes. They are joining the bandwagon of bad-ass chicks who can hold themselves poised while at speed. They are an embodiment of women taking control—especially Ramos, who came into the program with almost zero skill in driving manual transmission cars.

I sat down with them to know what made them decide to take on this new role.

Motioncars (M): What are you busy with?

Rhian Ramos (RR): I’m shooting an indie film, taping a soap called Genesis for GMA, and doing some “maid of honor duties” for my sister’s upcoming wedding. All my free time goes to preparing for the race on Oct. 12. I’ve been turning down a lot of work for this.

Phoemela Baranda (PB): You see me on the Buzz on Sundays on Channel 2. I am also with the Professional Models Association of the Philippines. I just ended my term as president. I do regular hosting, and also modeling.

M: How did you learn how to drive?

RR: My mom took me and my sister out to drive (an automatic) when I was about 14—just up and down a street in our village.

PB: I went to a driving school when I was about 16.

M: Phem, did you always want to be a racer?

PB: In my teens, I was lucky enough to get a car which was a Toyota Corolla TRD. I would take it to drag races. I later learned about safer forms of racing such as karting, so I took lessons. In 2005, I joined another celebrity race, which I immensely enjoyed. So I am back for more.

M: Rhian, you went from a “sort of driver” to a racer. What motivated you to join and really strive to be

competitive?

RR: Honestly, it started out as an opportunity to learn how to drive manual while using “work” as an excuse. It turned into something competitive on my first day of training. Then I realized how fast I learned, how fun it was, and that if I worked hard, I’d actually have a chance. On the day of the race, I will have gone from zero to nine days driving manual. So wish me luck, and think that, “If Rhian can, anyone can.”

M: What is the most important skill that you picked up in this endeavor of becoming a race car driver?

RR: Definitely, presence of mind and persistence especially when I was being taught how to rev-match while down-shifting.

PB: Consistency and driving at your own pace: don’t get your emotions or ego get the best of you. Also, that there is a different driving style when you drive on the road and on the race track.

M: How do you see yourself in the future in terms of motorsport?

RR: I definitely plan on continuing to learn and improve my new found racing skills, hopefully to join more races, and maybe request more car-chase scenes in movies. When I’m comfortable with my skill level in racing cars, I’d like to learn other forms of racing.

PB: I would definitely pursue it. If there’s an opportunity for me to make a career out of it, then great! It’s a calling for me.

M: What are you thinking every time you are behind the wheel at the track?

RR: I easily get nervous and distracted when I know people are watching so I just keep my eyes and mind on where I want go and I try to make it the only thing that matters.

PB: “Go faster, Phem, go faster!”

M: How will you prepare yourself for the race?

RR: I plan to be in Clark one or two days before race day to give myself enough seat time and rest. Also, being away from the city will probably minimize everything else I usually worry about. I just need to stay focused. Then, I’ll bribe everyone. That was a joke (laughs).

PB: I’ve been coming to training religiously since September. Every chance I get, I’m at the track.

M: What is the most memorable experience or funniest story that happened to you during this journey into being a race car driver?

RR: I decided to go up to the track and spend my birthday there for some me-time. I got a birthday surprise from some of my fan groups and the TRS. I got nervous because it was the first time anyone would have watched me drive. For the first three laps, instead of down shifting, I kept turning the windshield wiper on. For anyone who knows racing, I was being an idiot.

PB: I hear myself shouting and talking to myself when I am alone in the car. I reprimand myself out loud. I’m developing a split personality.

M: What are your chances against the boys?

RR and PB: We’re going to cream them.

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Editor’s note: The Vios Cup race originally scheduled for October 12 was postponed for safety reasons due to a typhoon. Stay tuned for information on the rescheduled race.

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